Feeding the low-birthweight infant.

Abstract

This is a thorough review of the literature dealing with methods of feeding low-birthweight infants. Recent evidence indicates that the milk of the mother will meet most of the infant's requirements and is the best available source of nutrients. Additional calcium, vitamin supplements, and possibly potassium will be necessary. Premature delivery does not appear to affect the mother's ability to lactate. However, since direct breastfeeding will not generally be possible, care will have to be taken to avoid potential bacterial contamination of the expressed milk. Certain methods for ensuring bacterial safety destroy the nutritional contents of the milk. If infant formula is going to be used, it should contain a whey protein:casein ratio of 60:40. Most infants weighing less than 1500 g at birth will usually require sodium supplements until they attain a body weight of 1500 g or a postconceptional age of 34 weeks.