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Applying New Learnings on Human Milk Composition to Clinical Practice in the NICU

This education is about:

• Recent updates to neonatal nutrition guidelines
• Variability of human milk composition
• Evidence on donor milk in preterm infants
• Human milk fortification strategies
• Applying knowledge of human milk variability in clinical practice
• Engaging the multidisciplinary team to optimize neonatal nutrition

Why it matters:

Human milk is optimal for preterm infants due to its ability to offer protection against potentially life-threatening complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis. However, the concentration of many nutrients in human milk—whether mother’s own milk or donor milk—falls short of meeting those required to support growth and development. To achieve growth targets for preterm infants, macro- and micronutrient supplementation is a critical component of an adequate nutrition care plan.