Human milk feedings during the critical periods of early life for premature infants contribute to both short and long-term benefits. “The potent benefits of human milk are such that all preterm infants should receive human milk.” (AAP, 2012) Additionally, all preterm infants should receive fortified human milk to ensure optimal intake of protein, minerals, and vitamins. Now, fortification can be achieved by using human milk-based fortifiers. This program will evaluate strategies to optimize enteral nutrition to improve growth outcomes in very low birth weight infants.
Dr. Melinda Elliott is a neonatologist with the Pedatrix Medical Group of Maryland and the Senior Director of Clinical Education and Professional Development at Prolacta Bioscience. She received her undergraduate degree in biology at Bethany College in Bethany, WV and her M.D. at West Virginia University School of Medicine. Dr. Elliott trained as an intern and resident in pediatrics at the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida. She was chief resident and instructor in pediatrics before completing her fellowship in Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine, also at the University of Florida. Her main areas of interest are in breastfeeding practices of the very low birthweight infants, particularly the benefits of an exclusive human milk diet.
