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The Fashionable Housewife

The Fashionable Housewife

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Necrotizing Enterocolitis: The Risks Of Using Formula For Premature Babies

Modified on February 26, 2022 at 4:23 PM

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I’ve always joked that the only guarantee with parenting is that there’s always someone stepping up to tell you you’re doing it wrong. This isn’t an argument for or against breastfeeding or using formula. Consider it more of an exercise in caution. Everyone wants an opinion on how you should raise your kids, from what kind of diapers you should use to how often you should bathe them. This is definitely the case when it comes to how you should or shouldn’t feed them. 

Mothers know that the way we choose to nurture our babies is a choice for us to make, not the court of public opinion. When it comes to premature little bundles of joy, we also know that it’s important to exercise an abundance of caution and it’s our job to make sure that however we choose to nurture them, we’re doing so armed with knowledge. 

What is it

Necrotizing Enterocolitis, or NEC, is a disease that causes intestinal inflammation. There is no exact cause but instances are higher in babies born prematurely. Health scientists believe that bacteria in the gut can lead to it and that babies born preterm are more susceptible because their immune systems aren’t quite developed yet. 

  • Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms include bloated tummy, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stool, or feeding problems. If you notice your baby exhibiting one or more than one of these symptoms, do not panic. Some of these are common and can be ruled out as gas or sour stomach. 

  • Diagnosis

However, if they continue for more than a day or are observed frequently, you might want to dig a little deeper. Doctors can diagnose NEC by performing an ultrasound to check for inflammation in the intestines. They can also do a series of blood tests or urine and stool samples to check for bacteria.

  • Risk Factors

Even though experts haven’t yet pinpointed an exact cause, some factors can increase the risk of infection 

  • Illness
  • Exposure to an outbreak
  • Premature birth
  • Blood transfusion
  • Baby formula

While almost every risk factor mentioned is unavoidable in most circumstances, the one we can definitely control is using baby formula. If you find yourself in a position where you need or choose to use formula fully, or even as a supplement, please make sure you’re choosing one that is healthy for your little one. 

Links between formula and NEC

As mentioned above, knowledge is power and you don’t know what you don’t know. When it comes to what you put in your child’s body, the more you know, the less likely you are to inadvertently harm them. 

More and more studies are showing a link between NEC and the use of cow’s milk-based formulas in premature babies. This isn’t to say you can’t use formulas at all, but take care in using one that is specifically designed with your preemie’s health in mind. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that human breast milk is the safest option for babies born prematurely, but in the event that you can’t express it on your own or get it from a human milk donor, both Similac and Enfamil have products that use human milk fortifiers. 

Take extra caution in reading the labels because these two formula giants are also the target of messy lawsuits involving infants that contracted NEC as a result of using formula. 

Treatment

The good news is that Necrotizing Enterocolitis is highly treatable and the survival rate is rather high if it’s caught early. Your pediatrician will recommend resting the intestines and nourishment will be administered intravenously. Depending on the severity, a round of antibiotics might be enough. In more severe cases, your baby may need to undergo surgery to remove the damaged portion of the intestine

Should your infant end up being diagnosed, you may be able to seek recourse. An injury attorney who specializes in these cases, such as Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, may be able to help you receive compensation for damages.

Long-term Effects

Most babies recover fully from NEC, but for more severe instances, and especially for premature babies who’ve had a section of the bowel or intestine removed, the damage can linger. One of the most common long-term side effects is malabsorption, in which the damaged area around the removal site simply doesn’t absorb nutrients. Infants can also experience blockages down the road that will need to be addressed. 

Again, none of this is meant to scare you. Motherhood is scary enough. But it’s important to be armed with information when it comes to your baby’s health. No matter what method you choose, there will always be things to consider and we know your baby’s safety is of utmost concern. Hang in there, momma. 

Related posts:

Can Formula Ever Really Replace Breast Milk?Can Formula Ever Really Replace Breast Milk?

Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on February 26, 2022 at 4:23 PM
Filed Under: Breastfeeding
Tagged With: breast milk, Breastfeeding, breastmilk, formula

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! I’m Sarah-Jean. I’m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course, fashion!

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𝕊𝕒𝕣𝕒𝕙 | Fashionable Homemaker & Mom of 5
Looking at pictures of my last birth makes me grie Looking at pictures of my last birth makes me grieve my baby in Heaven that I just lost a few weeks ago. 

