Non-Puerperal Adoptive Breastfeeding as Lactational Rescue in the Rohingya Refugee Camp: 2 Case Studies

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Human Lactation
• Refugee Health

Background:

• Non-puerperal adoptive lactation often requires significant preparation and cost, posing challenges in resource-limited settings like refugee camps.
• Previous breastfeeding experience in caregivers is a key factor for successful adoptive lactation.
• The Rohingya Refugee Camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh, presents a unique context for studying infant feeding interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report on the feasibility and success of non-puerperal adoptive breastfeeding in a refugee camp setting.
• To evaluate a low-cost intervention for establishing induced lactation in adoptive mothers.
• To document the management and outcomes of adoptive breastfeeding for infants in a humanitarian crisis.

Main Methods:

• Two case studies of non-puerperal adoptive breastfeeding were conducted in the Rohingya Refugee Camp.
• Caregivers received counseling and opted for adoptive lactation for their adopted infants.
• A modified Action Against Hunger protocol, including supplementary suckling technique with diluted F100 and domperidone, was employed.
• Intervention involved gradual reduction of supplementary feeds as milk production was established.

Main Results:

• Successful establishment of non-puerperal adoptive breastfeeding was achieved in both cases.
• The intervention required 35 days and 20 days for full establishment of breastfeeding, respectively.
• Caregivers were prescribed domperidone and received counseling to support lactation.
• The method proved to be a low-cost intervention without a preparatory period.

Conclusions:

• Non-puerperal adoptive breastfeeding can be successfully initiated in refugee camps with proper counseling and motivation.
• This approach offers a feasible and cost-effective feeding solution for infants in humanitarian settings.
• Induced lactation without a preparatory period is achievable, highlighting the adaptability of breastfeeding support.