The Center for Women & Infants (CWI) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at UofL Health – UofL Hospital is now the home of Kentucky’s first Miris Human Milk Analyzer (HMA). This remarkable device can quantitatively analyze a mother’s breastmilk by measuring the concentration of fat, carbohydrate, protein, and energy. These results help providers individualize lactation and nutrition care for the highest risk moms and babies.
The Miris HMA is the only FDA approved device currently on the market for direct use in the NICU. The analytical technique used is a combination of established mid-infrared (mid-IR) transmission spectroscopy principles and a patented innovation, all while using less than a teaspoon of milk.
“As a designated Baby Friendly birthing facility by Baby-Friendly USA, we strive to provide the best care possible to women and infants. By becoming the first hospital in Kentucky to have a Miris HMA, we are able to take that promise one step further,” said Laura Serke, clinical dietitian for UofL Hospital’s NICU. “Our hope is to help moms provide milk that contains the specific levels of macronutrients that their babies need for growth while fostering their confidence in breastfeeding.”
For many new mothers, especially those whose babies are born prematurely, breastfeeding and/or providing pumped breast milk can be overwhelming. Many question if their milk is providing the proper amount of calories and nutrition. Infants born more than a few weeks early are initially dependent on expressed breastmilk delivered through a feeding tube. Pumping this “liquid gold” around the clock over days and even months is not easy. The Miris HMA offers not only valuable insight into the babies’ nutritional needs, but also peace of mind for their mothers that their hard work is providing the best possible nutrition.
“Good nutrition is essential for the health of all humans, but this is especially true for premature infants whose brains are growing at an exponential rate and critical for future development,” said Dr. Tonya Robinson, neonatologist. “Because the nutritional content of breastmilk can vary over time and even by method of expression, this tool gives us vital information in how to best provide the macronutrients baby needs, while allowing mom to continue her breastfeeding journey.”
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that all babies breastfeed for the first six months of life. According to the Breastfeeding Report Card recently published by the CDC, hospital-based practices are critical for helping new mothers achieve their breastfeeding goals.
The Miris Milk Analyzer provides the additional means to be one of the leading centers of excellence for neonatal nutrition.
For more information about UofL Health and UofL Hospital’s Center for Women & Infants, visit UofLHospital.org/services/center-women-infants or call 502-562-3325