Impact of early-onset sepsis guidelines on breastfeeding.

Abstract

To evaluate the impact of changes to neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) guidelines on in-hospital breastfeeding. Asymptomatic neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for sepsis evaluations over a 2-year period were identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted as part of a larger quality initiative on antibiotic stewardship. In Epoch 1, Epoch 2, and Epoch 3, there were 268 babies, 138 babies and 138 babies admitted to the NICU based on sepsis protocol, respectively. When comparing Epoch 1 to Epoch 3, there was a 14% increase in total breast milk consumption rates (p < 0.0001) and a 15% increase in exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (p < 0.002). By implementing new EOS protocols, we have decreased NICU length of stay. We suggest that the decrease in mother-infant separation time leads to an improvement in breastfeeding.