Elaine Marieb College of Nursing Faculty Publication Series
Publication Date
2016
Journal or Book Title
Applied Nursing Research
Abstract
Aim
To explore the relationship between direct-breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and breastfeeding duration after discharge.
Background
Initiating and maintaining breastmilk feeding is an important goal that begins in the NICU. Little is known about direct-breastfeeding in the NICU and its relation to breastfeeding duration.
Methods
Chart review of 46 infants (< 32 weeks gestational age or < 1500 grams) whose mothers provided breastmilk.
Results
One month after discharge, mothers still providing breastmilk were more likely to have provided ≥ 1 direct-breastfeed per day in the NICU (21.16, CI: 3.13–143.25, p < 0.01) and had prior breastfeeding experience (OR: 9.16, CI: 1.02–82.34, p < 0.05). At 4 months, mothers still providing breastmilk were more likely to have provided ≥ 1 direct-breastfeed per day in the NICU (OR: 12.80, CI: 1.39–118.32, p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Direct-breastfeeding in the NICU may play an essential role in preparing mothers for breastfeeding after discharge, thus potentially impacting breastfeeding duration.
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2016.04.004
Pages
47-51
Volume
32
Recommended Citation
Briere, Carrie-Ellen; McGrath, Jacqueline M.; Cong, Xiaomei; Brownell, Elizabeth; and Cusson, Regina, "Direct-Breastfeeding in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and Breastfeeding Duration for Premature Infants" (2016). Applied Nursing Research. 224.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2016.04.004