Exploring Human Milk, Nutrition, Growth, and Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge(HUMMINGBIRD Study): a protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Nutrition
• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Public Health

Background:

• Mother's own breast milk (MOM) is optimal for preterm infants, reducing morbidities and improving long-term outcomes.
• Shortfalls in MOM are common, leading to the use of preterm formula or pasteurized donor human milk (DHM), with varied clinical practices.
• Limited data suggest DHM use may affect maternal breastfeeding intentions and rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if longer exposure to DHM increases breastfeeding rates in preterm infants.
• To assess the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design for studying DHM's impact.
• To explore maternal perceptions of DHM use and its influence on breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

• The Human Milk, Nutrition, Growth, and Breastfeeding Rates at Discharge (HUMMINGBIRD) Study is a pilot, non-blinded RCT with qualitative evaluation.
• Infants born <33 weeks gestation or <1500g are randomized to receive DHM for shortfall until full feeds/preterm formula (control) or until 36 weeks corrected age/discharge (intervention).
• Primary outcome is breastfeeding at discharge; secondary outcomes include growth, morbidities, length of stay, self-efficacy, and depression. Qualitative interviews explore perceptions.

Main Results:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract.

Conclusions:

• This section is not available in the provided abstract.