Low Birth Weight

Low BirthWeight
(LBW)
What is it?
*Infants weigh < 5.5 lbs.
-below 10th percentile for gestational age
*3-3.25 lbs. is Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW)
-prone to nutritional deficiencies
-slower pace of feeding is needed, respiratory instability
-non-nutritive sucking can improve oxygen saturation, behavior, feeding behavior
Facts:
*6-7% of live births
*20% to mothers < 15 years of age
-may be small for date
-intrauterine growth retardation or dysmaturity
*Typical complications- hypoglycemia, hypothermia, dry skin, jaundice, anemia,
small amount of fat for cushioning organs
What can I do?
*See your Physician
*See RD for help with feeding infant
*See FFF RD on line for help as needed
-begin with distilled water, infants without respiratory distress
-feed 3-5 days after birth to mature faster
-breast feeding is best, supplement with formula as needed
-increase calories and protein to meet growth and development needs, proper whey
-include essential amino acids as needed