Note when using milk for low birth weight premature babies

Premature babies always require additional nutritional needs. Therefore, milk for premature and low birth weight babies needs to be the best source of nutrition to support babies as they continue to develop outside the womb. While breast milk is the ideal source of nutrition, premature babies may not be able to be breastfed directly, so it's important to choose the right formula for premature babies.

Breastfeeding for low birth weight premature babies depends on how preterm the baby is and whether the baby has other medical problems. Accordingly, the choice of milk for premature babies will also change and develop as children grow up just like babies born at full term.
Breast milk has many advantages over other methods of breastfeeding, but in some cases it may not be possible to breastfeed premature babies or babies need extra breast milk.
Holding, swallowing and breathing at the same time is something all babies have to learn, while very young or premature babies may not have the strength or coordination to do this . In general, babies born earlier than 34 weeks of pregnancy are unlikely to be able to breastfeed or bottle-feed on their own and will need to be fed breast milk or formula through a tube that is passed into the abdomen through the nose or mouth. On the other hand, very premature, small, or sick babies need to be fed through a tube that goes into a vein for the first few days.
Experts in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) will explain to parents about breastfeeding options for low birth weight babies. At the same time, parents or carers will also be guided on how to choose milk for premature babies and feed them when they return home from the hospital.

Where possible, breast milk is always the best food for any infant. The benefits of breast milk are due to the fact that it contains substances that help protect the baby from infections, reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and other events. In particular, for premature babies, breastfeeding also reduces the risk of a serious intestinal problem called necrotizing enterocolitis.
In fact, premature babies may need more energy and different nutritional needs than full-term babies. Therefore, choosing milk for premature infants ideally, in addition to breast milk, may require one or more of the following:
Vitamin, mineral and protein supplements (in breast milk or separate supplements) Formula milk special formula for premature babies Donor milk from another mother Nutritional supplementation through a tube into a vein

The child care specialists at the neonatal unit will advise on the best milk options for premature infants in each case, the required dosage and when to change this type of formula. That will depend on how early your baby is and how much he or she weighs. Milk for premature babies has extra nutrients to meet the extra needs. Normally, milk for premature babies is put into the baby's body through a tube through the nose or mouth, but then they will practice bottle-feeding when the baby can suck and swallow. The amount of milk will be calculated and changed as the baby gets older.
Also, when your baby uses bottles, proper sterilization is extremely important. Premature babies are especially at risk for infections, so this is extremely important. The specialist staff in the neonatal unit will show parents how to do this when the baby is discharged from the hospital.

4.1 Nurturing more than one baby If twins or triplets are born, it is more likely to be a low birth weight premature baby. The principles for feeding premature babies are exactly the same, but the preparation can be more difficult.
It is still possible to breastfeed more than one baby because the mammary glands are capable of producing enough milk as required. Thus, a mother can feed two babies with breast milk at the same time. However, depending on the infant's initial condition as well as the daily growth rate, the specialists in the neonatal unit will determine if the infant needs additional nutrition in any way.
4.2 Colic Premature babies can be prone to colic (colic) during the first few weeks. Babies with colic are more restless and fussy than most full-term infants.
Although this constant fussiness is thought to be due to colic, the exact cause is completely unknown. Doctors will need to determine if there is a cause other than colic for a fussy baby, especially in premature babies who are at high risk for various medical conditions.
4.3 Gastroesophageal reflux - esophagus Gastroesophageal reflux - esophagus is a common condition that often occurs in premature babies. After feeding, some milk will back up from the stomach, causing the baby to spit up milk and seem uncomfortable after feeding.
This condition occurs continuously, making the baby uneasy, crying a lot and can affect weight gain, even aspiration into the lungs causing pneumonia.
4.4 Tips for feeding premature babies Premature babies need to eat at least every three hours. Because the baby's stomach volume is very small, the amount of milk for a low-birth-weight premature baby once consumed is very little, so the baby will have to eat many small meals to gain weight.
Each baby will eat milk at his or her own pace. Although babies can eat every three hours, the feeding process of premature babies is often slow. Parents will soon recognize their child's swallowing and breathing patterns. Babies who eat slowly seem to get more milk at each feed and can be satisfied and sleep longer between feeds.
Children's mouths are often very sensitive. If a child has had a breathing tube or feeding tube placed in his mouth, everything that is put in his mouth after that is often very painful for him, which can include the breast or the bottle.

Premature babies are slow to suckle. Feeding your baby too quickly by mouth can cause your baby to refuse to eat or stop nursing. Babies are also more likely to have digestive problems than full-term babies, because their digestive systems may not be as mature as those of full-term babies.
Do not force your baby to eat. If babies don't suck quickly, purse their lips, or turn away, they may be full. Furthermore, always feed your baby on demand, not on a schedule. Studies have shown that premature babies grow at a faster rate when fed according to their needs.
Let your baby get used to the nipple early. Even if your baby is still bottle-feeding, this will help him acclimate to bottle feeding when he's ready. Keep your baby on a regular waking and sleeping schedule, to help him eat better. Make sure your baby is fully awake before feeding. Baby growth chart tracker is specially designed for premature babies to record their progress. If your baby is growing slowly or has stopped gaining weight, consult your pediatrician to choose a more suitable formula for a premature baby.
In short, breast milk is especially important for low birth weight premature babies, just like for any other newborn baby. However, breastfeeding directly or otherwise is a challenge. Therefore, to choose milk for premature babies, parents can consult a pediatrician, but it is essential to know how to monitor the growth of the child, to ensure adequate nutrition for the premature baby. according to the needs of the child to grow up like any other child.
At Vinmec Times City International Hospital, successfully received and treated many cases of premature babies, especially extremely premature babies (born 24 weeks premature, weighing only 600 grams)
Care and treatment of babies Premature birth is one of the most complicated and risky techniques for both the mother and the fetus. At Vinmec Times City International Hospital, preterm births are well organized under the coordination of many specialties: obstetrics, anesthesiology, and especially neonatology and paediatrics. This helps to reduce the risks and increase the effectiveness of treatment for health problems that premature babies may have. As a result, the technique of treating premature babies at Vinmec has achieved extremely positive results, saving the lives of many seemingly hopeless premature births.