How to Take Care of Premature Babies: Parents' Guide to Nutrition

Welcoming your little one into the world sooner than expected can be both exciting and challenging. It's a whirlwind of emotions-overwhelming at times, but filled with love. Caring for a premature baby may feel daunting, but you're not alone in this journey.

Whether you have a big support system or are figuring things out with a smaller village, we're here to lend a helping hand. Every parent wants to give their baby the best start, and for preemies, nutrition plays a crucial role in helping them grow healthy and strong.

Let's explore what it means to have a premature baby, their unique nutritional needs, and how to find the right nutrition to support their growth and development.

What is Considered a Premature Baby?

A baby born before 37 weeks of gestation is considered premature. The earlier a baby is born, the more specialized care they may need.

According to the World Health Organization, premature babies can be classified by their gestational age:

• Late preterm: Born between 34 and 36 weeks.

• Moderate preterm: Born between 32 and 34 weeks.

• Very preterm: Born before 32 weeks.

• Extremely preterm: Born before 28 weeks.

Predicting when your baby is going to make their entrance can seem like a bit of a guessing game. While your doctor can help you understand what the timeline likely looks like, births don't always go according to plan.

There are many reasons why a baby may be born prematurely, from maternal health, pregnancy complications, and lifestyle factors to certain fetal conditions- but sometimes the exact cause isn't clear.

Preemies tend to have low birth weight, usually weighing less than 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg). In extremely preterm cases, babies might weigh as little as 1 pound.

These small, fragile infants often require more calories, proteins, and minerals than full-term babies to meet the developmental milestones they missed in the womb. The degree of prematurity often influences the type and intensity of care needed.

Understanding Preemie Babies' Needs

A preemie baby needs to be cared for differently than a full-term baby as a preemie often faces some unique physiological challenges such as:

• Immature digestive systems: A preemie may have difficulty absorbing nutrients effectively, which can lead to slower weight gain.

• Higher energy demands: Their rapid growth and development require more calories per ounce of food to meet their energy needs.

• Incomplete fat stores: Since fat accumulation primarily occurs in the last weeks of pregnancy, premature babies benefit from extra energy-dense nutrition to make up for this gap.

• Immature immune system: Premature babies receive fewer maternal antibodies from the placenta, which may leave them needing additional support in their early months. Their developing skin and gastrointestinal barriers also make them more sensitive to infections. Healthcare professionals often closely monitor preemies for feeding tolerance, signs of reflux, and weight gain to adjust nutritional strategies.

Strategies for Feeding Your Preemie Baby

While breast milk is always considered the gold standard for infant nutrition, not all preemies are able to nurse right away due to difficulty latching, a mother's milk supply, or medical conditions like respiratory distress or feeding intolerance.

In these cases, either expressed breast milk, donor milk, or a specially designed premature baby formula can fill the gaps to ensure your baby is getting what it needs to thrive. However, a popular brand of preemie formula is currently the subject of an ongoing lawsuit due to health concerns, so be sure to speak with your pediatrician about your options.

In some cases, the formula may be administered through feeding tubes initially if your little one is in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This is because some preemies can’t coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing on their own yet.

When choosing a preemie baby formula, it is also important to consider that premature babies need more frequent and carefully monitored feedings to promote digestion, avoid overfeeding, and encourage steady weight gain.

Firstly, it can be helpful to carefully track your baby's food intake using a preemie feeding chart. On top of that, here are additional feeding strategies for premature infants:

1. Follow hunger cues: Even a premature infant will display signs of hunger, such as rooting, lip-smacking, or fussiness. So, keep a close eye on your baby's behaviour; in time, you'll be an expert in understanding their communication cues.

2. Feed frequently: Since premature infants have tinier tummies, they can't hold large amounts of milk or formula at once. In this case, feeding every 2 to 3 hours is the norm.

3. Practice paced feeding: Whether you're bottle or breastfeeding, use a slow-flow nipple to prevent overwhelming your baby. This paced feeding style helps prevent gassiness and excess spit-up caused by too much air being swallowed during feedings.

4. Monitor weight gain closely: Growth will likely be assessed weekly by your pediatrician. Babies typically gain around 15-30 grams per day during the first few months.

5. Consider fortification: Some preemies need additional calories or nutrients beyond what breast milk alone provides. In these cases, pediatricians may recommend fortifying expressed breast milk or supplementing with a specialized formula.

Preemie Formula for Preemies

Not all baby formulas are created equal, and formulas for preemies are particularly unique. When selecting a preemie formula, look for the following key ingredients to support digestion, growth, and energy needs:

• Whey Protein Concentrate: Whey is easier to digest than casein, supporting muscle development without overloading the digestive system.

• Medium-Chain Triglycerides (MCTs): These fats are readily absorbed and provide quick energy, which is ideal for preemies with underdeveloped digestive systems.

• DHA and ARA: These Fatty acids are crucial for brain and eye development, especially for preemies who miss out on the final trimester's rapid brain growth.

• Iron and Calcium: Necessary for red blood cell production and bone development. Preemies are at higher risk of anemia and need extra support for skeletal growth.

High-Calorie Formula

When breast milk is not an option, high-calorie formulas are essential for premature infants who need extra energy to catch up on growth milestones. Since preemies often have limited stomach capacity and higher nutritional demands, high-calorie baby formula for preemies are concentrated with more calories and nutrients per ounce, allowing them to grow without consuming large volumes.

Answering Your Questions on Premature Babies

Let's take a few moments to answer some of your most-asked questions:

Do Preemies Need Special Formulas?

Yes, most preemies benefit from specialized formula for premature babies since they require higher concentrations of nutrients to support catch-up growth. A doctor can guide you on when and how to introduce or transition your baby to preemie formula.

When is a Premature Baby Out of Danger?

Most major complications will arise in the first month after birth. The more premature a baby is born, the higher the risks to their well-being, with symptoms of a premature birth ranging from very mild to serious. Symptoms will vary depending on gestational age and birth weight, among other factors so each case must be considered individually.

The good news is that the majority of infants born between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation grow up to be healthy kiddos. Ultimately, the healthcare providers working with your baby directly are the best and most accurate source of information regarding their outcomes.

When to Stop Premature Formula?

Many preemie formulas are used until their growth stabilizes. Some babies may continue on these formulas longer if they need more support. Always consult your pediatrician to determine the proper timeline for switching to regular infant formula.

Conclusion: Caring for Preemie Babies

Your journey as a preemie parent may come with challenges, but with the right care, your baby will flourish.

Start by staying in tune with your baby's needs, monitoring their growth, and choosing the best nutrition for their development. Remember to lean on healthcare professionals for personalized guidance on caring for a premature baby.

With attentive care, informed choices, and professional guidance, your preemie can grow stronger each day!