Postdischarge telephone follow-up program for breastfeeding preterm infants discharged from a special care nursery

Abstract

There is little research about mothers' concerns and management strategies for breastfeeding preterm infants in the postdischarge period. However, preterm infants have unique needs, and their mothers often face overwhelming challenges when trying to breastfeed in the early postdischarge period. The purpose of this project was to provide support to breastfeeding mothers whose babies had been recently discharged and to help the SCN team to develop a discharge plan. A telephone follow-up form was developed to help identify real or potential problems, plan realistic interventions, and evaluate the effectiveness of the plan. The first part of the form includes information about the baby's stay in the hospital. The second part of the form is used postdischarge. Space is provided to document any identified problems and suggested interventions. Feedback from the mothers who have received the telephone follow-up has been very favorable.