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Breast Milk The ideal food for the term neonate is breast milk. Although not fully nutritionally adequate for the extremely premature infant, preterm breast milk offers advantages over any synthetic formula and should be fed to premature infants whenever possible. Premature infants who have reached full feeds on breast milk should receive a human-milk fortifier to increase their caloric, protein, and mineral intake. All postpartum mothers whose infants are in the NICU should be asked about providing breast milk for their infants. Although it is important not to add undue stress to new mothers with sick babies, mothers of VLBW infants should be made aware of the advantages of breast milk. Even if they were not planning on breastfeeding, many mothers are willing to pump breast milk for their sick premies; and they should be encouraged to do so. An information pamphlet is available for mothers of NICU patients who wish to breast milk feed explaining breast pumping and milk storage. Advantages of breast milk feeding |