Feeding limitations and nutritional needs of low-birth-weight infants
THE CONTEXT
Good nutrition supports survival, growth and development in low-birth-weight infants, and early nutrition influences long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
Limitations affecting feeding
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Healthy term neonates can breastfeed directly with some early assistance. Over one-third of low-birth-weight infants are born preterm and have inadequate feeding skills.
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Infants who cannot breastfeed efficiently may require alternative feeding methods such as a paladai or gastric tube.
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Many low-birth-weight neonates are sick during the first few days of life, which interferes with enteral feeding.
Additional fluid and nutrient needs
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Preterm infants have higher fluid requirements during the first few days because of higher insensible water loss.
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Many nutrients accumulate in utero during the third trimester. Preterm infants, particularly those born before 32 weeks, have lower body stores and require supplementation.