This course provides an overview of preterm and late preterm birth statistics as well as the epidemiology associated with these infants.  It incorporates a review of definitions associated with the most recent findings regarding the care of the late preterm infant.  In addition the program identifies morbidities, mortality, trends and the physiological differences between late preterm and term infants.  Included in the program are the lactation risks associated with these vulnerable infants as well as the economic impact of infants that are born too soon and discharged too early.  The program concludes with actual case studies that show the impact of appropriate and inappropriate care in the hospital, discharge and follow-up.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the epidemiology of the Late Preterm Infant.
• Describe the impact of Late Preterm Delivery on Morbidity and Mortality and the Economic Effects on the Healthcare Industry.
• Discuss Challenges and Processes Unique to Caring For Late Preterm Infants.
• Discuss Best Practices and the Associated Feeding Risk Reduction for the Late Preterm Infant.