Supporting Cue-Based Breastfeeding in European NICUs
Author Information
Author(s): Tandberg Bente Silnes, Grundt Hege, Maastrup Ragnhild, Aloysius Annie, Nagy Livia, Flacking Renée
Primary Institution: Vestre Viken Hospital Trust
Hypothesis
The study aims to describe supporting practices for cue-based breastfeeding in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Europe.
Conclusion
European NICUs employ supportive practices for cue-based breastfeeding, but restrictions still exist.
Supporting Evidence
- Less than half of the NICUs had no restrictions for skin-to-skin contact.
- Approximately half of the NICUs initiated skin-to-skin contact within the first hour after birth.
- Many NICUs had restrictions for breastfeeding initiation.
- 48% of NICUs encouraged breastfeeding based on infant cues regardless of scheduled feeding times.
Takeaway
This study looked at how hospitals in Europe help mothers breastfeed their premature babies by watching for the baby's cues, but there are still some rules that make it harder.
Methodology
A multinational online survey was conducted using snowball sampling to gather data from NICUs in Europe.
Potential Biases
Respondents may have reported ideal practices rather than actual practices.
Limitations
The study may not represent all NICUs as those with supportive practices may have been more likely to respond.
Participant Demographics
105 NICUs from 15 European countries participated.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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