Abstract
BackgroundNewborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia (EA) might experience breastfeeding difficulties. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of breastfeeding in newborns with CDH and EA at different time points.MethodsWe performed an epidemiological study and retrospective survey on the prevalence of breastfeeding in CDH and EA affected newborns. We identified 40 CDH and 25 EA newborns who were fed through breastfeeding procedures according to WHO categorized definitions, and compared the breastfeeding procedures at the beginning of hospitalization and at three months of life.ResultsAlthough all the mothers attempted breastfeeding after birth, only 44 (67.7%) were still breastfeeding at the time of discharge. Exclusive breastfeeding was successful for only 19 (29%) mothers. The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at three months of life did not differ statistically from discharge and between the two groups of study.ConclusionA large percentage of mothers of children with CDH and EA who breastfed at the beginning of hospitalization did not continue at three months. It would be important to increase the breastfeeding rate in CDH and EA affected newborns by following specific steps for vulnerable infants and sustaining breastfeeding after discharge.
Highlights
Newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia (EA) might experience breastfeeding difficulties
We excluded 10 newborns who underwent revision for EA, 5 infants hospitalized over three months, and 20 neonates who died before or immediately after surgery for CDH
Our results show that the rate of breast-feeding is low in CDH and EA newborns versus what it was in 2014 in the Lazio region, where our hospital is located (65.4% at discharge), but the rate of breastfeeding did not change significantly after hospital discharge
Summary
Newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia (EA) might experience breastfeeding difficulties. The aim of this study was to detect the prevalence of breastfeeding in newborns with CDH and EA at different time points. Newborns undergoing surgery for congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) and esophageal atresia (EA) might benefit from BM, because they are vulnerable infants. Morbidities linked to CDH include pulmonary disorders, cardiovascular and gastro-intestinal diseases, failure to thrive, neurocognitive defects, and musculoskeletal abnormalities [14, 15]. Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is an important contributor to overall morbidity, and can be responsible for feeding problems and failure to thrive [16, 17]. It is conceivable that an enteral feeding with a suitable choice like the human milk can improve the fasting tolerance and reduce GERD in CDH infants
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