PGY-3 Stony Brook Children's Hospital Centereach, New York, United States
Background: Breast milk (BM) is considered the best nutrition for infants. American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding (BF) for the first 6 months of life. BM has oligosaccharides, lactoferrin, choline which promote brain and gut development and a microbiome of commensal bacteria unlike formula. BM has been shown to reduce rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory infections, sudden infant death syndrome and some chronic illnesses.
Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICU) have developed guidelines to improve BM feeding in extremely low and very low birth weight (BW) infants. Late preterm infants have decreased BM feeding rates but have been given less attention. Our goal is to improve BM feeding rates in late preterm infants and generalize it to other NICUs. BM feeding initiation and continuation is crucial for the long-term benefits. The Center for Disease Control reports that in 2020 national data for BF at birth was 83.1% but decreased to 58.2% at 6 months.
We implemented a Comprehensive Lactation Program (CLP) which aims to support BM feeding from birth to discharge. Measures instituted include maternal education on double pumping, pumping logs, colostrum kits and nursing awareness. Objective: To assess the impact of a Comprehensive Lactation Program and educational measures on late preterm infant BM feeding rates. Design/Methods: Retrospective chart review of over 200 neonates 33-36 6/7 weeks GA and their mothers from 07/2020-12/2020 and 07/2021-12/2021 was done pre and post implementation of CLP in a level 3 academic NICU. Maternal demographics and risk factors collected: maternal age, gravida, delivery mode, preeclampsia. Neonatal demographics and data collected: GA, BW, respiratory support. Outcomes measured: time to first feed and type, feeds at discharge, BM feed within 24 hours of birth, at any time and at discharge. Stony Brook IRB approved the study. Data collection is complete and analysis is ongoing. Student T-test will be used to compare nominal data and logistic regression to compare pre and post-variables.
