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What evidence‐based strategies have been shown to improve breastfeeding rates in preterm infants?
Author(s) -
Hilditch Cathie,
Howes Alexander,
Dempster Natalie,
Keir Amy
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
journal of paediatrics and child health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.631
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1440-1754
pISSN - 1034-4810
DOI - 10.1111/jpc.14551
Subject(s) - medicine , breastfeeding , psychological intervention , neonatal intensive care unit , colostrum , breast feeding , breast milk , pacifier , pediatrics , nursing , medline , neonatal nursing , intensive care medicine , family medicine , biochemistry , chemistry , political science , antibody , law , immunology
Breast milk is the preferred form of nutrition for all infants and has been shown to reduce morbidity and improve health outcomes in preterm infants. However, mothers of preterm infants face many challenges initiating and sustaining breastfeeding within the neonatal unit. This scoping review examines evidence‐based practices which aim to improve breastfeeding rates in preterm infants at the time of hospital discharge. A literature review identified 17 articles which are included in this review. Supporting evidence was found for the implementation of kangaroo mother care and/or skin‐to‐skin care, peer counsellors, provision of oropharyngeal colostrum in early infancy and use of donor human milk banks. However, overall it is apparent that high quality research including systematic review and data synthesis in the form of meta‐analysis is required in this area to reach sound conclusions regarding recommendations of different interventions. This scoping review provides an important foundation for further research into this area.