Study note

Low birth weight and breast milk expression

THE CONTEXT

The passage introduces low birth weight and its causes and also provides a sequence for manual breast milk expression.

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Low birth weight means a birth weight less than 2500 g and is associated with higher morbidity and mortality.

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Low birth weight results from preterm birth, intrauterine growth restriction, or both. Preterm birth occurs before 37 completed weeks of gestation.

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Intrauterine growth restriction resembles malnutrition and may occur in term or preterm infants. Affected neonates are usually undernourished.

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Gently massage the breasts toward the nipples.

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Place the thumb and index finger opposite each other just outside the areola.

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Press back toward the chest, then gently squeeze to release milk.

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Repeat the pressing and squeezing at different positions around the areola.

NEETx

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