Nutritional Support of the Preterm and Sick Term Infant to Improve Neurodevelopmental Outcome (Appropriate Caloric and Nutrient Intake, Importance of Human Milk)

Optimal nutritional support is a key aspect of management of premature and term infants and can impact long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Necrotizing enterocolitis is a condition that can impact premature infants as well as term infants particularly if they have had asphyxia or other hypoperfusion events. Modifications in nutritional support including prioritization of human breast milk, delayed initiation of enteral feeds following asphyxia, and parenteral nutrition support during times of bowel rest can minimize morbidity and complications of bowel hypoperfusion and ensure adequate nutritional support.