Nutrition For Pre-Term And Sga Infants (Certified)

Optimizing growth, immunity, and development through evidence-based nutrition strategies for vulnerable newborns.

What you'll learn

Understand the unique nutritional needs of pre-term and SGA infants.

Differentiate between intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), SGA, and pre-term birth.

Learn the role of breast milk, donor milk, and fortified formulas in neonatal care.

Explore parenteral and enteral feeding strategies in NICU settings.

Recognize micronutrient supplementation needs (iron, calcium, vitamin D, etc.).

Understand long-term metabolic and neurodevelopmental implications of early nutrition.

Apply evidence-based feeding protocols to optimize growth and immunity.

Gain insights into ethical and cultural considerations in neonatal feeding.

Requirements

No Prior Knowledge Is Required.

Description

Pre-term and small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants represent some of the most vulnerable populations in neonatal care. Their survival, growth, and long-term health outcomes depend heavily on tailored nutritional strategies that meet their unique physiological needs. This course, Nutrition for Pre-term and SGA Infants, is designed to equip healthcare professionals and students with the knowledge and skills to optimize neonatal nutrition in both hospital and community settings.We begin by understanding the definitions, causes, and challenges faced by pre-term and SGA infants. You will learn the distinct energy, protein, and micronutrient requirements of these infants and how their immature digestive and metabolic systems influence feeding approaches. Breast milk remains the gold standard, but we also explore donor human milk, fortification, and specialized formulas that play a critical role in supporting growth.The course dives into parenteral and enteral feeding strategies used in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), highlighting best practices for transitioning infants from tube feeding to independent feeding. Micronutrient supplementation, including iron, calcium, vitamin D, and the role of probiotics, is discussed in detail to prevent deficiencies and support development.Growth monitoring, catch-up strategies, and long-term developmental outcomes are emphasized, along with case studies that bring real-world challenges to life. You will also gain practical insights into parental counseling, ethical considerations, and the latest innovations in neonatal nutrition, including nutrigenomics and AI-driven monitoring.Whether you are a nutritionist, pediatrician, nurse, or student, this course will deepen your expertise and empower you to make informed, evidence-based decisions that can transform the lives of vulnerable newborns. By the end of this journey, you’ll be able to apply clinical guidelines, assess feeding challenges, and support both infants and families with confidence.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction and Overview

Lecture 1 Introduction

Lecture 2 Key terms and Overview

Section 2: Epidemiology and growth biology

Lecture 3 Epidemiology

Lecture 4 Growth charts

Lecture 5 Causes and Characteristics

Section 3: Growth and development in late pregnancy

Lecture 6 Growth and development

Lecture 7 Consequences

Section 4: Nutritional physiology of Preterm and SGA infants

Lecture 8 overview and major challenges

Lecture 9 Immune system and metabolic considerations

Section 5: Nutritional physiology and requirements

Lecture 10 Principle and Challenges

Lecture 11 Nutritional requirements

Section 6: Feeding strategies for preterm and SGA infants

Lecture 12 Introduction

Lecture 13 Transition from PN to oral feed

Section 7: Monitoring complications and special considerations

Lecture 14 Monitoring complications

Lecture 15 Special Considerations

Section 8: Case studies and conclusion

Lecture 16 Case Studies

Lecture 17 Conclusion

Anyone interested in neonatal and infant nutrition,Medical and nutrition students,Clinical nutritionists and dietitians,Pediatricians and neonatologists,Nursing professionals in NICUs,Public health nutrition experts