**Core Concept**
The management of feeding in a preterm neonate involves careful consideration of their nutritional needs, gastrointestinal maturity, and potential risks of feeding. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that preterm infants be fed human milk, either directly from the mother or through a donor source, due to its nutritional benefits and protective effects on the gut and brain.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is to initiate early enteral feeding with human milk, as it promotes the development of the gut and the maturation of the enteric nervous system. Human milk provides essential nutrients, growth factors, and immunoglobulins that support the growth and development of preterm infants. Early enteral feeding has been shown to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a condition that is more common in preterm infants.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Delaying enteral feeding may increase the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and impair the development of the gut.
**Option B:** Formula feeding may not provide the same level of nutritional benefits and protective effects as human milk.
**Option C:** Parenteral nutrition may not be necessary in this case, as the infant is stable and does not require resuscitation.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Preterm infants are at increased risk of feeding intolerance, which can manifest as vomiting, abdominal distension, or bloody stools. Early recognition and management of feeding intolerance are crucial to prevent complications and promote optimal growth and development.
**Correct Answer: A. Initiate early enteral feeding with human milk.**
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