Effect of Implementing Breastfeeding Promotion Program in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit on Newborn Weight and Breastfeeding Practices

Abstract

Background: Mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants have challenges breastfeeding their infants. Even if not intending to breastfeed, they may be encouraged to do so for short-term to protect their infants. Yet, they need consultation to assist initiation, and maintenance of breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of implementation of Breastfeeding Promotion Program in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on breastfeeding practices and newborn weight. Methods: A Breastfeeding Educational Promotion Initiative Program was started in the NICU. Our targets were health care professionals, social workers and staff in the NICU as well as mothers of VLBW infants admitted to the NICU. Forty-six VLBW infants were included in the study. We compared the newborn weight and breastfeeding practices such as number of mother rs’ visits, and breastfeeding rate at time of discharge from the NICU between two groups. Group A, n = 23, pre-intervention and group B, n = 23, post-intervention. Results: Infants weight at discharge and percentage increase in weight gain were more in group B which showed significant difference (P = 0.02) and (P < 0.01) respectively. Expressed breast milk per day was more in group B with significant difference (P < 0.005). The number of mothe rs’ visit and the percentage of breastfeeding at time of discharge were more in group B with highly statistically significant difference (P = 0.001 and 0.0001 respectively). Conclusion: Implementation of a Breastfeeding Educational Promotion Program in the NICU improved newborn weight gain and breastfeeding practices. Int J Clin Pediatr. 2014;3(2):40-45 doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.14740/ijcp159w