Human Milk in Preterm Infants

Early Fortification of Human Milk for Very Low Birth Weight Infants and Effects on Growth Velocity

Current NICU protocol introduces human milk fortifier at 8 days of feeding. This study will introduce human milk fortifier at day 1. The primary outcome is the effect on growth velocity at 28 days and 36 weeks post menstrual age.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Birth weight 1000-1500 grams
• Admitted to NICU within 24 hours of life
• Maternal intent to use human milk

Exclusion Criteria:

• Congenital anomalies
• Feeds not started within the first 96 hours of life
• Intrauterine growth restriction