Extremely low birth weight infants need the very best nutrition to help them grow. Luckily, parents have neonatal experts to help them understand the full range of options for their baby.
Human Milk and Fortifiers
Research supports the exclusive use of human milk – either mother’s or donor milk – as the safest and best choice for babies. Its combination of calories and fortifying fats along with immunological antibodies, enzymes and other bioactive components provides babies optimal nutrition with a low risk of digestive complications.
But for very low birth weight infants – those weighing less than 1250 grams, or about 2.75 pounds – mother’s milk may need to be supplemented with a fortifier. The goal is to provide extra calories along with a boost of protein and other vital nutrients. The supercharged blend can help babies reach developmental milestones so they can go home with their families.
Furthering development of strong lungs, heart, brain and immune system relies on consistently meeting nutritional needs, and human milk-based fortifiers can support that journey. In contrast, fortifiers derived from cow’s milk can increase infants’ risk of life-threatening illness.
Engaging Families in Nutrition Decisions
Every effort should be made to give babies access to human milk-based fortifiers; however, these fortifiers are not consistently covered by health insurance, including Medicaid, while less optimal alternatives may be. Federal legislation was introduced in early 2024 that would require Medicaid to cover human milk-based fortifiers for these vulnerable infants.
In the interim, providers and parents have the opportunity to engage in shared decision making about the baby’s nutrition plan based on available options. Open communication and greater understanding can provide parents with peace of mind and foster confidence in their nutrition choices.
Together, parents and neonatal health care providers can provide premature babies the optimal nutrition they need to grow and thrive.
