Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation
09:02

Breast Milk Enhances Growth of Enteroids: An Ex Vivo Model of Cell Proliferation

Published on: February 15, 2018

19.5K

Growth after implementing a donor breast milk program in neonates <33 weeks gestational age or birthweight

Mariela Sanchez-Rosado1,2, Cheryl S Lair3, Audrey Edwards3

  • 1Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|February 3, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Donor breast milk (DBM) feeding in preterm infants did not significantly impact growth. However, nutrient intake and supplementation increased, suggesting a successful DBM program implementation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Nutrition
  • Pediatric Growth Studies

Background:

  • Donor breast milk (DBM) feeding in preterm infants is associated with suboptimal growth compared to formula.
  • Zinc deficiency in DBM is a concern for supporting adequate infant growth.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare infant growth from birth to discharge before and after implementing a DBM program.
  • To assess changes in macro- and micronutrient intake and the incidence of poor growth.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective cohort study of 1069 preterm infants (<33 weeks gestational age or <1500g birthweight).
  • Growth assessed by Z-scores of weight, length, and head circumference from birth to discharge.
  • Utilized an adjustable feeding protocol with precise serial length measurements.

Main Results:

  • No significant decrease in infant growth was observed after DBM program implementation.
  • Energy and protein intake increased by 5%.
  • Frequency of zinc and vitamin D supplementation increased by over 30%.

Conclusions:

  • Implementing a DBM program with an adjustable feeding protocol did not negatively impact growth in preterm infants.
  • Increased nutrient intake and supplementation were noted post-DBM implementation.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect05:04

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect

Published on: September 22, 2023

507
Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings04:16

Individualized Reconstitution of Human Milk Microbiota: A Feasible Approach in Real-World Settings

Published on: February 7, 2025

560

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from the skin...
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...