Anne asked about what discharged preterm infants should be fed and the idea
of mixing formula and breast milk together. One mixes breast milk into
formula to help the baby absorb fats better. When one mixes pre-term formula
into breast milk it decreases lysozyme activity by 41-74% which reduces the
ability of breast milk to inhibit bacterial growth.

Quan R, et al: The effect of nutritional additives on anti-infective factors
in human milk. Clin Pediatr 1994; June:325-328

Since the neonatologist will not be able to give you research-based
information or studies to support much of the recommendations to parents on
feeding discharged preemies, we need to ask if hind milk feedings which are
very calorie dense (up to 28 calories/oz) can be used instead of formula.

A good book on breastfeeding preemies is

Lang S: Breastfeeding Special Care Babies. London: Bailliere Tindall/W.B.
Saunders, 1997. If you need references on preemie conditions, you are better
off securing a neonatal textbook that is specific to care of the preterm
baby.

Call me if you need to know where to find these books and references.

Marsha Walker
781 893-3553