Cows’ Milk Baby Formula Linked to Necrotizing Enterocolitis (Video)
Preterm babies experience a wide range of complications following birth. One particular difficulty is the baby’s ability to breastfeed: making formula one of the only solutions for nutrition.
But relying on formulas for nutrition in this premature stage can present their own set of problems.
Researchers have concluded that the underdeveloped gastrointestinal tract of a premature infant cannot tolerate cow’s milk products shortly after birth. The use of these types of formulas during this stage increases the risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC).
NEC is a serious condition that can require emergency intestinal surgery. There is also a high mortality rate in preterm infants. It can lead to a condition known as Leaky Gut Syndrome where harmful toxins and fecal matter can pass across the intestinal wall and harm the baby, and make the baby septic.
In spite of the fact that there are safer alternatives, cow’s milk formulas are still frequently fed to premature infants starting in the neo-intensive care unit, the hospital, and then later at home. The manufacturers of cow’s milk- based baby formula have withheld its potential harm to premature babies from parents, hospitals, and doctors.
The manufacturers of Similac or Enfamil failed to warn parents and healthcare providers of the risks of premature infants ingesting their cow’s milk-based formulas – even though suitable alternatives were available.
These alternatives include:
- Preterm Infant Formula
- Donor Human Milk
- Pumped Mother’s Milk
If your premature child has suffered NEC, Leaky Gut, or other serious intestinal complications after using cow’s milk-based formula, you are not alone. You may be entitled to compensation.
If you have any questions, contact the Defective Product Lawyers at The Yost Legal Group. We will help you find answers.
