We also give our babies pentavite (multivitamins,minerals etc) which
continues after the HMF is ceased.
Mums can continue this after discharge as they can buy it over the counter
at the chemist if they so desire.
Babies who need it are also prescribe Fergon(iron) after 28days.

The thing to remember is that while these babies are in hospital their
electrolytes etc can be monitored and if necessary they can be given
supplements to help with their growth via oral or intravenous  means
depending on their post conceptional age and size at the time .

Our babies are followed up in Infant Follow-up Clinic and we also have a
programme that is following them up until they start school at 6yrs old to
find out about their growth and development progress compared to that of
babies delivered at term with no complications.Not sure if anything has been
published yet but can check when back at work.

We encourage exclusive breastfeeding and we aim for a clinical indicator of
80% fully breastfeeding on discharge.My unit paid for me to do the
Australasian Lactation Consultant's Certificate Course as part of this .We
have a breastfeeding project officer,who also works for the Australian
Breastfeeding Network and several board certified IBCLCs on staff.All other
nursing staff within the nursery has a do a breastfeeding competency package
each year.Agency staff have a read  our breastfeeding requirements and sign
a statement that they will adhere to our policy .

Marian, yes I have read about the possible need for extra supplementation
after discharge for these babies whilst doing my lactation course.However,
(tongue in cheek) your unit's neo's are trained by different neonatologists
with different beliefs to ours or so it seems.This was obvious to us when we
had one of the MMH's senior neo registrars do a term in our unit ,he did
things slightly different from what we were use to.

However,we work hard at training all the medical staff who go through our
unit to be breastfeeding advocates so  when they go into private practice,it
is hoped when someone comes to them with a breastfeeding problem they will
have the appropraite knowledge to give the right advise or refer to a
lactation consultant if they don't and not just said give it formula or
start solids too early.

Anne Clements
Brisbane QLD
Australia

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