Why is breast milk the preferred food source for preterm infants?

The Importance of Breast Milk for Preterm Infants
Breast milk is widely recognized as the optimal source of nutrition for all infants, but its significance is particularly pronounced for preterm infants. These vulnerable newborns, born before 37 weeks of gestation, face a myriad of health challenges that make the unique properties of breast milk essential for their development and survival.
Nutritional Superiority
One of the primary reasons breast milk is preferred for preterm infants is its rich nutritional profile. Unlike formula, which is designed to mimic breast milk, human milk contains a complex array of nutrients that are tailored to meet the specific needs of newborns. Preterm breast milk is particularly rich in immunoglobulin A (sIgA), which plays a crucial role in protecting the infant’s immature immune system from infections. This is vital, as preterm infants are at a higher risk for infections due to their underdeveloped immune systems.
Moreover, breast milk naturally contains the right balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates that are easily digestible, which is crucial for preterm infants who often struggle with feeding. Studies have shown that breastfed preterm infants experience fewer gastrointestinal issues, such as diarrhea and constipation, compared to those fed formula.
Support for Brain Development
Recent research has highlighted the role of breast milk in brain development for preterm infants. The unique composition of breast milk, including essential fatty acids and bioactive compounds, supports neurodevelopment and cognitive outcomes. This is particularly important for preterm infants, who are at risk for developmental delays and cognitive impairments. The presence of specific nutrients in breast milk has been linked to improved long-term cognitive function, making it a critical factor in their early life.
Immune Protection
Breast milk also provides passive immunity to preterm infants. The antibodies and other immune factors present in breast milk help to bolster the infant’s defenses against infections, which is crucial given their increased susceptibility to diseases. This protective effect is especially important in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), where preterm infants are often exposed to various pathogens.
Adaptability and Composition Variability
Another remarkable aspect of breast milk is its adaptability. The composition of breast milk changes over time to meet the evolving needs of the growing infant. For preterm infants, the milk produced in the early days postpartum is particularly rich in nutrients that support their rapid growth and development. This variability ensures that preterm infants receive the most appropriate nutrition as they transition from the womb to the outside world.
Conclusion
In summary, breast milk is the preferred food source for preterm infants due to its nutritional superiority, support for brain development, immune protection, and adaptability. As healthcare providers and parents increasingly recognize the benefits of breastfeeding, efforts to promote and support breastfeeding among mothers of preterm infants are more critical than ever. The unique properties of breast milk not only enhance the immediate health of these vulnerable infants but also lay the foundation for their long-term development and well-being.

Why is breastfeeding good for preterm babies?

Benefits of mother’s milk for the premature baby include:

• Better digestion and digestive function.
• Fewer infections.
• Better brain and eye development.
• Better health benefits for you and better bonding with the baby.

Why is breast milk a good choice for baby?

Breastfeeding can help protect babies against some short- and long-term illnesses and diseases. Breastfed babies have a lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Breastfed babies are also less likely to have ear infections and stomach bugs.

Why is breast milk best for premature babies?

Your breast milk is very important for your premature baby as it helps to protect them from infection and gut problems. Your baby may not be ready to breastfeed for some time, but they can still be given your expressed breast milk to help keep their mouth clean and moist (mouthcare).

What is the most preferred feeding method used in infants?

Breastfeeding, and especially early and exclusive breastfeeding, is one of the most significant ways to improve infant survival rates.

Which feeding choice is best for preterm babies?

Exclusive breastfeeding is the best option for premature babies. This is when your baby gets all their feeds from the breast or expressed breast milk.

Why is breast milk recommended as the best food for an infant?

Breastmilk is the perfect food for your baby. It contains just the right amount of nutrients. It is also gentle on your baby’s developing stomach, intestines, and other body systems. It is recommended that you breastfeed until your baby is 6 months old, then breastfeed with solid foods until at least 1 to 2 years old.

What is the recommended source of nutrition for preterm infants?

Burrin noted that the current guidelines from pediatric professionals recommend the use of human milk for feeding preterm babies.

Is breast milk better than formula for preemies?

Evidence from observational studies suggests that feeding with maternal breast milk rather than formula is associated with a reduced risk of serious adverse outcomes including necrotising enterocolitis and infection in very preterm and VLBW infants (Lucas 1990; Battersby 2017).

Why is breast milk the preferred method of feeding?

your breast milk meets all of your baby’s nutritional needs. breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases. breastfeeding provides health benefits for you. breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it.

Why is breast milk ideal for newborn baby?

Often called the “perfect food” for a human baby’s digestive system, breast milk’s components — lactose, protein (whey and casein), and fat — are easily digested by a newborn. As a group, breastfed infants have less difficulty with digestion than do formula-fed infants.