What is a fortifier for breast milk?

Understanding Breast Milk Fortifiers
Breast milk fortifiers (BMF) are specialized nutritional supplements designed to enhance the nutritional content of expressed breast milk, particularly for infants who are premature or have specific health needs. These fortifiers play a crucial role in ensuring that vulnerable newborns receive adequate nutrition to support their growth and development.
What is a Breast Milk Fortifier?
A breast milk fortifier is typically a powdered supplement that is added to expressed breast milk. It is rich in calories, protein, vitamins, and minerals, which are essential for the growth of infants, especially those born prematurely or with low birth weight. The fortifier is designed to address the nutritional deficiencies that may exist in breast milk alone, particularly when the milk volume is insufficient to meet the increased demands of these infants.
Why Use a Fortifier?
The primary purpose of using a breast milk fortifier is to support the growth and development of premature infants, who often have higher nutritional needs than what standard breast milk can provide. For instance, studies have shown that fortifying breast milk can significantly improve weight gain and overall growth metrics in very low-birth-weight neonates. The fortifier helps ensure that these infants receive the necessary nutrients for critical developmental milestones, including brain and bone development.
How is it Administered?
Breast milk fortifiers are typically added just before feeding. For example, one sachet of fortifier can be mixed with a specific volume of breast milk, such as 50 mL, to create a nutrient-rich feed. This method allows caregivers to tailor the nutritional content based on the infant’s needs and the volume of milk available.
Types of Fortifiers
There are various types of breast milk fortifiers available, with some derived from cow’s milk and others formulated specifically for human milk. The choice of fortifier may depend on the infant’s specific health conditions and dietary requirements. The fortifiers are designed to be safe and effective, ensuring that they complement the natural benefits of breast milk while providing the additional nutrients needed for optimal growth.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk fortifiers are an essential tool in neonatal care, particularly for premature infants who require enhanced nutritional support. By supplementing expressed breast milk with these fortifiers, healthcare providers can help ensure that vulnerable newborns receive the comprehensive nutrition they need to thrive during their critical early days.

How can I fortify my breast milk at home?

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.

Is a human milk fortifier necessary?

Studies (27,28) have shown that appropriate use of breast milk fortifier can improve the early body weight growth rate of premature infants, prevent EUGR and nutritional defects, and does not increase the risk of feeding intolerance (FI) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in newborns (20,26).

When should you fortify breast milk?

If baby is growing, no supplementation is needed. If baby is not growing (according to your pediatrician), baby needs supplementation. This most often occurs in premature babies when they experience rapid growth spurts.

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.

What does fortifier do to breast milk?

Breast milk fortifier is a nutritional supplement that can be added to your expressed breast milk. It comes as a powder, which is dissolved into your breast milk. It contains extra calories, protein and some essential vitamins, which help to promote growth and bone development during the first few weeks of life.

What are the side effects of fortifying breast milk?

Consequently, many units in LMICs use HMF powder for the fortification of EBM. The high cost of HMF and the potential risk of adverse effects such as NEC, feed intolerance, sepsis, and late metabolic acidosis (LMA) limit the widespread use of HMF, particularly in LMICs.

How to fortify breast milk naturally?

6 Ways to Power Boost Your Breast Milk

1. Get More Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
2. Eat Smart to Up Your Supply.
3. Increase Your Iron Intake.
4. Supplement With Probiotics.
5. Nurse or Pump Often.
6. Drink (Water) for Two.

What do hospitals use to fortify breast milk?

Sometimes one or more factors are added individually to your milk, but most of the time, these extra nutrients are provided by using a commercially prepared liquid or powdered fortifier. Other babies, such as those with high oxygen needs or intestinal problems may just need extra calories to grow.

How do you fortify breast milk naturally?

6 Ways to Power Boost Your Breast Milk

1. Get More Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
2. Eat Smart to Up Your Supply.
3. Increase Your Iron Intake.
4. Supplement With Probiotics.
5. Nurse or Pump Often.
6. Drink (Water) for Two.

How do you know milk is fortified?

It’s required to be listed on the ingredient label but not necessarily on the front of the carton. Vitamin D has many important health benefits, and drinking vitamin D fortified milk is an easy way to help meet your needs.