Knowing all the firsts we won’t be getting. All the newborn snuggles, that new baby smell, the joy of breastfeeding, it’s all gone. Slipped through my fingers in a moment, for no reason. 

No one thinks it will ever happen to them. Nothing prepares you for the loss of your child and no one can fully understand and appreciate the intense level of grief and pain until it happens to you. And if you do not understand this kind of grief, consider yourself very, very blessed and fortunate. 

Sometimes being open to life, also means being open to loss. 💔

#miscarriage #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness #lossmom
READ this post before you LIKE it. 💔💔💔 A READ this post before you LIKE it. 💔💔💔

A few weeks ago, we were planning to announce that baby #6 would be joining our crew in January 2023, but instead we've been processing the death of our beloved child... 

At our 20 week anatomy scan, when we were joyfully expecting to see what our little babe looked like, we were met the words that will haunt us forever - "We can't find a heartbeat."

Two days later, we found ourselves in a foreign environment, after 5 beautiful homebirths, naturally delivering our stillborn son in a hospital. 

Dylan Marinus Ballard was born on August 31st, (our first son's birthday) at 6:43pm and weighing only 7.5 oz. 

Tearfully and filled with grief beyond words, we had to say hello and goodbye at the same time. Our beautiful son. 

Seeing his face, holding his tiny body, and admiring his little toes that looked just like daddy's was just a glimpse into the miracle of life that God allows us to partake in. When you fully realize the sanctity of human life, it makes it even harder to say goodbye. Not being able to take my baby home with me was the most gut wrenching, heartbreaking pain imaginable. It is a pain unlike all others that only mothers who have lost a child can even begin to understand. 

The hardest part of losing a child, is living everyday afterwards. It's such a devastating loss, a loss so unimaginable, that you have no idea how you will get through each day or survive the grief that is in your heart. No matter what age a child is, a parent's heart is forever tied to that child and there's nothing that will break that tie, including the passing of time. That's the beauty of unconditional love. 

Our only consolation is knowing that our little saint is in the loving arms of Jesus now. We look forward to meeting him in Heaven someday.

📷 birth photography by Melissa Lee Photography

#griefjourney #griefandloss #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #griefawareness #griefislove #itsokaynottobeokay #largefamily #largefamilymom #bigfamily #bigfamilylife #lossmom #pregnancyloss #momlife #pregnancylossawareness #stillbirth #stillborn #stillbornstillloved #stillbornawareness #babyloss #miscarriagemomma #bereavedparents #lossmoms
Some of my favorite fall eats here! 😋 What ar Some of my favorite fall eats here! 😋 

What are your favorite fall comfort foods???

#momlife #homemaker #octobervibes #feelslikefall
Need an easy solution for dinner but don’t want Need an easy solution for dinner but don’t want fast food? @wildgrainbox delivers bake-from-frozen breads, pastries, and fresh pasta right to your door!

Clean ingredients, real sourdough, artisanal pastries, hand cut fresh pasta, eco friendly shipping, and they support small bakeries! 👩🏼‍🍳

Every item is freezer to table in 25 minutes or less so you can enjoy homemade quality food, FAST. I whipped up a loaf of sourdough bread and delicious pasta with marinara sauce in under 30 minutes for me and my husband to enjoy a little date night at home. It was like going to a fancy Italian restaurant, but we go to eat in our pajamas!

We love that Wildgrain is passionate about delivering slow-fermented sourdough bread‘s, fresh pasta, and artisan pastries directly to your door and I love that they are local to me! 

WANT TO TRY IT?! The first 50 people to use my coupon code and link can get $30 off their first box PLUS free croissants in every box! 

Use coupon code FASHIONABLEWIFE to snag this deal QUICK! 💃🏼

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#momlife #homemaker #mywildgrain #datenightideas
Introducing Caraway’s most requested products, t Introducing Caraway’s most requested products, the NEW Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan!!! 

By popular demand, they now have miniature versions of their two best-selling À La Carte pieces, now in compact and cute sizes!! 

These are designed for cooking smaller portions and are a perfect complement to your current Caraway cookware collection. 

🥳Get 10% off the new Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan using my link in my bio! 🥳

#momlife #homemaker #homelifestyle #kitcheninspo
What better way to welcome fall than with @caraway What better way to welcome fall than with @caraway_home latest products, the Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan!!! 

