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Feeding of low birth weight infants

The Indian Journal of Pediatrics volume 75, pages 459–469 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Optimal feeding of low birth weight (LBW) infants improves their immediate survival and subsequent growth and development. Being a heterogeneous group comprising term and preterm neonates, their feeding abilities, fluid and nutritional requirements are quite different from normal birth weight infants. A practical approach to feeding a LBW infant including choice of initial feeding method, progression of oral feeds, and nutritional supplementation based on her oral feeding skills and nutritional requirements is being discussed in this protocol. Growth monitoring, management of feed intolerance, and the essential skills involved in feeding them have also been described in detail.

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Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi, 110029, India

    M. Jeeva Sankar, Ramesh Agarwal, Satish Mishra, Ashok K. Deorari & Vinod K. Paul

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  1. M. Jeeva Sankar
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  2. Ramesh Agarwal
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  3. Satish Mishra
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  4. Ashok K. Deorari
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  5. Vinod K. Paul
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Correspondence to Vinod K. Paul.

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Jeeva Sankar, M., Agarwal, R., Mishra, S. et al. Feeding of low birth weight infants. Indian J Pediatr 75, 459–469 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-008-0073-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-008-0073-y

Key words

  • Low birth weight
  • Feeding
  • Expression of breast milk
  • Fortification
  • Growth monitoring