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Feeding your baby

  • This section will provide you with lots of information about how, what and when to feed your baby. Our staff will work through the content that is relevant to you and your baby with you.

    Nutrition is important for your baby’s growth and development. On the Butterfly Ward, nutrition is provided in a variety of ways. There are two ways of providing nutrition to your baby nutrition using the gut (gastrointestinal tract) and nutrition through the veins.

    Nutrition using the gut (gastrointestinal tract)

    Most babies are able to take nutrition through their gut. Some babies are able to take their nutrition orally through breastfeeds or bottle feeds. If they are unable to, a feeding tube can be used to provide some or all of their nutrition. Your baby may be fed breastmilk which is best for them, and always the first choice, or formula if breastmilk is not available.

    Nutrition through the veins

    Some babies are not able to be fed in the normal way into their gut. Reasons for this can include your baby being very premature, recent surgery or if they are not able to absorb their milk feeds properly. This nutrition is called Parenteral Nutrition (PN) or Intravenous Nutrition (IVN). Our staff can provide you with more information if your baby needs nutrition into the veins.

    Some babies need both PN and milk feeds for a period of time as their gut matures.