GI - Poor Feeding

Question 1

Breast milk

Answer 1

Breast milk contains antibodies that can help protect the neonate against infection. Breastfeeding has been linked to reduced infections in the neonatal period, better cognitive development, lower risk of certain conditions later in life and a reduced risk ofsudden infant death syndrome.

Question 2

Feeding volumes

Answer 2

On formula feed, babies should receive around 150ml of milk per kg of body weight. Preterm and underweight babies may require larger volumes. This is split between feeds every 2-3 hours initially, then to 4 hours and longer between feeds. Eventually babies and infants transition tofeeding on demand

Question 3

Weaning

Answer 3

Weaning refers to the gradual transition from milk to normal food. Weaning usuallystarts around 6 monthsof age. It starts with pureed foods that are easy to palate, swallow and digest, for example pureed fruit and “baby rice”.