Bunda, Simak Panduan Susu BBLR untuk Bayi Lahir Prematur
What is LBW Formula and What Are Its Benefits?
According to the Indonesian Pediatric Society, premature babies are born before the mother's pregnancy reaches 37 weeks. Generally, premature or preterm babies have a low birth weight (LBW) of under 2500 grams. To catch up on their weight, one solution is to provide specialized LBW formula to achieve good nutritional status.
LBW formula is a formula specially designed for babies born with low birth weight so they can quickly reach their ideal weight. Although it can be given to premature babies, its nutritional content cannot surpass that of breast milk.
For mothers who give birth to a premature baby but are not yet able to breastfeed directly after delivery, it is permissible to supplement nutrition with LBW formula. As breast milk production becomes smoother and is complemented by the special formula, it will contribute to the baby's weight gain.
Guidelines for Proper LBW Formula Feeding
Administering the Correct Dosage
As previously explained, unlike full-term babies, premature babies are usually unable to breastfeed directly from the mother's breast or via a bottle at the beginning of their birth. Besides having a low birth weight, LBW formula is recommended if the mother has a specific medical condition that makes breastfeeding impossible.
The goal of providing LBW formula is to focus on the baby’s ideal growth while ensuring their nutritional needs are met. The administration of LBW formula must also be adjusted to the baby's age, weight, and health condition. Therefore, ensure you consult with a doctor regarding the appropriate formula dosage for your little one.
LBW Formula Should be Given Regularly
Besides knowing the correct dosage, you also need to pay attention to providing the formula regularly according to the schedule recommended by the doctor.
No Need to Add Other Ingredients
LBW formula has been formulated with the nutritional content necessary to meet the needs of premature babies. According to the American Heart Association, avoid consuming added sugar for children under 2 years old. This is because excessive consumption of added sugar can interfere with the little one's health in the future, such as causing cavities, obesity, and even heart disease.
Therefore, you do not need to add other ingredients, including sugar or honey, to your little one's formula, as it can have a negative impact on their growth.
Proper Instructions for Formula Preparation
When preparing formula for premature babies under 3 months old, use hot water to kill microbes. Boil water until it reaches a boil, then let it stand for 5 minutes. Pour it into a clean baby bottle and mix with the milk powder. Before giving it to the baby, cool it down to body temperature.
How Long Should LBW Formula be Given?
To maintain the health and safety of a prematurely born baby, the provision of LBW formula should certainly be based on a doctor's recommendation. The duration of formula feeding for LBW babies also depends on the doctor's instructions based on their progress in reaching target health milestones.
Eventually, when the baby's growth shows optimal progress and their sucking and swallowing abilities improve, they will be able to breastfeed from the mother or from a bottle. It is not impossible for premature and low-birth-weight babies to eventually receive exclusive breastfeeding just like those born at full term.
Are There Risks to Providing LBW Formula?
Premature babies and those with low birth weight tend to have very sensitive digestive systems and weak immune systems.
Therefore, providing anything other than breast milk carries the risk of the baby experiencing various health issues, including allergies, digestive infections, lactose intolerance, nutritional disorders, and others.
Based on the potential health risks, it is highly advised that LBW formula not be given indiscriminately and must be in accordance with a doctor's recommendation.
Routinely Pump Breast Milk so Exclusive Breastfeeding Nutrition is Optimal
As your condition recovers postpartum, and as the baby's sucking and swallowing abilities increase, enhance breast milk production naturally by consuming milk-boosting foods and routinely pumping, Mother.
To ensure smooth breast milk production, you need to pump breast milk regularly at 2-3 hour intervals or a total of 8-12 times in 24 hours. You can rely on the Hegen Ecap & Ediaphragm Electric Breast Pump or the Hegen Diaphragm and Stem Manual Breast Pump, which help make the pumping process easier and more practical.
You can pump directly into the Hegen 150ml Feeding Bottle PPSU to prevent breast milk from being oxidized by the air. By simply changing the lid, the breast milk can be given directly to the baby by attaching a collar that is already integrated with an anti-colic teat. Uniquely, the Hegen Teat has different milk flows: slow, medium & fast flow.
The PPSU material of the Hegen Bottle is tested to be BPA-free, very lightweight, safe for your little one, and durable. PPSU has a natural amber (golden-orange) color and contains no artificial coloring.
Discover the collection of multifunctional Hegen Bottle products and other breastfeeding essentials that you can view on the official Hegen Indonesia website. Grab yours now!
References
- Directorate General of Health Services. Premature Baby Care. https://yankes.kemkes.go.id/view_artikel/603/perawatan-bayi-prematur
- Indonesian Pediatric Society. Breastfeeding Preterm Infants. https://www.idai.or.id/artikel/klinik/asi/pemberian-asi-pada-bayi-lahir-kurang-bulan
- ibudanbalita.com. Mom, These Are Formulas for Premature Babies to Gain Weight Quickly. https://www.ibudanbalita.com/artikel/susu-formula-untuk-bayi-prematur-agar-cepat-gemuk
