Breastmilk Analysis Program | Neonatal Intensive Care Unit | UC Davis Children's Hospital

Using a Miris human milk analyzer machine, premature babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) now get individualized, customized breast milk fortified with the nutrients they need to support their growth and wellness.

The machine analyzes a mother’s milk and provides information on what is needed to add to the breast milk to help the preemies grow. Based on the analysis for calorie content and key nutrients such as protein, fat and carbohydrates, the milk is fortified to suit each infant’s growth needs. 

Targeted nutrition for premature babies

Born at least three weeks before their expected delivery date, premature babies usually have very low birth weight. They need extra protein, fat, vitamins and minerals to help them grow and build strong bones. Fortified breast milk provides these babies with the nutrients needed to support their growth and brain development.

Why breast milk is important for your baby

Your breast milk is made special for your baby and contains antibodies and live cells that help protect your infant from illness – it is like medicine for your baby. Premature babies who get their mother’s milk have better brain development and fewer infections.

The Miris human milk analyzer machine was funded by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, a non-profit organization that raises funds for children’s hospitals across the nation.

Targeted fortification

The amount of nutrition in your breast milk will change over time and with your nutrition. Premature babies need extra protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals to help them grow and build strong bones. In the NICU, we fortify breast milk (add calories, fat, and proteins) to help preemies grow.

How do we do this?

Step 1: Collect mother’s own milk.

We ask mothers to provide a 5-milliliter sample for analysis. We provide a collection kit and easy instructions for mothers to use in collecting the sample.

Step 2: Analyze milk using Miris machine.

Using the 5-milliliter (1 teaspoon) sample, we can measure protein, fat, carbohydrates, and calories in the breast milk.

Step 3: Optimize the mother’s milk.

We calculate the needed calories, fat, and protein based on baby’s gestational age, weight, and growth. We fortify the milk only when needed, and only with what is required to help baby grow.