Breastfeeding the NICU Infant: What to Expect.
1Sharp Mary Nirch Hospital for Women and Newborns, San Diego, California.
Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology
|September 24, 2015
Summary
Human milk is crucial for infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). NICU mothers face challenges with milk production, impacting infant nutrition. Supporting these mothers is vital for successful breastfeeding outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal intensive care
- Human milk
- Lactation
Background:
- 14% of US infants require neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission.
- Human milk is highly beneficial for NICU infants.
- NICU mothers experience higher risks of delayed lactation and insufficient milk supply compared to healthy mothers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the importance of human milk for NICU infants.
- To identify challenges faced by NICU mothers in establishing lactation.
- To emphasize the role of healthcare providers in supporting breastfeeding in the NICU.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on human milk use in NICU settings.
- Analysis of factors influencing lactation success in mothers of NICU infants.
- Discussion of the impact of the obstetric and NICU environment on breastfeeding.
Main Results:
- Many infants in the NICU do not receive adequate or any breast milk upon discharge.
- Maternal breastfeeding success is influenced by the care environment and staff knowledge.
- Obstetrician-gynecologists play a key role in initiating and supporting breastfeeding decisions for NICU infants.
Conclusions:
- Human milk provision is critical for neonatal intensive care unit infants.
- Addressing lactation challenges in NICU mothers requires a supportive environment and knowledgeable healthcare professionals.
- Obstetrician-gynecologists are essential in promoting successful human milk provision and breastfeeding for NICU infants.
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