Growth & Development: Case study 9

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Growth & Development Topics
Table of Contents
Pre module evaluation
Growth of Term Infants
Development of Term Infants
Preterm Infants
Post module evaluation
References

Case Study: A preterm infant

Elizabeth was born at 29 weeks gestation after a pregnancy complicated by placenta previa. Her birth weight was 935 grams. Her mother had breast fed her two previous children for six months, and wants to breastfeed Elizabeth.

Q1: What does Elizabeth's mother need to do at the present and how?

Elizabeth was fed breastmilk within the first week of life and did very well. By 32 to 33 weeks gestation with a weight of 1300 grams, she was feeding fortified expressed breastmilk effectively via a bottle.

Q2: Elizabeth's mother wants to know when she can nurse?

Elizabeth now weighs 2000 grams, and is ready for discharge. She is 36 weeks gestation. She is taking fortified breastmilk every 3 to 4 hours, and her mother is nursing her 2 to 3 times a day.

Q3: What discharge instructions should you give this mother about breastfeeding?

Q4: Does Elizabeth need any supplements?


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