NPMT

Tutorial

Infant Feeding & Growing

Introduction

Any clinican working with children requires a solid understanding of neonate nutrition and the clinical manifestations of inadequate nutrition. This tutorial covers the normal nutrition, growth and development of the neonate, management of glucose and enteral feeding intitation in the newly born neonate and briefly considers common causes of enteral feeding intolerance and alternative feeding options.

Content Contributors:

Author: Dr Alice Morgan

Content approval: Dr Damon Shorter

Version History
Verison 1: May 2020

  • It requires 1 hours preparation.

  • It can be taught in 1 hours

Preparation materials: Curriculum Pack, Developmental Milestones Guide (PDF)

Teaching approach

As with all modules, familiarise yourself with the NPMT principles prior to planning your session.

Session aims and objectives

  1. Understand the patterns of normal weight gain and weight loss in the neonate

  2. Understand the causes of excess weight loss

  3. To understand the basic nutritional requirements of the neonate (glucose, sodium)

  4. To understand the differences between the types of milk and formula available for enteral feeding

  5. Be able to assess when a newborn is suitable for commencement of oral feeds

  6. To outline the general principles of up-titration of enteral feeds

  7. To understand the timing and indications for feed fortification, vitamin and mineral supplementation

  8. Be able to recognise signs and symptoms of enteral feed intolerance

  9. To understand which options are available as alternate sources of nutrition in neonates

Tips & Tricks:

  • It is recommended to schedule this tutorial close to the session Developmental Milestones given the importance of feeding on infant development

  • Preparing worked examples for students to apply the guidelines to is a great way to consolidate their knowledge

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