For Babies
A Guide to Premature Nutrition
If your baby was born early, she may have some special needs when it comes to nutrition. Here are some things you may want to know.
Most premature babies have increased nutritional needs.
If a baby is too premature to breastfeed, Moms can still pump their milk. While in hospital, doctors may recommend adding a commercially prepared breast milk fortifier, to give your baby the extra protein, vitamins, calcium and other nutrients she needs at this early stage.
If you can't pump or breastfeed, or choose not to, or if you supplement your breast milk with formula, you can feel confident about the specially designed formulas available for premature infants.
When your baby leaves the hospital, talk to your baby’s doctor about Enfamil® EnfaCare® A+® infant formula with extra calories, protein, vitamins and minerals, for low birth weight or premature babies.
Premature babies may have more feeding challenges than full term babies.
Chances are, her feeding skills haven't fully developed yet. This means she'll be slow to feed, or else she may feed too fast and spit up or develop a feeding aversion. But there are some things you can try to help:
- Babies who are tube-fed are often given pacifiers. This will help her to learn to feed from a nipple for when she's ready to switch over from the tube.
- Record her feedings, so you can keep track of her spit ups and how much she's keeping down.
- Monitor her progress with growth charts from the doctor.
- Try to keep her on a sleep schedule.
- Make sure she's fully awake before feeding.
- Be aware of her signs, so you know when she's full or tired.
- Slowly introduce solids when she is developmentally ready.
Premature babies may need to eat more frequently.
Premature babies will need to eat every 3 hours, and sometimes more often.
Enfamil® EnfaCare® A+® may be available through provincial drug benefits programs. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you qualify for the Ontario Drug Benefits Program, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec , or the Saskatchewan Aids to Independent Living Program.
