Why does breastmilk need to be fortified?

The Importance of Fortifying Breast Milk
Breast milk is often hailed as the gold standard for infant nutrition, providing a perfect blend of nutrients essential for a baby’s growth and development. However, there are circumstances where breast milk alone may not meet all the nutritional needs of certain infants, particularly those who are premature or have specific health challenges. This is where the practice of fortifying breast milk comes into play.
Understanding Fortification
Fortification involves adding extra nutrients to breast milk to enhance its nutritional profile. This practice is particularly crucial for infants in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) who may have increased nutritional requirements due to their low birth weight or medical conditions. According to health experts, fortifying breast milk can promote optimal growth and development in these vulnerable populations.
Nutritional Gaps in Breast Milk
While breast milk is rich in essential nutrients, it may not always provide sufficient amounts of certain vitamins and minerals, especially for premature infants. For instance, premature babies often require higher levels of calories, protein, calcium, and phosphorus than what is typically found in standard breast milk. This is because their bodies are still developing rapidly, and they need additional support to catch up with their full-term peers.
Types of Fortifiers
Human milk fortifiers (HMF) are specially formulated products designed to be added to breast milk. These fortifiers are typically made from a blend of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. They are tailored to meet the specific needs of premature infants or those with health issues, ensuring that they receive the necessary nutrients for healthy growth.
Best Practices and Guidelines
The guidelines surrounding breast milk fortification have evolved over the years, reflecting ongoing research and clinical experience. Health professionals now emphasize the importance of individualized care, where the decision to fortify breast milk is based on the specific needs of each infant. This approach ensures that all babies receive the optimal nutrition they require during their critical early months.
Conclusion
In summary, while breast milk is an excellent source of nutrition for infants, fortification is a vital practice for certain populations, particularly premature and medically fragile babies. By enhancing breast milk with additional nutrients, healthcare providers can help ensure that these infants achieve their growth and developmental milestones, setting a strong foundation for their future health.

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.

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.

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.

What is the 120 pumping rule?

The first 12 weeks of your breastfeeding journey requires frequent breastmilk removal, stimulating healthy milk production. Studies show moms who exclusively pump for a minimum of 120 minutes per day can make enough to feed their babies primarily breastmilk.

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).

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.

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.

Is fortified milk necessary?

Fortified milk helps prevent nutrient deficiencies, promote healthy development in children, and increase bone mass and strength. Though fortified milk is very beneficial, there are some potential downsides to consider.

What are the side effects of fortifying breast milk?

Since all the commonly used commercially prepared fortifiers are made from cow’s milk proteins (like regular formulas), some babies may have difficulty initially when the fortifier is added. They may have delayed emptying from the stomach, abdominal distention or even gas. The stools may change somewhat in color.

Does breastmilk lose nutrients when pumped?

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), freshly expressed breast milk can be safely kept at room temperature (77°F or colder) for up to 4 hours. Generally, when freshly pumped, breast milk is at its peak regarding nutrients.