Global statistical data acclaims that there are approximately 6,700 newborn deaths every day, amounting to 47% of all child deaths under the age of 5 years. According to WHO, globally, 2.4 million children die in the initial birth months every year; due to preterm birth and its associated complications. However, the mortality rate and preterm-birth health manifestations can be prevented, to a greater extent, with the incidence of upcoming, recent, and cost-effective interventions. Medical advances have intended that more than 9 out of 10 premature babies survive, and most go on to develop normally, but they are at higher risk of developmental problems. Though the complications of prematurity may vary; but, in general, the earlier the baby is born, the higher the risk of complications.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all infants, either full-term or preterm, be fed exclusively with breastmilk during the first six months of life due to evidence of both short- and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages. Breastmilk is best suited for neonatal nutritional needs and is of utmost importance for the development and growth of the baby. It also boosts immunity and provides protection from various infections and illnesses. Mothers with premature babies have a slightly different composition of breastmilk than full-term delivery mothers. Premature breast milk is high in protein and minerals like salt, and the types of fat it contains are easy to digest and readily absorbed by the baby. 

Several researchers have supported that the nutrients and calories in human milk are often enough for "older" or "bigger" premature neonates and many other high-risk babies. But lower nutrient levels and the "full-term" calorie count in human milk may cause problems for a low-birth-weight baby who weighed 1,500 grams or less at birth. Very preterm and low-birth-weight babies miss the growth of fat, muscle, and bones that usually happens in the last few weeks of pregnancy. To "catch up" on this growth, they need a boost of protein and minerals that breastmilk alone cannot provide. This arises the need for additional supplements and breastmilk fortification that provides extra protein, calories, calcium, or phosphorus necessary for bone growth and holistic development of preterm infants.

Human Milk Fortifiers supply the nutrients required and support the rapid growth and bone mineralization of the preterm infant. NeoLacta provides a wide range of commercial human milk fortifiers, well-formulated with apt proportions of macronutrients and micronutrients, predominantly protein-mineral supplements. NeoLacta human milk-based formulations supplement and enhance the nutritional value of breastmilk to meet the babys higher nutritive requirements. It supplies protein for growth and vital minerals, calcium, and phosphorous that low-birth-weight and high-risk babies need for proper bone development. 

Resources -

https://www.brighamandwomens.org/obgyn/maternal-fetal-medicine/pregnancy-complications/preterm-birth

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6439523

https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/reproductive-care/breastfeeding-week-2022-tips-for-breastfeeding-a-premature-baby

https://breastfeeding.support/human-milk-fortifiers/

https://neolacta.com