GOLD Learning Speakers

The feeding of breast milk during the NICU admission reduces the risk of short-and long-term morbidities especially in premature infants. Breastmilk provides immunological, anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, epigenetic, and mucosal membrane protecting properties. The mechanisms by which human milk provides its protection are varied. These mechanisms include immunological and specific unique human milk components that are not present in formula. Thus, the feeding of mother’s own breastmilk should be a NICU priority and every NICU should have a breastmilk storage and handling policy. In this presentation we will discuss how we can counsel parents about the infection control measures and guidelines related to storage, handling and administration of breastmilk to babies in the NICU. Learn more about hospital grade pumps, pumping at home vs pumping in hospital setting, prevention and management of potential mistakes such as giving a child another mother’s milk and how to handle and store fortified breastmilk.