Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO recommendations for care of the preterm or low-birth-weight infant.
Year of Publication2022
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
Updated
Mother’s own milk is recommended for feeding of preterm or low-birth-weight (LBW) infants, including very preterm (< 32 weeks’ gestation) or very LBW (< 1.5 kg) infants
Recommended in favor
Strong
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
Remarks
- The GDG made a strong recommendation despite low-certainty evidence because of the consistent harm from infant formula on two critical outcomes (necrotizing enterocolitis and infection) and lack of evidence of benefit from infant formula.
- The GDG also considered that providing mother’s own milk is the standard of care across all countries and the core of many national policies and programmes.
- Mothers should also be encouraged and supported before and after birth to provide their own breastmilk (including colostrum) for their infants.