Enteral Feeding in Premature Infants

Abstract

Neonatology practice has seen remarkable advancements in the past three decades. This has enabled the survival of premature infants born at smaller gestational weeks. Accordingly, the relatively high premature survival rate has lead to an increase in the incidence and severity of short-medium and long term morbidities. A critical approach in preventing such morbidities in premature infants is well-planned nutritional management. Application of proper feeding models that consider current premature problems as well as personal dynamics will provide significant short and long-term advantages for the infants' progression throughout life. This article discusses practical applications such as identifying the needs of premature infants during extrauterine life, choices in feeding practice, and adaptation of necessary interventions for current problems faced by infants.

Keywords

• premature
• enteral feeding
• feeding policy