The arrival of a baby is a momentous occasion, filled with joy and anticipation. But when a baby arrives too early—before completing a full-term pregnancy—it can be both exhilarating and daunting. Preterm babies, born before 37 weeks of gestation, require specialized care and nutrition to thrive, including spending an extended time in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), where growth and nutrition of such babies is closely monitored.
- Unlike full-term babies, who have had the luxury of developing fully in the womb, preterm babies face challenges from day one. Their organs, especially the lungs, brain, eyes, and digestive system are still not fully developed.
- Thus, most preterm babies may need the support of incubators and ventilators for temperature maintenance and breathing support.
Special Nutritional Needs:
Preterm babies need specialized nutrition to support their growth and development. This is because they need to ‘catch-up’ on the growth that they have missed by arriving early.
- Caloric Demands: Preemies have higher caloric needs per kilogram of body weight. Breast milk or fortified formula provides essential nutrients, including proteins, fats, and carbohydrates.
- Fortification: Most preterm babies receive fortified breast milk as mothers’ milk by itself is not able to meet the extra need of nutrients. These fortifiers, such as NiQu HMoF, add extra calories, vitamins, minerals and bioactive factors to support the growth of preterm babies.
- Feeding Challenges: Preemies may struggle with feeding due to weak sucking reflexes or immature coordination. Thus, babies may be fed through nasogastric feeding tubes or through ‘Pallada’. However, parents need to work closely with lactation consultants or paediatricians to ensure successful feeding.
The world of preterm and term babies is thus very different as preterm babies needs much more support, care and monitoring and also specialized nutrition.
