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International Breastfeeding Journal

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Open Access 01-12-2018 | Case Report

Using donor human milk to feed vulnerable term infants: a case series in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Authors: Penelope Reimers, Natalie Shenker, Gillian Weaver, Anna Coutsoudis

Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal | Issue 1/2018

Abstract

Background

Donor human milk is the World Health Organization’s recommendation for infant feeding when the mother’s own breast milk is unavailable. Breast milk has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality and in low birthweight infants, donor milk reduces the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis, late onset sepsis and improves outcomes. There is a paucity of literature documenting outcomes of using donor human milk in older children who need additional support for a variety of health issues.

Case presentation

A series of seven case studies is presented of orphaned and abandoned children, many of whom were either HIV exposed or positive. All children were fed with pasteurised donor human milk at a transition home and their progress reported.

Conclusions

Although detailed medical records were not always available, the case studies provide anecdotal evidence of the protective effects of donor human milk against failure to thrive, diarrhoea, atopic dermatitis, and opportunistic infections.

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Title: Using donor human milk to feed vulnerable term infants: a case series in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Authors: Penelope Reimers
Natalie Shenker
Gillian Weaver
Anna Coutsoudis
Publication date: 01-12-2018
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: International Breastfeeding Journal / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1746-4358
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-018-0185-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Using donor human milk to feed vulnerable term infants: a case series in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Case presentation

Conclusions

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