INTRODUCTION: The benefits of breastfeeding for both a newborn and mother are well established. Parents often co-sleep with their children for ease of breastfeeding. However, co-sleeping is associated with sleep-related deaths. To alleviate this burden, Temple University Hospital (TUH) provided all newly delivered mothers with a Baby Box, a box with a firm mattress, for a safe sleeping environment. The purpose of this project was to study the impact of a safe sleeping environment on breastfeeding rates. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients between May 2016 and May 2018 who delivered at TUH and were provided a Baby Box prior to hospital discharge. A phone survey was performed after discharge. Categorical variables were analyzed using Pearson chi-squared test. This study on review by the TUH IRB was given exempt status. RESULTS: Of 4,394 eligible women, 26% reported exclusive breastfeeding of their infant. Approximately 26% of those exclusively breastfeeding reported using the Baby Box for infant sleep, and 54% reported that breastfeeding was easier while using the Baby Box. Approximately 32% of those who exclusively breastfed reported co-sleeping with their infant. There was no statistically significant difference between feeding method and use of the Baby Box. CONCLUSION: With the use of the baby box, the number of participants exclusively breastfeeding was low. Of those who exclusively breastfeed, there was a high rate of co-sleeping, despite being provided with a safe sleeping environment. This study demonstrates the need for continued efforts to promote breastfeeding and safe sleeping in this patient population.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.