Lactation support in neonatal intensive care units in Germany from the mothers' perspective - a mixed-method study of
Isabella Schwab1, Ricarda Wullenkord2, Friederike Eyssel3
1Institute of Medical Sociology, Health Services Research, and Rehabilitation Science, Chair for Health Services Research University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Eupener Straße 129, 50933, Cologne, Germany.
Background:
Establishing successful lactation in mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW, <1500g) infants requires structured lactation support. Little is known about mothers' perspectives on lactation support in German neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
Methods:
This paper features a convergent mixed-method approach that includes a retrospective, cross-sectional questionnaire and interview data to showcase mothers' perceptions of lactation support in NICUs. Content analysis of the interviews (n = 12) and a descriptive analysis of quantitative data (n = 533) were performed to illustrate the current status and need for lactation support in German NICUs.
Results:
The results show that lactation support in German NICUs is often inadequate and does not comply with recommendations based on the existing literature to encourage pumping and breastfeeding in mothers. The data imply that even if lactation is successfully initiated in most cases, it is often not maintained over time, which may be due to a lack of personal support and consistent information.
Conclusion:
The overall structures and institutional guidelines for lactation support should be encouraged to promote nutrition with mother´s own milk in German NICUs.
