Lactation Support Services in Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units in Canada

Lactation support services can improve exclusive breastfeeding rates among infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). There are limited data on how many NICUs offer these services.

To assess prevalence and type of lactation services provided in level III Canadian NICUs.

A nationwide comprehensive point-prevalence study was undertaken via a telephone survey of level III NICUs in Canada. Availability of lactation consultants, type of services offered, infrastructure such as centralized milk labs, private space for expressing milk, and refrigerators to store breast milk, and follow-up support programs were assessed.

There are 31 level III NICUs in Canada. Nineteen of the 31 NICUs participated in the survey, representing a 61% response rate. Of these, 79% (n = 15) offered lactation consultant services. Most (n = 13, 68%) noted they had International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs). The types of lactation services offered were either a reactive care model, a proactive care model, or a combination of both. Seven (37%) units, both with and without LCs, offered alternate lactation assistance, such as helping mothers at the bedside with breastfeeds. Several units had available infrastructure (n = 10, 53%) and offered follow-up lactation support (n = 10, 53%).

Most of the surveyed level III NICUs in Canada provided lactation support services; however, there was variation in type. More research is needed to identify barriers that NICUs face in offering lactation services for mothers of NICU babies.