Gastrointestinal/Nutrition Section

The information on this page is intended for health professionals reference and use only. If you are a parent or family member looking for information about treatment, please visit unit information.

Contents

1.0 Introduction
2.0 Scope of guideline
3.0 Guideline

1.0 Introduction

Good nutrition is important at all stages of life. Babies are born at a time of rapid growth and formation of body tissues and organs, yet immature metabolism means they are unable to cope with either excess or lack of nutrients. Detail in both the quantity and quality of nutrients is critically important.

There is clear evidence that mother’s breast milk confers many advantages to both babies and mothers. As well as providing optimal nutrition for human development, breast milk contains many factors which promote immune function and enable healthy intestinal development. Breast milk and breast-feeding should be the preferred milk feed and all mothers should be encouraged and supported to breast feed.

Preterm infants and those with congenital abnormalities or metabolic disorders may require nutrient supplements or special feeds and may require a period of intravenous nutrition until the gut is able to support their needs.

Measuring growth and monitoring biochemical well-being is crucial to optimising nutrition in high risk individuals.

2.0 Scope of guideline

The guideline applies to all neonatal units in the Wessex region covered by Thames Valley and Wessex Operational Delivery Neonatal Networks. This includes the following hospitals:

3.0 Guideline

It was agreed at the March 2023 Governance Group meeting that the Network would adopt the UHS Nutritional Care of Infants in the Neonatal Unit guideline. Please click below to view this.

UHS Nutritional Care of Infants in the Neonatal Unit Guideline