Overview

Preterm and very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1,500g) infants who receive donor human milk (DHM) often experience slow postnatal growth and no clinical data is available to guide the duration of DHM for preterm infants. The investigators hypothesize that transitioning from DHM to preterm infant formula after the first month of life is both safe and conveys improved weight and length gains and fat free mass accumulation.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Greater than 1,250 grams
2. At least 28 days of life
3. Diet consisting of donor human milk with/without mother's own milk

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Birth weight below the 5th percentile
2. History of necrotizing enterocolitis, spontaneous intestinal perforation, or other gastrointestinal disorder
3. Congenital anomalies
4. Care team discretion