This site was initially funded by a grant from the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resource Services Administration, Maternal Child Health Bureau as a Continuing Education program for health professionals in the Pacific Northwest. It is maintained by the Nutrition Faculty of the Pediatric Pulmonary Center at the University of Washington.
The Maternal Child Health Bureau seeks to assure that every child has the opportunity to achieve his or her potential. Adequate nutritional intake and appropriate growth are essential for optimal growth and development of all children, and it is especially important for those born with very low birth weights.
This project grows from our experience with the families of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants after they are discharged from tertiary level hospitals (Johnson, 1998). These infants are at high risk for growth failure and feeding problems, and their families have major concerns about post discharge feeding (See What Parents Say About Feeding Preterm Infants). For many families of these infants the first months of life present several challenges related to feeding. It is our sincere hope that the information provided on this site will be useful to health professionals who care for VLBW infants and the families they serve.
The site is dedicated to all the families who have helped us to come to a better understandings about growth and feeding of very low birth weight infants in their first year of life at home.
The Project Director for the inital project was Joan Zerzan, MS, RD. The material is currently maintained by Mari Mazon, MS, RDN, CD, Nutrition Faculty on the University of Washington Pediatric Pulmonary Center (PPC) and Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disorders (LEND) grants and Beth Ogata, MS, RD, CD, Nutrition Faculty on the University of Washington LEND grant and core nutrition faculty of the University of Washington Nutritional Sciences Program
Nationally recognized experts in the field of high risk infant nutrition and feeding reviewed the content of this web site. Please click here for names of reviewers and advisory committee members for this project.
Gaining and Growing is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice of professional services. The information provided through Gaining and Growing should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.
This site was funded by a grant from the Maternal Child Health Bureau
