Is there literature out there????

Is there evidence based theories out there that would support starting OGT feeds on a 23+5 week baby less than 12 hours of age?

I'm not talking gut-priming with sterile water.....I'm talking half strength premature 24 cal formula.

Any input would be appreciated

[SteveNNP, MSN, NP]

There are many studies out there that show that initiating trophic feeds immediately does not increase the risk of NEC, neither does the presence of an umbilical catheter.

We had a lecture last week where we were told that the evidence does not support diluting formulas. Use breastmilk or 20 cal formula until a full volumes are reached, then switch to higher cal formulas.

[Sweeper933]

We had a lecture last week where we were told that the evidence does not support diluting formulas. Use breastmilk or 20 cal formula until a full volumes are reached, then switch to higher cal formulas.

We actually stopped using 20cal premie formula. We start all babies who get formula straight on 24cal. The osmolarity is the same in 20 and 24cal formulas... If they are getting breast milk, we still give 20cal until they are on full feeds then get fortified.

[prmenrs, RN]

I like the idea of putting mom on a breast pump til you get a ml or so of colostrum for the 1st feed @ least, but I know it's not always possible.

[BittyBabyGrower, MSN, RN]

If the kid is stable we prime one-two days out. But most of our 23 weekers are pretty darn bad. We don't use sterile water anymore...either mom's milk or PF24.