Probiotics

Published

I currently work in a level Iv nicu and was wondering if any of the NICUs u work out give baby's probiotics...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I was just talking about this topic the other day! None of the NICUs I've worked at have done it but I think doing so would work wonders for their little guts, especially the ones at higher risk for NEC.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

We work with one of the top neonatal nutritionists and she isn't an advocate. I have to ask her again what her reason is.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Our view is that breastmilk is the best source of probiotics and immunoglobulins for our preemies and term babies. We encourage breastmilk use, and haven't introduced any probiotics here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yea we haven't either but I would think it could benefit them. We also use donor milk if none is available from mom but I think in conjunction with breast milk probiotics could help .... I'm doing research to see if it could help these babies

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Yes, breastmilk is the best. We always give preemies breastmilk whether mother's or donor. Colonize the gut that way. Would giving probiotics interfere with the components of breastmilk?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

http://www.academiamexicanadepediatria.com.mx/publicaciones/bibliografias/2013/mayo-15.pdf

Excellent publication our nutritionist recommended...around S64 is where it starts to mention probiotics and the link to possible sepsis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion