Human Milk Fortifier? Donor Milk?
Charts of Studies
For more information on feeding preemies, see:
What You Need to Know Now About Feeding A Premature Baby
See also: Should Human Milk Be Fortified For a Premature Baby?
Charts excerpted from "The Baby Bond"
It's easy to see that human milk brings far greater survival and optimal development for premature infants, as shown in the below chart of studies. BUT what about "human milk fortifiers," the name of which is a little decieving because they come from cow's milk. Look at the charts below.
The studies in the below chart show that human milk is better alone versus being fortified with cow's milk derived fortifiers, however, fortified human milk is still better than formula, according to one study posted in chart (and others). AGAIN, as explained also on this page: Should Human Milk Be Fortified For a Premature Baby? NO fortification has been shown to be superior, in terms of final outcome, versus exclusive human milk.
The below studies reveal that donor milk still provides for much less NEC - a life-threatening intestinal degradation - the most easily compared health measure, over formula. As with many other studies, the below boast faster growth of the premature infant when formula or fortifiers are used. It is this characteristic that is used to sell these to pediatricians. The problem with this thinking is, however, that when overall survival rate is lower, infections are much higher, IQ is slightly lower, and other develomental indicators are lower, is there any advantage to faster growth? Other studies show that fast growth rates during infancy increases the chances of child and adult obesity as well as cancer.
© Linda Folden
Palmer
For specific references, see:
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Dr. Linda Folden Palmer consults and lectures on natural infant health, optimal child nutrition and attachment parenting. After running a successful chiropractic practice focused on nutrition and women’s health for more than a decade, Linda’s life became transformed eight years ago by the birth of her son. Her research into his particular health challenges led her to write The Baby Bond: The New Science Beahind What's Really Important When Caring for Your Baby. Extensively documented, this healthy parenting bookpresents the scientific evidence behind attachment parenting practices, supporting baby's immune system, preventing colic and sparing drug usage.