The ultimate goal of neonatal nutrition is to help the newborn continue the same growth pattern as in the womb. This can usually be done by breastfeeding or formula feeding, as long as the infant gains back his birth weight by about two weeks of age. If not, medical treatment that may include hospitalization and fortified breast milk could be a requirement. Newborns need a mixture of fat, protein, carbohydrates, and various vitamins and minerals in order to stay healthy. In nearly all cases, infants should never be given water, cow's milk, or other liquids unless administered by a doctor, as breast milk and formula are typically considered to be the best forms of neonatal nutrition.
Most newborns need about 110 calories per day, though preterm infants usually need a bit more to help them grow, up to about 120 calories. Though weight is a common factor in determining whether the proper neonatal nutrition is being received, other details include urine output, lab test results, and the appearance of the soft spot, skin, and mucus membranes. For example, if the soft spot appears sunken, mucus membranes look dry, and urine output is low, dehydration could be imminent, requiring hospitalization, or at least a change in diet. Whether food given to a newborn is natural or manmade, it needs to have plenty of fat and carbohydrates in it, as most of the baby's calories should come from these two nutrients to aid in the development of the nervous system and brain. Additionally, newborns need protein for cell growth and proper function of the immune system, hormones, and metabolism.
Breastfeeding is typically considered the best way to provide neonatal nutrition since it can offer more immunity than most manmade products. It is especially important for a newborn to breastfeed within a couple of hours of birth since the colostrum, or early milk that first comes out of the mother's breasts, contains lots of protein and antibodies. Once the mother's milk comes in, the newborn should eat between 8 and 12 times per day for about 20 minutes each time, though each baby eventually develops his own feeding routine. Growth spurts often occur at two weeks, six weeks, three months, and six months, during which time feeding frequency and length should be increased.
For some neonates who are born early, and thus at a low weight, breast milk is not enough for proper neonatal nutrition. They might require fortified breast milk, which has the vitamin D, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium that they need to grow. If fortified breast milk is not available, preterm newborns may also benefit from formula that is fortified with the nutrients they need. In most cases, the infant's doctor will specify the best neonatal nutrition for the baby before he leaves the hospital.