« All FAQ About Baby Formula

What is NEC?

NEC is short for necrotizing enterocolitis. NEC involves inflammation and According to the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), this may be due to growth of dangerous bacteria within the gut and intestines.  According to Seattle Children’s, approximately 30% of infants diagnosed with NEC will need surgery. In these cases, a surgeon will try to remove parts of the bowel. Not all cases require surgery. In milder cases, babies are able to heal with medical treatment. The majority of babies who are diagnosed with NEC will survive, however, 25% sadly do not survive.

Related Questions:

Does Baby Formula Cause NEC?

Several studies indicate babies who exclusively drink human-based milk over cow’s-milk formula are less likely to develop necrotizing enterocolitis.   In 2011, the Surgeon General issued a report stating that formula feeding is associated with higher rates of necrotizing enterocolitis.  It outlines a number of benefits to breastfeeding babies over formula feeding. An additional 2011 Johns… read more?