The role of human milk fortification for premature infants.

This article focuses on the current experience with the use of fortified milk in feeding premature infants. The use of fortified human milk provides the premature infant adequate growth, nutrient retention, and biochemical indices of nutritional status when fed at approximately 180 mL/kg/d compared with unfortified human milk. When compared with preterm formula, the feeding of fortified human milk may provide significant protection from infection and necrotizing enterocolitis. Neonatal centers should encourage the feeding of fortified milk for premature infants. Skin-to-skin contact is a reasonable method to enhance milk production while potentially facilitating the development of an enteromammary response.