When medically possible, when can enteral feeds begin in neonates and what is the preferred formula?

When medically possible, when can enteral feeds begin in neonates and what is the preferred formula?

• A. Two weeks after birth; cow's milk
• B. On the day of birth, with the preferred feeding being human milk
• C. After discharge; iron-fortified formula
• D. On the day after birth; soy-based formula preferred

Answer: (B)

Initiating enteral feeds as soon as the infant is medically stable supports gut maturation and lowers infection risk. When a neonate can tolerate it, feeding is started on the day of birth. The best choice is human milk because it provides immune factors and nutrients that promote gut integrity and reduce complications such as infection and necrotizing enterocolitis, more so than alternatives. Cow’s milk, soy-based, or delaying feeds beyond the immediate newborn period misses these benefits or introduces higher risks, so human milk on the day of birth is the preferred strategy whenever possible.

Initiating enteral feeds as soon as the infant is medically stable supports gut maturation and lowers infection risk. When a neonate can tolerate it, feeding is started on the day of birth. The best choice is human milk because it provides immune factors and nutrients that promote gut integrity and reduce complications such as infection and necrotizing enterocolitis, more so than alternatives. Cow’s milk, soy-based, or delaying feeds beyond the immediate newborn period misses these benefits or introduces higher risks, so human milk on the day of birth is the preferred strategy whenever possible.