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Donor Human Milk for Preterm Infants

Journal of Perinatology volume 21, pages 249–254 (2001)Cite this article

Abstract

As survival rates for preterm infants improve, more attention is being focused on improving the quality of survival through optimal nutritional management. The benefits of human milk for term infants are well recognized, with current research suggesting that human milk may especially benefit the preterm infant. Some mothers are unable or unwilling to provide breastmilk for their infants. Although not as well studied as mother's own milk, pasteurized donor human milk can provide many of the components and benefits of human milk while eliminating the risk of transmission of infectious agents. Pasteurization does affect some of the nutritional and immunologic components of human milk, but many immunoglobulins, enzymes, hormones, and growth factors are unchanged or minimally decreased. In California donor human milk costs approximately $3.00 per ounce to purchase. A reduction in length of stay, necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis may result in a relative saving of approximately $11 to the NICU or healthcare plan for each $1 spent for pasteurized donor milk.

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Acknowledgements

My thanks to Thomas M. Ball MD, MPH for his review of the paper and suggestions, to Mr. Jack Hallmark, Sharp Finance for assistance with cost estimates, and the staff and administration of SMBHW for their dedication to the very best for our patients.

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  1. Lactation Services, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women, San Diego, CA

    Nancy E Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC

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  1. Nancy E Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC
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Wight, N. Donor Human Milk for Preterm Infants. J Perinatol 21, 249–254 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7200533

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