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Human milk contains unique biologically active agents, such as growth factors, hormones, neuropeptides, and anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors, that most likely are key features (1) that facilitate protection for the preterm infant from necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). (2) Mother’s own milk (MOM) is the preferred source, but if this is not sufficient or if the mother is unable to provide milk, the American Academy of Pediatrics has described pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) as a safe alternative. (3) NICU feeding protocols, therefore, often include MOM and donor milk for at least the first 30 days after birth or until a corrected age of 34 weeks’ gestation or less, a period that appears to bear the highest risk of NEC. (4) However, on the basis of these studies,...
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