The burden of premature birth is still high worldwide at 10.6% and ranges from
5 to 18% of all babies born. About 80% of these occur in Africa and South Asia. In
Sub-Saharan Africa, the burden ranges from 3.4 to 49.4%. In almost all countries,
premature birth rates are on increase, which poses a threat to newborn health.
Premature babies usually present with complications that hinder their ability to
feed. Due to this, premature babies are at risk of insufficient nutrient supply, leading
to undernutrition, failure to thrive and early newborn deaths. However, improved
newborn feeding can avert these deaths. In line with this noble cause, this chapter
focused on care and feeding of premature babies in hospital and home settings,
feeding development, feeding difficulties, and growth and development monitoring
for premature babies.
