Introduction: Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates are increased risk for potential nutritional compromise. These infants are born with limited nutrient reserves, immature metabolic pathways and increased nutrient demands. These neonates require specialized nutritional support due to their biochemical immaturity, faster growth rates and increased metabolic demand. These demands results from increased risk of several problems such as respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, gastro-oesophageal reflux, apnoea and other factors related to feeding intolerance. Providing optimal enteral nutrition to high risk premature neonates is a difficult clinical challenge. Material &Method: The study was conducted from October 2016 to September 2018 at Newborn wards and SNCU, Department of Paediatrics SCB MCH and SVPGIP, Cuttack. 200 babies were included in our study. It was a randomised prospective study Result: Babies of Volume advancement group regain birth weight earlier (mean of 7.27days) than the babies of frequency advancement group (mean of 8.05 days).Gain of weight on D10 and on D15 was more in the babies of VA group than the babies of FA group (p=0.001, p=0.001 respectively). Days of attainment of full enteral feeding was earlier in volume advancement (VA) group (mean of 8.25days) than the frequency advancement (FA) group (mean of 15.40 days). Conclusion: Volume advancement feeding protocol is found to be better than frequency advancement feeding protocol considering the benefits of rapid weight gain in volume advancement group, earlier attainment of full enteral nutrition, lesser duration of hospital stay and lower incidence of feeding interruption.
