Why do hospitals fortify breast milk?

The Importance of Fortifying Breast Milk in Hospitals
In the realm of neonatal care, the fortification of breast milk has emerged as a critical practice aimed at addressing the unique nutritional needs of vulnerable infants, particularly those born prematurely or with specific health challenges. This process involves adding essential nutrients to human milk or formula to ensure that these infants receive adequate nourishment for optimal growth and development.
Why Fortification is Necessary
Breast milk is widely recognized as the best source of nutrition for infants, providing a perfect balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and antibodies. However, for preterm infants or those with low birth weights, breast milk alone may not suffice. Research indicates that while human milk is beneficial, it often lacks sufficient levels of certain nutrients, such as protein, calcium, and vitamins, which are crucial for the rapid growth and development that these infants require.
Fortification typically involves the addition of specific nutrients, such as extra calories, protein, and minerals, to enhance the nutritional profile of breast milk. This practice is particularly vital in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where the health of infants can be precarious, and their nutritional needs are significantly higher than those of full-term infants.
Health Benefits of Fortified Breast Milk
The benefits of fortifying breast milk extend beyond immediate nutritional needs. Studies have shown that fortified breast milk can lead to improved health outcomes, including reduced rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious intestinal condition that affects premature infants. Additionally, fortified milk supports better weight gain and growth metrics, which are critical indicators of an infant’s overall health and development.
Moreover, the fortification process is not merely about adding calories; it is about creating a tailored nutritional solution that meets the specific needs of each infant. This individualized approach is essential in a hospital setting, where healthcare providers can monitor and adjust the fortification based on the infant’s growth and health status.
Challenges and Considerations
Despite the clear benefits, the practice of fortifying breast milk is not without its challenges. There are ongoing discussions about the best methods and types of fortifiers to use, as well as the timing of when to begin fortification. Healthcare providers must balance the need for additional nutrients with the potential risks associated with over-fortification, which can lead to complications such as metabolic disturbances.
Furthermore, the availability of donor human milk can also play a role in fortification practices. When a mother’s own milk is unavailable, hospitals often turn to donor milk, which may also require fortification to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants.
Conclusion
In summary, the fortification of breast milk in hospitals is a vital practice that addresses the specific nutritional needs of high-risk infants. By enhancing the nutritional content of breast milk, healthcare providers can significantly improve health outcomes and support the growth and development of some of the most vulnerable patients. As research continues to evolve, so too will the guidelines and practices surrounding breast milk fortification, ensuring that all infants receive the best possible start in life.

Is fortified milk healthier than 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).

What is the 5 5 5 rule for breast milk?

Something I recommend to moms is the 5-5-5 rule. Try and use milk within five hours at room temperature, five days in the fridge, and by five months in the freezer.

When can you stop fortifying breast milk?

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.

When can I stop fortifying breast milk?

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.

How do hospitals fortify breast milk?

These extra nutrients are added to the milk before it is fed to your baby through the gavage (feeding) tube. 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.

What are the side effects of fortifying breast milk?

A potential disadvantage of multi‐nutrient fortification is that increasing nutrient density and osmolarity of human breast milk might interfere with gastric emptying and intestinal peristalsis, resulting in feed intolerance or increasing the risk of necrotising enterocolitis (Ewer 1996; McClure 1996; Gathwala 2008; …

Is fortifying breast milk necessary?

Human milk should be supplemented (fortified) with the nutrients in short supply, particularly with protein, calcium, and phosphate to meet high requirements of this group of tiny preterm infants as discussed in the next sections.

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.

Does pumped breast milk lose nutrients?

Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients. Beyond this timeframe, vitamins, fatty acids, enzymes, antibodies, and growth factors might be a gradual loss.

What does fortified milk do to your body?

Fortified milk helps prevent nutrient deficiencies, promote healthy development in children, and increase bone mass and strength.