| Premature babies: Feeding methods and nutritional requirements | 1768.00000000000 | Premature babies: Feeding methods and nutritional requirements | Premature babies: Feeding methods and nutritional requirements | P | English | Neonatology;Gastrointestinal;Nutrition | Premature;Newborn (0-28 days);Baby (1-12 months) | Stomach | Digestive system | NA | Prenatal
Adult (19+) | NA | | 2009-10-31T04:00:00Z | | Chris Tomlinson, MBChB, BSc | | | | 12.0000000000000 | 47.0000000000000 | 313.000000000000 | | Flat Content | Health A-Z | <p>There are a variety of feeding methods that may be used to meet the nutritional requirements of your premature baby.</p> | <p>There are three ways to feed premature babies: intravenously, through a feeding tube, and directly by mouth. They may receive three different kinds of nutrition: total parenteral nutrition (TPN), breast milk, and infant formula designed for premature babies. How and what a premature baby is fed depends on their gestational age and whether there are complications with any part of the gastrointestinal tract. </p> | | <h2>Key points</h2><ul><li>Premature babies may be fed intravenously, through a feeding tube or directly by mouth.</li><li>How and what a premature baby is fed depends on their gestational age and complications with any part of their GI tract.</li></ul> | <h2>Intravenous feeding and parenteral nutrition</h2><p>Although even the most premature gut is capable of accepting and digesting milk, sometimes the baby may be too unwell to be fed this way. In such cases, premature babies are fed in a way that bypasses the digestive system altogether and delivers nutrition directly to the baby’s bloodstream through an intravenous line (IV) or a catheter. </p><p>Through this line, a premature baby is initially fed sugar water with essential electrolytes for a few days, followed by a solution called total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Made up of proteins, vitamins, minerals, sugar, fat and water, TPN feeding may go on for days or weeks depending on the maturity of the baby and their ability to feed in an alternative way. </p><h2>Gavage feeding</h2><p>Once the premature baby is stable enough to receive feeding through the gut, they can be given gavage or nasogastric (NG) feedings. A small tube is inserted through the nose or mouth and run directly into the baby’s stomach. Small amounts of expressed breast milk or formula are then gently allowed to flow into the stomach. If the baby handles these feedings, they are fed progressively larger quantities. </p><h2>Breastfeeding and bottle feeding</h2><p>Once the baby has developed the co-ordination to begin sucking and swallowing, the team will make an effort to help the parents with breast feeding. Most mothers are encouraged to pump their milk right away so that the flow of milk begins and continues. Pumped breast milk can be given to the baby when they are ready for either gavage, breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Many parents have a great desire to feed their child themselves, which enhances their parenting role and helps with the bonding process.</p><p>More information</p><ul><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1804&language=English">Diagnosis of an immature gastrointestinal (GI) tract </a></li><li>
<a href="/Article?contentid=1842&language=English">Treatment of feeding and nutrition problems </a></li></ul> | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | https://assets.aboutkidshealth.ca/AKHAssets/Premature_babies_feeding_methods_nutrition.jpg | | | | | | | Premature babies: Feeding methods and nutritional requirements | | False | | | | | |
