Evaluation of Methods of Breast or Bottle Feeding on Length of Hospitalization of Preterm Infants

Factors Associated with Mother's Own Milk Feeding and Direct Breastfeeding at Discharge in Preterm Infants with Feeding Difficulties: Clinical and Research Implications

Background: Prematurity presents numerous barriers to mother's own milk (MOM) feeding and direct breastfeeding (DBF). Aim: This study aimed to determine factors associated with MOM feeding and DBF at discharge from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in preterm-born infants presenting with feeding difficulties. Methods: A retrospective study of data from 237 preterm-born infants referred for evaluation of feeding difficulties and discharged home on full oral feeds was examined. Maternal and infant characteristics and oral feeding milestones were examined for their association with MOM intake and DBF at discharge using bivariate and multivariate regression analyses. Results: MOM feeding at discharge occurred in 35.4% (n = 84) infants. The odds of any MOM feeding at discharge were higher with higher maternal age, absence of maternal substance use, and fewer days between full per oral (PO) and discharge (all, p < 0.05). Among the 84 MOM-fed infants, 4.76% (n = 4) were exclusively breastfed, whereas 39.3% (n = 33) were partially DBF at discharge. The DBF infants had higher birthweight, no incidence of being small for gestational age, lower incidence of respiratory support at birth and intraventricular hemorrhage, lower postmenstrual age (PMA) at full PO, shorter duration from first PO to full PO, and lower PMA at discharge (all, p < 0.05). Conclusion: We found reduced use of MOM and DBF among preterm-born infants with feeding difficulties at NICU discharge. Clinical management and research advocacy must focus on targeted interventions in this setting by recognizing significant modifiable factors applicable to prepregnancy, pregnancy, NICU, and postdischarge care.

Encourage, Assess, Transition (EAT): A Quality Improvement Project Implementing a Direct Breastfeeding Protocol for Preterm Hospitalized Infants

BACKGROUND

The opportunity to establish a direct breastfeeding (DBF) relationship with a preterm infant, if desired by the mother or lactating parent, is a known driver of positive healthcare experiences. Preterm birth is an independent risk factor for early human milk (HM) cessation, and DBF at the first oral meal promotes continued DBF during hospitalization and HM duration beyond discharge. While the Spatz 10-step model for protecting and promoting HM and breastfeeding in vulnerable infants provides best practices, lack of standardized implementation results in missed opportunities to meet parents' DBF goals.

PURPOSE

To standardize clinical practices to increase DBF at the first oral meal, total DBF meals during hospitalization, and use of test weighing to measure milk transfer for preterm infants.

METHODS

Quality improvement methods were used to develop and implement Encourage, Assess, Transition (EAT): a DBF protocol for infants less than 37 weeks gestation at birth, in a level II neonatal intensive care unit.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight (45%) infants from 27.7 to 36.7 weeks of gestation initiated the protocol. The proportion of infants' DBF at first oral meal increased from 22% to 54%; mean DBF meals during hospitalization increased from 13.3 to 20.3; and use of test weighing increased by 166%.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH

Standardizing DBF practices with the EAT protocol increased DBF during hospitalization-a known driver of patient experience-and HM duration beyond discharge, in hospitalized preterm infants. Researchers should validate the reported benefits of EAT (increased DBF during hospitalization, use of test weighing, and improved patient experience), methods to promote passive dissemination of evidence, and sustain change.Video abstract available at: https://journals.na.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/pages/videogallery.aspx?autoPlay=false&videoId=61.