TUCSON, Ariz. — Banner UMC's NICU is adopting an exclusive human-milk diet. This is aimed at supporting the growth and health of infants born weighing less than two pounds.
The product is Prolacta's 100-percent Breast Milk-based fortifier.
"The quick way to put it is to save little baby guts so that they are digesting better and holding on to all of the nutrients. They're growing faster," said Peggy Eisele, the RN Director of Women and Children's Services at Banner.
Banner says this exclusive diet has been proven to improve health for critically ill preemies compared to the use of cow milk-based fortifier or formula.
"Its not a manufactured thing. This is human milk and that is the best food for any baby," said Eisele.
And exclusive human-milk diets for preemies is a trend picking up speed in NICU's across the nation.
"It is a Banner norm. We're the most recent Banner Hospital to be doing it, we just happen to be the first one's in Tucson," said Eisele.
And so far , Eisele says, parents are liking the idea.
"I mean, natural, its better for you, better growth, shorter hospital stay. There's, there's no downside," said Eisele.
