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Dear friends and supporters of GFCNI,
Human milk is more than nutrition – it is a lifeline, especially for preterm and sick newborns. Its protective properties support development, strengthen immunity, and improve long-term health outcomes. Yet access to human milk and breastfeeding support is not always guaranteed, which makes the work of donors, midwives, and healthcare professionals indispensable. In this edition, we reflect on the impact of donor milk, explore how individualized nutrition can prevent growth delays, and highlight the critical role of midwives in helping families establish breastfeeding, even in challenging hospital settings.
By advancing knowledge and practice, we ensure that every baby receives the right care, at the right time, in the right place.
With gratitude,
Silke Mader and the GFCNI team
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HUMAN MILK MATTERS 2025
A Heartfelt Thank You to All Human Milk Donors
During this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, we wrapped up our Human Milk Matters Campaign, which highlighted the vital role of human milk in neonatal care. We shared powerful quotes from milk donors, mothers of recipient babies, and medical expert Professor Roy K. Philip, shedding light on why donor human milk is essential – and deeply appreciated. Read the personal stories and find more information about the benefits of human milk, especially for preterm or sick babies, on our campaign website.
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CONFERENCE
Registration Now Open for the 8th Annual FiCare Virtual Conference
The 8th Annual Family Integrated Care (FiCare) Virtual Conference will take place on October 7, 2025, bringing together healthcare professionals, researchers, and families from around the world. This year’s program will highlight the latest evidence, innovations, and practices advancing family-integrated neonatal care. The conference offers a unique opportunity to exchange knowledge, foster collaboration, and explore strategies that place families at the center of care. Registration is now open for participants eager to contribute to and learn from this growing international movement.
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INDIVIDUALIZED HUMAN MILK
Feeding Smarter: How Tailored Nutrition Supports Better Growth
Ensuring healthy growth in extremely small infants remains a challenge in neonatal care. Postnatal growth failure can affect long-term health and development. A French study found that combining standardized and adjustable human milk fortification helped reduce growth delays, particularly in weight and head size. The results suggest that adapting nutrition to each infant’s needs may offer a simple yet powerful way to support better outcomes.
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BREASTFEEDING
Supporting Breastfeeding in Hospitalized Newborns: Strengthening the Role of Midwives
Breastfeeding is essential for newborn health, yet hospitalization can make it difficult to establish. Many infants face challenges due to separation from their mothers and medical interventions. A new study reviewed midwifery-led strategies that successfully promote breastfeeding in hospital settings. Skin-to-skin contact, early breastmilk expression, and unrestricted visiting hours are key measures that help improve breastfeeding outcomes for hospitalized newborns. Midwives play a critical role by guiding and educating parents on breastfeeding techniques, empowering families to actively participate in their infant’s care and make informed feeding decisions.
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© Pexels
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NUTRITION
Feeding the Future: Why Early Nutrition Matters
Feeding preterm newborns is a delicate but vital task in neonatal care. However, clinical practices often differ, delaying proper nutrition for the most vulnerable infants. A Portuguese study tracked how 85 preterm newborns were fed during hospitalization and found that access to donor milk and timely feeding significantly improved outcomes. These findings underline the importance of implementing clear care standards and providing human milk to support optimal development in all newborns.
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