By popular demand, they now have miniature versions of their two best-selling À La Carte pieces, now in compact & cute sizes. These are designed for cooking smaller portions and make the perfect complement to your current Caraway collection. 

Get 10% off the new Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan using my link! 🛒

⁣LlNK is in my bio and stories! 💃🏼 Or use code FASHIONABLEWIFE-MINI22 
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#cottageliving #decor #decoration #farmhouselove #hgtv #homedesign #interior #interiordecor #interiorstyling #kitchendesign #kitchendiner #kitcheninspo #kitchenremodel #kitchenrenovation #kitchensofinstagram #magnoliahome #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #neutralabodes #neutraldecor #neutralhome #neutralkitchen #neutralstyle #neutraltones #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildjourney #quartzworktops #shakerkitchen #whitekitchen
Can you imagine a more beautiful thing?! I can’t Can you imagine a more beautiful thing?! I can’t! 🤣

My son is loving our @treasuresfromjennifer calendar and keeping track of the days now. He keeps telling me how many days it is until the first day of fall rather than asking me 900 times “when is it going to be fall, mama?!” 😜

Do you have a calendar or weather board in your home for your children? 

#homeschoolmom #homeschoolroom #homeschoollife #homeschoollookslikethis
Anybody else excited about apple picking season?! Anybody else excited about apple picking season?! 🍎 

When September rolls around, you’ll find us doing fun fall-themed homeschool stuff, decorating the house for fall (yes that’s a family affair!) and going apple picking!!!

What’s your favorite thing about September?! 

#septembervibes #fallinnewengland #fallvibes #applepickingseason #fallinnh #newenglandfall #newenglandlife #newhampshirefall #appleorchards
Introducing Theology of Home III: At the Sea 🌊 Introducing Theology of Home III: At the Sea 🌊 

This is the newest release in the amazing book series by @carrie.gress and @noellemering from @tan_books !! 

A must-have for homemakers, At The Sea draws from literature, mythology, and scripture to show readers the rich connections between the sea and mystery, recreation, yearning, and joyful reunions.

Within these pages you’ll find inspiration for home, womanhood, and family. Learn more about water in Scripture, Our Lady as Stella Maris, and more. This book is beautifully laid out and includes breathtaking photography that will capture your heart. 

It would make a beautiful gift or a lovely addition to your book collection. 

Use the TAN Books link in my bio to shop and use ✨coupon code RAISINGWILD-15 for 15% off!✨

#fashionablewife #fashionablehome #homemaker #homemakerlife #homedesignideas #homedecorations #theologyofhome #homeishere #domesticchurch #tradcat #bookstagram #bookshelf

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Looking at pictures of my last birth makes me grie Looking at pictures of my last birth makes me grieve my baby in Heaven that I just lost a few weeks ago. 

Knowing all the firsts we won’t be getting. All the newborn snuggles, that new baby smell, the joy of breastfeeding, it’s all gone. Slipped through my fingers in a moment, for no reason. 

No one thinks it will ever happen to them. Nothing prepares you for the loss of your child and no one can fully understand and appreciate the intense level of grief and pain until it happens to you. And if you do not understand this kind of grief, consider yourself very, very blessed and fortunate. 

Sometimes being open to life, also means being open to loss. 💔

#miscarriage #miscarriagesupport #miscarriageawareness #lossmom
READ this post before you LIKE it. 💔💔💔 A READ this post before you LIKE it. 💔💔💔

A few weeks ago, we were planning to announce that baby #6 would be joining our crew in January 2023, but instead we've been processing the death of our beloved child... 

At our 20 week anatomy scan, when we were joyfully expecting to see what our little babe looked like, we were met the words that will haunt us forever - "We can't find a heartbeat."

Two days later, we found ourselves in a foreign environment, after 5 beautiful homebirths, naturally delivering our stillborn son in a hospital. 

Dylan Marinus Ballard was born on August 31st, (our first son's birthday) at 6:43pm and weighing only 7.5 oz. 

Tearfully and filled with grief beyond words, we had to say hello and goodbye at the same time. Our beautiful son. 

