Harnessing breastmilk composition to improve a preterm infant's growth rate--a case study.

Abstract

The increasing survival of preterm infants brings difficulties in achieving the best growth rates for them while in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). This paper describes an innovative approach of using breastmilk to maximise a preterm infant's growth rate. Using a novel feeding plan, an improved rate of growth was achieved in a preterm infant despite fluid restriction. The feeding plan involved alternating stored preterm milk, which is known to be high in protein, with fresh hindmilk, milk collected at the end of an expression, which is higher in fat. A subsequent review of the literature found that this approach had not been described elsewhere. Counselling, education and support to mothers that enables the harnessing of breastmilk composition, or lactoengineering, could improve growth rates in preterm infants.