Human milk is NOT sterile, there are bacteria in the ducts.

Schanler and others have not been able to demonstrate a statisically significant increase in NEC or other infections when human milk fortifier (made from cow's milk protein) is added to human milk.  Anyone in the NICU can tell you that we have more feeding intolerance with fortifiers - but the statistics do not confirm it.  The latest study using Prolacta donor milk with mother's own milk, and Prolacta human milk fortifier demonstrated a significant decrease in NEC with an ALL human milk feeding protocol.  We would ALL like to use human milk fortifier made from human milk, but the cost is enormous at today's prices, even given the cost of a case of NEC.

Nancy
Nancy E. Wight MD, IBCLC, FABM, FAAP 
Attending Neonatologist, Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women 
Medical Director, Sharp HealthCare Lactation Service 
San Diego, CA, USA 
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