Promoting breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit

The technology and separation of the mother and baby in the neonatal unit make bonding difficult and create barriers to breastfeeding. This pilot study aimed to define those nursing interventions that promote breastfeeding. The neonatal nurse plays a vital role in the influence of the breastfeeding outcome. Forty-one preterm babies had their breastfeeding activities, (including kangaroo care), recorded daily. The specific phases in preterm infants of 32 weeks or more were identified as 1. stabilisation and assessing ability, 2. controlled challenge, 3. progression and regression and 4. stability of feeding activity. This study has increased the awareness among the neonatal nurses involved as to the nursing practices that promote breastfeeding and has provided a basis from which nurses can promote breastfeeding to mothers of preterm babies.