Donor Milk, Mother's Breast Milk, and Infant Formula: A Comparison of Preterm Infant Nutritional Outcomes

Abstract

<p>Although mother's breast milk is considered the best nutritional source for both term and preterm infants, as many as 25% of all preterms do not receive their mother's breast milk. In the absence of the best nutritional source, vulnerable preterms need the best alternative nutritional source. The purpose of this study is to determine the differences in the nutritional outcomes of weight gain, length gain, head circumference, infection rate, and length of hospital stay for preterm infants fed with either mother's own milk, donor human milk, or cow's milk-based infant formula. Three study hypotheses incorporate findings from the literature regarding the nutritional outcomes associated with the three types of preterm feedings indicating differences not only between donor milk and infant formula, but also mother's breast milk and donor milk. The sample for this quasi-experimental study will be preterm infants born in three local hospitals at 24 to 37 weeks gestation. After obtaining a signed informed consent from the mothers, each preterm will be placed in one of three groups based on the mother's preference. Mother's who choose to breast feed will comprise group 1; while preterms placed in Groups 2 or 3 will receive donor human milk or infant formula, respectively, with Group 3 functioning as the control group. The dependent variables of weight and presence of infection will be documented at the bedside daily. The dependent variables of head circumference and height will be measured and documented at the bedside each week. Upon discharge, the total number of hospital days will be calculated for each infant. Outcomes for each group will be compared using ANOVA statistical analysis. The results of this study will assist in the determination of the best alternative source of nutrition for preterm infants when mother's own milk is unavailable.</p><p>This presentation occurred at the Wright State University Campus-Wide Celebration of Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities on April 16, 2010</p>