What does it mean to fortify breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Fortification
Fortifying breast milk refers to the process of enhancing the nutritional content of a mother’s milk, particularly for infants who have specific dietary needs. This practice has gained attention in recent years, especially among parents of premature or sick newborns who may require additional nutrients to support their growth and development.
The Need for Fortification
Breast milk is naturally rich in essential nutrients, including fats, proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, making it the ideal source of nutrition for infants. However, for certain vulnerable populations, such as premature infants or those with health complications, breast milk alone may not provide sufficient calories or nutrients. In these cases, fortification becomes crucial. It involves adding specific nutrients—such as proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals—to the breast milk to meet the increased nutritional demands of these infants.
Methods of Fortification
Fortification can be achieved through various means. One common method is the use of human milk fortifiers, which are specially formulated products designed to be added to expressed breast milk. These fortifiers typically contain a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, and minerals that help bridge the nutritional gap. The goal is to ensure that the infant receives adequate calories and nutrients for optimal growth and development.
Guidelines and Best Practices
The guidelines surrounding breast milk fortification have evolved over the years. Health professionals emphasize that while breast milk is the best source of nutrition, fortification should be tailored to the individual needs of the infant. For instance, the fortification process may vary based on the infant’s gestational age, weight, and overall health status.
Benefits of Fortification
The primary benefit of fortifying breast milk is to promote optimal growth and development in infants who are at risk of nutritional deficiencies. Research indicates that fortified human milk can significantly improve health outcomes for preterm infants, providing them with the necessary nutrients to thrive. Additionally, fortification can help reduce the risk of complications associated with low birth weight and prematurity, such as developmental delays and long-term health issues.
Conclusion
In summary, fortifying breast milk is a vital practice aimed at enhancing the nutritional profile of breast milk for infants with special needs. By adding essential nutrients, healthcare providers can ensure that these vulnerable infants receive the best possible start in life, supporting their growth and development during a critical period. As research continues to evolve, so too will the strategies and recommendations surrounding breast milk fortification, ensuring that every baby has access to the nutrition they need.

When to stop fortifying breastmilk?

It is generally recommended (5,23) to gradually stop adding breast milk fortifier when the weight, length, and head circumference of gestational age infants are located in P25-P50 of the same gender and age infants, and when the small gestational age premature infants reach P10.

What foods make breastmilk more fatty?

Incorporate More Healthy Fats into Your Diet
They are typically found in nuts, salmon, avocados, seeds, eggs, and olive oil. These types of fats are important for both you and your baby’s diet. What you eat, your baby will also eat in some form.

Why does breastmilk need to be fortified?

Although breast milk is the best source of nutrition, breast milk alone cannot meet the increased nutrient needs. To meet these needs, breast milk often is fortified to add calories, protein, vitamins and minerals to support growth and development.

How do you fortify your own milk?

Or. Even just enjoy a glass of milk. The list is endless.

What does it mean to fortify milk?

Pam: Hey, great question! When milk – either plant-based or dairy – is fortified, the process is one whereby vitamins and minerals are intentionally added in quantities not usually present.

What are the side effects of fortified breast milk?

They may have delayed emptying from the stomach, abdominal distention or even gas. The stools may change somewhat in color. If that happens, the doctor may remove the fortifier and try again at a later time.

Which is healthier fortified milk or fresh milk?

Both fortified and unfortified milks are highly nutritious. They also promote bone health due to their high content of calcium and phosphorus, the two primary minerals that comprise bones. In addition, vitamin D in fortified milk boosts your body’s absorption of calcium (10Trusted Source, 11Trusted Source).

How do you fortify breast milk?

Some premature babies need more calories and nutrients in less volume to help them “catch up” in weight and length after they go home. NeoSure® or Enfacare® formula powder can be added to your breast milk to increase the amount of calories and nutrients your baby receives.

Why do hospitals fortify breast milk?

Premature babies need extra protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to help them grow and build strong bones. In the NICU, we fortify breast milk (add calories, fat, and proteins) to help preemies grow.

When to stop fortifying breast milk?

Human milk fortifier can be used until your baby reaches 3-6 months *corrected age (actual age minus the number of weeks premature). Your health visitor will monitor how your baby is growing by measuring weight, length and head circumference.