Early Use of Raw Milk and Breastfeeding Continuation

Hospices Civils de Lyon516 enrolled

Overview

BACKGROUND: Despite the critical importance of breast milk for preterm and sick neonates, there is no consensus regarding the use of raw mother's own milk (MOM) in neonatal units. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the use of raw MOM in hospitalised neonates before day 7 (early use), and to investigate: (i) related factors, (ii) maternal satisfaction, and (iii) the association with breastfeeding continuation. METHODS: This prospective cohort included 516 neonates intended to be breastfed in 2 French neonatal units. Neonates receiving raw MOM before day 7 were compared to those who did not. The association between early use of MOM and breastfeeding continuation at hospital discharge, and up to 6 months later, was measured by logistic regression.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

516

Conditions

Breastfeeding Continuation

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMax age: 6 Months

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Eligible neonates were those admitted between April 2012 and June 2013, who were intended to be breastfed and remained hospitalized for 7 days or more. Exclusion Criteria: * Neonates with parents not fluent in French were excluded.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in breastfeeding after hospital discharge

Breastfeeding was defined as the consumption of any mother's own milk (MOM), provided either directly at the breast or after having been expressed. Information on breastfeeding continuation was extracted from the electronic chart during the last 2 days preceding hospital discharge. It was classed as "exclusive" when all the fed milk was MOM, or "partial" when it was completed by other milk and/or food.