Nutrition and Lactation

Nutrition is an essential building block for every baby’s health, and it’s even more important to babies with challenges. Texas Children’s Newborn Center has the resources and expertise to ensure your baby gets the best possible start in life.

The NICU's multidisciplinary team, which includes physicians, neonatal dietitians and other specialized health care professionals, makes sure each baby receives optimum nutrition through human milk. In fact, all preemies weighing less than 1,500 grams (about 3 pounds) at birth receive either their own mother’s milk or are offered human donor milk.

Research has indicated that the feeding of human milk helps prevent the infections and bowel disease that can occur in preemies. It also most closely mimics the nutrition a baby would receive if still in the womb.

Texas Children’s Newborn Center is one of only 2 in the Houston area – and the only one in the Texas Medical Center – that offers human donor milk.

Mother’s Milk Bank

Providing breast milk to hospitalized babies requires special effort, but it is well worth it. Our Mother’s Milk Bank is a state-of-the-art facility that stores and prepares pumped breast milk to feed infants in our NICUs.

Lactation Services

Science has shown that mother’s milk is the best food for babies. However, for a variety of reasons, it’s not always easy to breastfeed. Our specially trained lactation consultants understand the unique challenges of breastfeeding a hospitalized infant. They offer encouragement, support and equipment so you can provide this important gift to your baby. Our lactation consultants are also available to help once you take your baby home.