Improved outcomes after the introduction of donor breast milk

Abstract

Premature infants are at considerable risk of increased morbidity and mortality. They have a higher risk of learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, sensory deficits, respiratory illnesses, and gastrointestinal illnesses.1,2 Providing mother's own milk to the preterm infant has nutritional, gastrointestinal, immunological, developmental, and psychological benefits. Breastfed preterm infants have a lower rate of ear infections, respiratory infections, or infection‐related events. They have lower rates of gastrointestinal infections, necrotizing enterocolitis, and mortality. When milk from the mother is not available, human donor milk is an important option, because it maintains many of its health benefits. This article shines light on the improved outcomes of premature infants after the introduction of donor breast milk and also discusses the multiple challenges faced by a level three NICU of a tertiary care hospital during the implementation of Donor Breast Milk program.