What Are Babies Fed in the NICU?
• Total parenteral nutrition (TPN). This is a solution that provides all the nutrition your baby needs. It is given through the vein. Most very early preemies will be given TPN. This is because their digestive systems are not yet mature, so they can’t absorb enough nutrition through regular feedings. • Breast milk. Your baby can be given pumped breast milk with a gavage feeding or with a bottle. Many preemies learn to breastfeed while in the NICU. • Formula. Special formulas are designed for preemies’ needs. This will be used if you are unable to breastfeed or choose not to. It may also be used to supplement breast milk. Formula can be given with a gavage feeding or a bottle. TPN is used to give your baby nutrition until the baby’s digestive system is ready for gavage, breast, or bottle feeding. Shaded spots are possible insertion sites for a TPN line. A gavage tube goes through the baby’s nose down into the stomach. It can be used to give your baby breast milk or formula.
