1. Newborn Nutrition Neonatal Nursing Care Part 4
Developed by D. Ann Currie , RN, MSN

2. Nutritional Comparison: Breast Milk
90% water
Same weight gain or greater during first 3-4 months
Fat is variable
Primary carbohydrate is lactose, trace amounts of other carbohydrates

3. Components of Breast Milk
Whey/Casein ratio changes according to infant needs
Whey components include alpha-lactalbumin, serum albumin, lactoferrin, immunoglobulins, and lysozyme
Low in vitamin D, adequate vitamin C & B complex
Mineral content similar
Iron absorption: 50-60%

4. Advantages of Breastfeeding
Species specific
Cholesterol in breast milk plays a role in myelination and neurologic development
More efficient metabolism of cholesterol
Composition varies according to gestational age
Iron is more readily absorbed

5. Infant Benefits Reduced risk of Protection from
Type I or type II diabetes mellitus
Lymphoma, leukemia, & Hodgkin’s disease
Obesity
Hypercholesterolemia
Asthma
Protection from
Respiratory tract and gastrointestinal tract infections
Necrotizing enterocolitis
Urinary tract infections
Otitis media
Bacterial meningitis

6. Maternal Physical Benefits
Decreased postpartum bleeding
More rapid uterine involution
Burns additional calories
Decreased risk of developing
Breast and ovarian cancer
Postmenopausal osteoporosis

7. Maternal Psychosocial Benefits
Improved maternal-infant attachment
Skin-to-skin contact
Tactile communication
Learn behavioral cues and needs
Prolactin increases feelings of relaxation and euphoria
Oxytocin heightens responsiveness and receptivity toward infant

8. Disadvantages to Breastfeeding
Pain due to nipple tenderness
Leaking milk when breasts are full
Embarrassment about breastfeeding
Feeling tied down to the demands of breastfeeding
Unequal feeding responsibilities/fathers left out
Perceptions about diet restrictions
Limited birth control options
Vaginal dryness
Concerns about the safety of medications and breastfeeding

9. Feeding Interventions: Birthing Room
Assess for signs of readiness to feed
Place newborn on mother’s chest
Breastfeeding may begin in birthing room
Assess infant physiologic status during feeding

10. Feeding Interventions
Monitor progress
Education
Anticipatory guidance
Evaluate the need for follow-up after discharge

11. Infant Feeding Education
On Demand” feeding pattern
Infant feeding cues
Normal feeding/sleeping patterns
Satiety behaviors
Growth patterns

12. Breastfeeding Education
Positioning
Latching
Breast milk pumping and storage
Supplementation

13. Nutritional Comparison: Formula
90% water
Greater weight gain after 3-4 months
Lactose is only carbohydrate

14. Components of Formula Whey/Casein ratio is 60:40
Whey components are beta-lactoglobulin and alpha-lactalbumin
Adequate amounts of vitamins
Mineral content similar

15. Formula Feeding Education
Intake and output expectations
Preparation and storage of formula
Feeding technique
Equipment
Safety precautions

16. Growth Rates
Both breastfed and formula-fed infants experience growth spurts requiring increased feedings
Breastfeeding mother should nurse more frequently
Formula feeding mother should slightly increase amount of feeding

17. Influence of Culture on Infant Feeding
Perception of breasts as sexual organ
Perceptions of colostrum
Language

18. The End of Part IV