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Breast-feeding in neonatal intensive care
1Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 1, 1996
Summary
Breast-feeding rates in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are low, with only 38% of very preterm babies breast-feeding at discharge. Improving education and unit practices can increase these rates for preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatrics
- Infant nutrition
Background:
- Breast milk provides essential nutrients and immunological benefits for infants.
- Very preterm infants (<35 weeks gestation) have unique nutritional needs and feeding challenges in the NICU.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence of breast-feeding among very preterm infants admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 151 infants with gestational age <35 weeks admitted to a NICU in 1993.
- Data collected on breast milk and breast-feeding status at discharge.
Main Results:
- At discharge, 64% received some breast milk, and 38% were breast-feeding (fully or partially).
- Breast milk was the first milk for 41% of infants; 83% received breast milk at some stage.
- Higher gestational age correlated with increased breast-feeding and breast milk consumption rates.
Conclusions:
- Breast-feeding rates in the NICU are lower than for full-term infants.
- Maternal and staff factors influence NICU breast-feeding rates.
- Enhanced education and modified unit practices could improve breast-feeding outcomes for preterm infants.