Current Practices Related to Feeding Preterm Neonates with Expressed Breast Milk: A Pilot Project

Abstract

A pilot project was conducted to assess current practices related to feeding pretermneonates with expressed breast milk. The present project was conducted with the objectives to assess current practices related to feeding preterm neonates with expressed breast milk admitted in tertiary level hospital, North India. Practices related to expressed breast milk feeding in preterm neonates was assessed in 4 steps. In step one of Information and current practices related to expression of breast milk among mothers was assessed. Practices in neonatal unit revealed that 92% of mothers had knowledge about feeding schedule of babies. In context to infection control practices 96% mothers washed hands, 92% wore gown, and all mothers (100%) used boiled utensils. Eighty two percent mothers expressed milk at least eight times in 24hour including once during night. Feeding detail of preterm neonates revealed that amount of expressed breast milk fed was very less as compare to enteral feed calculated per day