Eating is not essential to survive in the NICU.  I can make any infant grow
with just IV fluids (hyperalimentation).  The point is, however, that infant
will not reach his/her optimal physicial or intellectual potential with
breastmilk.  Nutrition is not as dramatic or "sexy" as twiddling ventilator
dials, inserting chest tubes, playing with nitric oxide or ECMO (and I have
done it all!), but it is essential for optimal growth and development.  Most
neonatologists have just realized, in the last few years, how important early
nutrition is - which is why we have TPN on day 1 of life and "trophic" feeds
on day 1 or 2.

Footnote: if you have a full term infant pressed too close to the breast so
that he/she can't breathe, will the infant chose eating or breathing?  He
will chose breathing every time!  Babies are smart !

Nancy

Nancy E. Wight MD, FAAP, IBCLC
Neonatologist
Medical Director, Lactation Services
San Diego, CA, USA

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