Human breast milk fortifier
Read our guide below to find out more about human breast milk fortifier.
You can also download a PDF version of this patient information by following the link on the right.
Your baby is going home breast feeding with human breast milk fortifier (HBMF).
What does HBMF include?
It’s made from cow’s milk protein and contains vitamins and minerals to support growth for up to 6 weeks after your baby’s due date.
How much will my baby need?
When your baby is ready to be discharged from the neonatal unit, we’ll tell you how many HBMF boosts your baby needs.
Your baby may require HBMF boosts until 6 weeks corrected age.
Our neonatal outreach team will monitor your baby’s growth.
What must I do when giving my baby HBMF?
- Prepare a clean surface area and wash your hands
- In a sterile bottle, measure out 5ml of expressed breast milk (room temperature) with one sachet of HBMF
- Gently swirl the mixture, don’t shake as this can destroy the properties of the milk
- Feed your baby the HBMF as demonstrated by the neonatal team before your discharge home
- Once the HBMF is mixed with expressed breast milk it can’t be stored in the fridge and must be given immediately
- Offer your baby a breast feed after they have taken the boost
Contact the neonatal outreach team if you have any questions about your baby’s feeding plan by emailing Buc-tr.community-neonatal@nhs.net
How can I help reduce healthcare associated infections?
Infection prevention and control is important to the wellbeing of our patients so we have procedures in place. Keeping your hands clean is an effective way of preventing the spread of infections.
You, and anyone visiting you, must use the hand sanitiser available at the entrance to every ward before coming in and after you leave. You may need to wash your hands at the sink using soap and water. Hand sanitisers are not suitable for dealing with patients who have symptoms of diarrhoea.
More help or advice
Contact our patient advice and liaison service (PALS) on 01296 316042 or bht.pals@nhs.net
About our patient information
We aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please note that it’s subject to change. You must always check specific advice on any concerns you may have with your doctor.