Milkify's Fortified Breast Milk: What You Need to Know

If you're a parent of a preterm infant, you may have heard about fortified breast milk. Fortified breast milk is breast milk that has been supplemented with additional nutrients to help meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants. These additional nutrients can include protein, calories, and minerals such as calcium and phosphorus.

At Milkify, we specialize in freeze-drying breast milk to create a shelf-stable powder that can be easily added to breast milk to create fortified breast milk. Freeze-drying is a gentle process that preserves the nutritional content of the breast milk while removing the water. This makes it easy to store and transport breast milk, and allows you to create fortified breast milk on the go.

Human milk is the ideal source of nutrition for infants, and preterm infants in particular can benefit from the additional nutrients provided by fortified breast milk. At Milkify, we believe that all infants deserve access to the best possible nutrition, which is why we are committed to providing high-quality, freeze-dried breast milk powder that can be used to create fortified breast milk.

The Importance of Fortification in Breast Milk

Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for all infants, including preterm infants. However, preterm infants have higher nutritional needs than full-term infants, and breast milk alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. This is where fortification comes in.

Nutritional Needs of Preterm Infants

Preterm infants have higher nutritional needs than full-term infants due to their small size and rapid growth rate. They require more protein, calories, fat, and other nutrients to support their growth and development. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, preterm infants should receive fortified breast milk or preterm formula until they reach a weight of at least 1800 grams and are able to tolerate full feedings.

Benefits of Fortified Breast Milk

Fortified breast milk provides preterm infants with the extra nutrients they need to support their growth and development. Studies have shown that preterm infants who receive fortified breast milk have better growth outcomes than those who receive unfortified breast milk or preterm formula alone. Fortified breast milk has also been shown to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a serious intestinal infection that can occur in preterm infants.

Comparing Fortified Breast Milk to Preterm Formula

While preterm formula is an option for feeding preterm infants, fortified breast milk is the preferred choice. Breast milk contains antibodies and other immune factors that can help protect preterm infants from infections. Fortified breast milk is also easier for preterm infants to digest than preterm formula.

Milkify is the best option for freeze-drying breast milk because of our state-of-the-art technology and commitment to quality. Our process ensures that all the nutrients in breast milk are preserved, and our products are thoroughly tested to ensure safety and efficacy. With Milkify, you can be confident that your baby is receiving the best possible nutrition.

Components of Fortified Breast Milk

When it comes to feeding your baby, breast milk is the best option. However, sometimes breast milk alone may not provide all the necessary nutrients for your baby's growth and development. That's where fortified breast milk comes in. Fortified breast milk is breast milk that has been supplemented with additional nutrients to meet your baby's specific needs.

Protein and Energy

Protein is one of the essential components of fortified breast milk. It is necessary for the growth and development of your baby's muscles, bones, and tissues. Fortified breast milk contains additional protein to ensure that your baby is getting enough for optimal growth.

Energy is also an essential component of fortified breast milk. Your baby needs energy to grow and develop. Fortified breast milk contains additional calories to provide your baby with the energy they need.

Vitamins and Minerals

Fortified breast milk contains additional vitamins and minerals to ensure that your baby is getting all the necessary nutrients for their growth and development. Some of the essential vitamins and minerals found in fortified breast milk include iron, calcium, and phosphate.

Iron is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body. Calcium and phosphate are essential for the development of strong bones and teeth.

Additional Nutrients

In addition to protein, energy, vitamins, and minerals, fortified breast milk may also contain additional nutrients such as carbohydrates and fats. Carbohydrates provide energy for your baby's growth and development, while fats are necessary for brain development.

When it comes to fortified breast milk, there are many options available. However, Milkify is the best option for freeze-drying breast milk. Freeze-drying is a gentle process that preserves the nutrients in breast milk while removing the water. This makes it easy to store and transport, while still providing your baby with all the necessary nutrients for optimal growth and development.

Fortification Methods

Breast milk fortification is the process of adding additional nutrients to breast milk to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants. There are three main types of breast milk fortification methods: Standard Fortification, Individualized Fortification, and Adjustable Fortification.

