children s health issues
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Prevention of NEC
Feeding premature newborns their mother’s Breastfeeding rather than formula seems to provide some protection against necrotizing enterocolitis. In addition, hospital personnel avoid giving the infant highly concentrated formula and take measures to prevent low oxygen levels in the infant's bloodstream. Antibiotics and acid-supressing medications also should not be given to the infant if possible. There is some evidence that probiotics (good bacteria) may be helpful in prevention, but this therapy is still experimental. Pregnant women who are at risk of having a preterm birth may be given corticosteroids to help prevent necrotizing enterocolitis. 