Nutritional Content of Breast Milk From Mothers of Premies

The Nutritional Content of Breast Milk From Mothers of Premature Neonates During the First 28 Days of Life

The purpose of this study is to determine the correlation, if any, between the nutritional content of breast milk pumped by the mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and the nutritional value they are actually receiving in a 24 hour period, since as a practical matter, these may not be the same.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Mothers of infants with a gestational age <=30 weeks in the NICU who are supplying their own breast milk for use by their baby
• Reasonable likelihood of survival of infant to 28 days
• Infant on/ready for oral feeding by DOL 7 days
• Willing to provide breast milk for their baby
• Able to produce at least 7mL breast milk per feeding
• Willing to abide by requirements of the study protocol
• Documentation of informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to provide at least 7mL breast milk per feeding
• Medically unsuitable to provide breast milk to her baby
• Maternal age <18 years of age