Breast-feeding the premature infant.

Although some controversy persists regarding the nutritional adequacy of breast milk for the very low birth weight infant, most authorities agree that milk expressed from the infant's biologic mother and fortified with additional minerals and protein is a proper source of nutrition. Proper support of the preterm infant and mother during expression of breast milk and during the transition to nursing requires a broad knowledge base and familiarity with the practical aspects of breast-feeding.