Maternal human milk is the absolute best food for newborn nutrition that supports all of their accelerated growth in the first year. And although we have a basic understanding of the composition of human milk, every woman’s breast milk has a different complexity when it comes to the nutritional content. But, you may be wondering, what exactly is breast milk composed of?

For our 48th podcast episode, I review the general composition of human breast milk and what the variations are between preterm, term, and donor breast milk. I also discuss some of the anti-infective protective properties in maternal breast milk and how a preterm mother’s milk has unique and complex properties that are lacking in donor breast milk. I discuss human milk fortification, the different formulations available, and why it is so important in our preterm population. I share why donor breast milk is used in preterm infants over formula and explain its protective mechanisms against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Finally, I discuss how the pasteurization process, although important, impacts the composition of donor breast milk.

I share why it is so crucial that mothers feel supported and are educated. Building trusting partnerships with NICU mothers will help to promote their milk expression, establish breastfeeding, and nurture the feelings of motherhood. A supportive environment coupled with education, has the potential to positively impact the mother’s milk production in the NICU and beyond. The episode is full of valuable, updated information for both NICU Parents and clinicians, so start listening now, or consider sharing the episode with someone who will gain some value from it!



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