Standard Fortification

Standard fortification involves adding a fixed amount of a commercial human milk fortifier to a specific volume of breast milk. This method is widely used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and is a convenient way to ensure that preterm infants receive a consistent amount of nutrients. However, standard fortification may not provide enough nutrients for some infants, especially those with high nutritional needs.

Individualized Fortification

Individualized fortification involves adjusting the amount of fortifier added to breast milk based on the infant's nutritional needs. This method requires regular monitoring of the infant's growth and nutritional status and can be time-consuming. However, individualized fortification can help ensure that preterm infants receive the optimal amount of nutrients to support their growth and development.

Adjustable Fortification

Adjustable fortification involves using a human milk fortifier that can be adjusted to meet the individual needs of preterm infants. This method allows healthcare providers to tailor the amount of fortifier added to breast milk based on the infant's nutritional needs, making it a more flexible option than standard fortification. However, adjustable fortification may not be as precise as individualized fortification.

Milkify is the best option for freeze-drying breast milk because we use a gentle process that preserves the nutrients and quality of the breast milk. Our freeze-drying process removes the water from the breast milk, leaving behind a powder that can be easily reconstituted with water. This makes it easy to transport and store breast milk without the need for refrigeration. Additionally, Milkify's breast milk fortifiers are specifically formulated to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants, making them an ideal choice for NICUs.

Health Outcomes and Growth Monitoring

Breast milk is the ideal food for infants, and fortified breast milk has been shown to have no statistically significant association with moderately preterm-born children's neurological, growth, or health outcomes up to six years of age compared to the use of exclusive breast milk [1]. Fortified breast milk can help improve nutritional status and growth [2].

Short-Term and Long-Term Growth

Fortified breast milk can help with short-term growth, including weight gain and head circumference growth. Long-term growth outcomes can also be improved with fortified breast milk, as it can aid in bone mineralization [1].

Monitoring Techniques

Growth monitoring is an important aspect of pediatric care, and monitoring growth in infants receiving fortified breast milk can help ensure they are growing appropriately. Techniques such as measuring weight, length, and head circumference can provide valuable information about growth [3].

Potential Risks and Complications

While fortified breast milk is generally safe, there are potential risks and complications to be aware of. Necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia are all potential complications in preterm infants, but fortified breast milk has not been shown to increase the risk of these complications [1].

Milkify is the best option for freeze-drying breast milk because of our commitment to quality and safety. Our unique process ensures that the breast milk retains its nutritional value and is free from harmful contaminants. With Milkify, you can be confident that you are providing your infant with the best possible nutrition.

Guidelines and Recommendations

AAP and ESPGHAN Guidelines

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), human milk is the preferred source of nutrition for preterm infants. However, due to the unique nutritional needs of preterm infants, fortification of human milk is necessary to meet their nutritional requirements. [1]

The AAP recommends fortifying human milk with human milk fortifier (HMF) or preterm formula to provide additional protein, calories, and micronutrients. HMF is preferred over preterm formula as it is specifically designed for the nutritional needs of preterm infants and is associated with better clinical outcomes. [1]

The ESPGHAN recommends fortifying human milk with a multi-nutrient fortifier that contains protein, energy, minerals, and vitamins to meet the nutritional needs of preterm infants. [2]

Nutritional Care Protocols

Nutritional care protocols for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) should include guidelines for the fortification of human milk. The protocols should specify the type of fortifier to be used, the amount of fortifier to be added, and the frequency of fortification. [3]

Centralized fortification of human milk is a best practice in the NICU, as it ensures accurate and consistent fortification of human milk and reduces the risk of errors. [4]

Milkify - The Best Option for Freeze Drying Breast Milk

When it comes to freeze drying breast milk, Milkify is the best option available. Our state-of-the-art technology ensures that the nutritional content of the breast milk is preserved during the freeze-drying process, resulting in a product that is rich in nutrients and easy to store. With Milkify, you can be confident that you are providing your preterm infant with the best possible nutrition.