Seeing his face, holding his tiny body, and admiring his little toes that looked just like daddy's was just a glimpse into the miracle of life that God allows us to partake in. When you fully realize the sanctity of human life, it makes it even harder to say goodbye. Not being able to take my baby home with me was the most gut wrenching, heartbreaking pain imaginable. It is a pain unlike all others that only mothers who have lost a child can even begin to understand. 

The hardest part of losing a child, is living everyday afterwards. It's such a devastating loss, a loss so unimaginable, that you have no idea how you will get through each day or survive the grief that is in your heart. No matter what age a child is, a parent's heart is forever tied to that child and there's nothing that will break that tie, including the passing of time. That's the beauty of unconditional love. 

Our only consolation is knowing that our little saint is in the loving arms of Jesus now. We look forward to meeting him in Heaven someday.

📷 birth photography by Melissa Lee Photography

#griefjourney #griefandloss #miscarriage #miscarriageawareness #griefawareness #griefislove #itsokaynottobeokay #largefamily #largefamilymom #bigfamily #bigfamilylife #lossmom #pregnancyloss #momlife #pregnancylossawareness #stillbirth #stillborn #stillbornstillloved #stillbornawareness #babyloss #miscarriagemomma #bereavedparents #lossmoms
Some of my favorite fall eats here! 😋 What ar Some of my favorite fall eats here! 😋 

What are your favorite fall comfort foods???

#momlife #homemaker #octobervibes #feelslikefall
Need an easy solution for dinner but don’t want Need an easy solution for dinner but don’t want fast food? @wildgrainbox delivers bake-from-frozen breads, pastries, and fresh pasta right to your door!

Clean ingredients, real sourdough, artisanal pastries, hand cut fresh pasta, eco friendly shipping, and they support small bakeries! 👩🏼‍🍳

Every item is freezer to table in 25 minutes or less so you can enjoy homemade quality food, FAST. I whipped up a loaf of sourdough bread and delicious pasta with marinara sauce in under 30 minutes for me and my husband to enjoy a little date night at home. It was like going to a fancy Italian restaurant, but we go to eat in our pajamas!

We love that Wildgrain is passionate about delivering slow-fermented sourdough bread‘s, fresh pasta, and artisan pastries directly to your door and I love that they are local to me! 

WANT TO TRY IT?! The first 50 people to use my coupon code and link can get $30 off their first box PLUS free croissants in every box! 

Use coupon code FASHIONABLEWIFE to snag this deal QUICK! 💃🏼

LlNK in bio and in stories! 🛒

#momlife #homemaker #mywildgrain #datenightideas
Introducing Caraway’s most requested products, t Introducing Caraway’s most requested products, the NEW Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan!!! 

By popular demand, they now have miniature versions of their two best-selling À La Carte pieces, now in compact and cute sizes!! 

These are designed for cooking smaller portions and are a perfect complement to your current Caraway cookware collection. 

🥳Get 10% off the new Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan using my link in my bio! 🥳

#momlife #homemaker #homelifestyle #kitcheninspo
What better way to welcome fall than with @caraway What better way to welcome fall than with @caraway_home latest products, the Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan!!! 

By popular demand, they now have miniature versions of their two best-selling À La Carte pieces, now in compact & cute sizes. These are designed for cooking smaller portions and make the perfect complement to your current Caraway collection. 

Get 10% off the new Mini Fry Pan & Mini Sauce Pan using my link! 🛒

⁣LlNK is in my bio and stories! 💃🏼 Or use code FASHIONABLEWIFE-MINI22 
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
#cottageliving #decor #decoration #farmhouselove #hgtv #homedesign #interior #interiordecor #interiorstyling #kitchendesign #kitchendiner #kitcheninspo #kitchenremodel #kitchenrenovation #kitchensofinstagram #magnoliahome #modernfarmhouse #modernfarmhousestyle #neutralabodes #neutraldecor #neutralhome #neutralkitchen #neutralstyle #neutraltones #newbuild #newbuildhome #newbuildjourney #quartzworktops #shakerkitchen #whitekitchen
Can you imagine a more beautiful thing?! I can’t Can you imagine a more beautiful thing?! I can’t! 🤣

My son is loving our @treasuresfromjennifer calendar and keeping track of the days now. He keeps telling me how many days it is until the first day of fall rather than asking me 900 times “when is it going to be fall, mama?!” 😜

Do you have a calendar or weather board in your home for your children? 

#homeschoolmom #homeschoolroom #homeschoollife #homeschoollookslikethis
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