Prolacta Takes a Stand for Premature Infant Care
During every November, Prematurity Awareness Month is observed to shine a light on the challenges associated with premature births. Prolacta Bioscience, a leader in neonatal nutrition, is bringing attention to remarkable strides made in the care of premature infants. Their dedication towards improving health outcomes for vulnerable infants resonates deeply with their mission.
The Reality of Premature Births
More than 380,000 infants are born prematurely in the United States each year. Among these, nearly 50,000 weigh 3.3 lbs (1,500 g) or less. These extremely small babies are at a heightened risk for serious health complications, and alarming disparities exist, particularly among Black infants who experience a substantially higher rate of premature births along with increased mortality rates.
Transforming NICU Feeding Practices
Advancements in nutrition have led to groundbreaking changes in neonatal care practices. Particularly, the adoption of human milk-based fortifiers and formulas has dramatically improved the health outcomes for infants born prematurely, especially those as early as 22 weeks gestation. This year, Prolacta’s human milk-based nutritional products have seen use in over 50% of Level III and IV NICUs across the country, significantly aiding hospitals that cater to underserved populations.
Research Highlights
A recent meta-analysis demonstrated a staggering 50% reduction in mortality for preterm infants fed human milk-based nutritional fortifiers compared to those receiving cow milk-based options. This pivotal study emphasizes the crucial role human milk plays in enhancing health outcomes for the tiniest of patients.
Understanding Human Milk Fortifiers in the NICU
For infants born prematurely, nutritional needs vary significantly when compared to their full-term counterparts, often requiring 20% to 40% more calories and protein. The role of human milk fortifiers (HMF) becomes essential as they supplement mother’s own milk or donor breast milk for optimal growth and development.
Two Types of Human Milk Fortifiers
Within the realm of HMFs, there are cow milk-based and human milk-based options. While both fortifiers provide necessary nutrition, research indicates that cow milk-based fortifiers pose increased risks of complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for the smallest preemies, weighing less than 1,250 grams.
Advocacy for Change
Leading groups such as the National Black Nurses Association and the Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses are champions for the transition to human milk-based nutrition in NICUs, acknowledging its life-saving potential. This movement is supported by a growing body of legislation; currently, seven states have enacted laws mandating insurance coverage for human milk-based products.
Latest Legislative Developments
Recent efforts in states like New York and Massachusetts have made significant progress in expanding access to donor human milk and milk-based fortifiers, ensuring better nutritional care for premature infants.
The Future of Neonatal Nutrition
The healthcare community increasingly recognizes the intrinsic value of human milk for critically ill infants. As Prolacta positions itself as a leader in this field, the ongoing support for an Exclusive Human Milk Diet represents a broader commitment to safeguarding the health of preemies and equipping them for success.
Learn More About Prolacta
For additional information about their products and initiatives, visiting Prolacta’s educational resources can provide valuable insights for parents and caregivers.
About Prolacta Bioscience
Prolacta Bioscience is committed to advancing the science of human milk to enhance health outcomes for critically ill and premature infants. With a pioneering approach, they have successfully helped over 100,000 extremely premature infants worldwide through their extensively studied human milk-based products. Prolacta adheres to the highest quality standards, ensuring safety and efficacy in their milk processing methods, making them a trusted partner in neonatal care.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prematurity Awareness Month?
Prematurity Awareness Month is observed every November to raise awareness about the challenges faced by premature infants and to promote better maternal health practices.
How does Prolacta support neonatal care?
Prolacta provides human milk-based nutritional products that significantly improve health outcomes for premature infants, particularly in NICUs.
Why are human milk fortifiers important?
Human milk fortifiers provide essential nutrients that premature infants need for their growth and development, which full-term infants typically receive from breastmilk alone.
What has research shown about the impact of human milk-based fortifiers?
Research indicates a substantial reduction in mortality for infants fed human milk-based fortifiers compared to those receiving cow milk-based options, highlighting their importance in neonatal intensive care.
What role does legislation play in neonatal nutrition?
Legislation supports access to human milk-based nutrition by mandating coverage in health insurance, thereby addressing the essential nutritional needs of premature infants.
