St. Joseph Medical Center’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in downtown Houston is making significant strides in the care of its most vulnerable patients—premature infants. The hospital has recently implemented a human milk-based fortifier designed specifically for these tiny patients, a decision that hospital leaders believe is markedly enhancing health outcomes.
The introduction of this nutritional fortifier is a response to the unique challenges faced by premature infants, who are often at a heightened risk for complications, particularly those related to nutrition and gut development. The NICU team at St. Joseph’s has been dedicated to finding ways to promote healthy growth while minimizing the risk of serious illnesses associated with prematurity.
Before 2025, the hospital formed a partnership with Prolacta, a company specializing in human milk-based products. By the year 2025, the rate of a severe intestinal condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) had sharply declined.
Angela Hermes, the NICU Nurse Manager with 26 years of experience, expressed her gratitude for being part of a team focused on improving care for premature infants. “We can take care of 29 babies here in our NICU. It is absolutely amazing. Every day I am so thankful to be a part of this team. We are really focused on how we can help these babies grow and decrease some of the morbidities and mortalities that go along with being premature,” she stated, highlighting the importance of the partnership with Prolacta to enhance nutritional support.
Chief Nursing Officer Vincent Gore also noted the significant impact of this initiative, stating, “Because of that, we have seen a significant decrease in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), going from as high as 11% down to less than 1% in 2025. It is very empowering. We are here to provide the best outcomes possible for every baby and family we serve.”
The implications of reducing the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis are profound. NEC is a life-threatening intestinal disease that disproportionately affects premature infants, and its reduction can lead to fewer complications, decreased mortality rates, and improved long-term health for these infants and their families. The mortality rate for infants diagnosed with NEC can be as high as 40%.
This shift towards human milk-based nutrition illustrates a broader trend in neonatal care that prioritizes prevention over mere treatment. Hospitals across the country are reassessing how early nutritional interventions can influence lifelong health outcomes.
For parents of premature infants, it is advisable to discuss nutritional options and donor milk programs with their care teams. Community members can also play a vital role in supporting milk banks and initiatives aimed at enhancing neonatal care.
St. Joseph Medical Center, which has been serving patients in Houston for 138 years, stands as the city’s oldest hospital, continually adapting to advancements in medical science. Hospital leaders emphasize that a combination of innovation and experience is crucial to improving care for the city’s most vulnerable patients.
Looking ahead, hospital officials are committed to ongoing evaluation of outcomes and refining care protocols to further enhance survival rates and long-term health for premature infants.
