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. 2022 Aug;42(8):1076-1082.
doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-01275-4. Epub 2021 Nov 23.

Barriers to optimal breast milk provision in the neonatal intensive care unit

Meera N Sankar  1 , Ya'el Weiner  2   3 , Neha Chopra  2   3 , Peiyi Kan  2   3 , Zakiyah Williams  4 , Henry C Lee  2   3
Affiliations

Barriers to optimal breast milk provision in the neonatal intensive care unit

Meera N Sankar et al. J Perinatol. 2022 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: This study examines comprehensive patient and process factors that influence breast milk use in the NICU setting.

Study design: We examined the association of maternal, neonatal, and family factors and lactation support systems to identify gaps in breast milk use in a retrospective study of 865 infants born in 23-41 weeks gestation admitted to the NICU.

Results: Breast milk at discharge for all infants was 89.3%, for extremely preterm 82.3%, moderately preterm 91.4%, late preterm 86.5%, and term 92.7%. Prematurity (OR 0.31 [0.17-0.56]), low birth weight, morbidities, Black maternal race (OR 0.20 [0.07-0.57]) and public insurance (OR 0.54 [0.34-0.85]) were associated with decreased breast milk use. Early initiation of feeds was associated with increased breast milk use.

Conclusions: There is a need to increase social as well as hospital support systems to address gaps in breast milk use in the NICU.

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Conflict of interest statement

The other authors declare no conflicts of interest relevant to this article. Dr. Lee is a paid consultant to Lansinoh Laboratories, Inc, and received research grant funding from Mead Johnson Nutrition.

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