Abstract
Benefits accrued to the mother of a very low-birthweight (VLBW) infant who is providing human milk for her infant are likely to include many of the positive health effects that mothers of term infants enjoy, such as a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Whether breastfeeding decreases the risk of postpartum depression, improves maternal mood, or reduces stress and anxiety has not yet been documented. The diversity of experiences that can be described as “breastfeeding” a VLBW infant, including milk expression with a pump, skin-to-skin care with nuzzling, and feeding directly at the breast, adds complexity to research in this area. There is no evidence that providing human milk or encouraging a mother to provide human milk is harmful in any way. Clinicians can and should support breastfeeding and human milk provision among mothers of VLBW infants.
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