Background Premature infants have a high risk for dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Mother’s own breastmilk (MOM) has been found to favorably alter gut microbiome composition in infants born at term. Evidence about the influence of feeding type on gut microbial colonization of preterm infants is limited. Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of feeding types on gut microbial colonization of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods Thirty-three stable preterm infants were recruited at birth and followed-up for the first 30 days of life. Daily feeding information was used to classify infants into six groups (mother’s own milk [MOM], human donated milk [HDM], formula, MOM+HDM, MOM+Formula, and HDM+forumla) during postnatal days 0–10, 11–20, and 21–30 after birth. Stool samples were collected daily. DNA extracted from stool was used to sequence the 16S rRNA gene. Exploratory data analysis was conducted with a focus on temporal changes of microbial patterns and diversities among infants from different feeding cohorts. Prediction of gut microbial diversity from feeding type was estimated using linear mixed models. Results Preterm infants fed MOM (at least 70% of the total diet) had highest abundance of Clostridiales, Lactobacillales, and Bacillales compared to infants in other feeding groups, whereas infants fed primarily human donor milk or formula had a high abundance of Enterobacteriales compared to infants fed MOM. After controlling for gender, postnatal age, weight and birth gestational age, the diversity of gut microbiome increased over time and was constantly higher in infants fed MOM relative to infants with other feeding types (p < .01). Discussion Mother’s own breast milk benefits gut microbiome development of preterm infants, including balanced microbial community pattern and increased microbial diversity in early life.

These data point to a benefit for problem solving but not for recognition memory at age 9 mo in infants of mothers who consumed a DHA-containing functional food during pregnancy.

Within the visual system, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3) is an important structural component for retinal photoreceptors and cortical gray matter. There is a marked decrease in neural DHA accumulation in the face of DHA deficiency. DHA is accumulated at an accelerated rate during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester. However, pregnant women in the US and Canada have dietary DHA intakes that are significantly below the optimal level. The main objective of this study was to determine whether a DHA-functional food during pregnancy would benefit infant visual acuity at four and six months of age measured behaviorally using the acuity card procedure (ACP). In a randomized, longitudinal, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial, 30 pregnant women received either the DHA-functional food (n = 16) or the placebo (n = 14). There were significant main effects for visual acuity at four months of age (P = 0.018). The mean acuity scores were 3.8 +/- 1.1 cycles/degree in the DHA group versus 3.2 +/- 0.7 cycles/degree in the placebo group. At six months there were no group differences. Based on our results, we conclude that DHA supplemented during pregnancy plays a role in the maturation of the visual system.

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Mothers' own milk is considered the best form of nutrition for preterm infants and the gut microbial community. Variation in fatty acid composition across infant feeding types can affect microbial composition. The evidence for supplementation of prebiotics and probiotics to promote the gut microbial community structure is compelling; however, additional research is needed in this area.

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The dietary intake of EFA and long-chain PUFA (LCPUFA) by women with (n = 14) and without (n = 31) gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was determined by repeated 24-h recalls. Women with GDM consumed significantly more energy as fat compared with women who had uncomplicated pregnancies; absolute dietary fat did not differ. Dietary n-3 LCPUFA was substantially lower than the current recommendation for pregnancy, whereas intake of saturated FA (SFA) exceeded it. We conclude that replacing dietary sources of SFA with those of EFA and LCPUFA, especially n-3 LCPUFA, would benefit the dietary fat profiles of all pregnant women.

Background: According to the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, when supplementary feeding occurs, mothers should be counseled on the use and risks of feeding bottles and teats. To help support this initiative it is important to understand the supplementation practices of Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLC)®. Research aims: To determine (1) if the location of an IBCLC’s practice has any impact on supplemental feeding methods; (2) the preferred methods of and the main reasons for supplementation; (3) the level of an IBCLC’s confidence with supplemental feeding methods; (4) who is making supplemental feeding decisions; and (5) if there are geographical differences among supplementation choices and reasons for supplementation. Methods: An exploratory, descriptive, cross sectional survey of IBCLCs was conducted to generate data about their use of supplemental feeding methods. The survey was sent via email invitation through the International Board of Lactation Consultant’s Board of Examiners, with a response rate of 11.5% ( N = 2,308). Results: There was no standard method of supplementation among participants. Participants indicated that they were confident advising mothers on alternative feeding methods. Only 17.6% ( n = 406) of participants reported that the IBCLC was the caregiver who recommended the method of supplementation used. The majority of participants believed the Supplemental Feeding Tube Device SFTD) best preserves the breastfeeding relationship, and this was their preferred method of supplementation. However, the bottle was ranked as the number one method used in the United States, Australia, and Canada. The use of alternative feeding methods may be overwhelming to the mother. Conclusion: Supplementation by alternative feeding methods might help preserve the breastfeeding relationship and help reach the World Health Organization’s goal of increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates.