Suggested citation: do Nascimento MB, Issler H. Breastfeeding in premature infants: in-hospital clinical management. J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S163-S172.
AbstractObjective: To describe the importance of breastfeeding and its promotion in the in-hospital clinical management of premature newborns.
Source of data:The authors made an extensive literature review on the topic, including technical books, theses, publications of national and international organizations, and search on MEDLINE database (1990 to 2003), using the following key words and boolean operators: breastfeeding AND low birth weight and breastfeeding AND preterm infant . Some significant references cited in the reviewed publications were used as well.Summary of the findings: After this review we conclude that many aspects make the breast milk particularly suitable to the premature newborn feeding. Despite being highly desirable, little success in breastfeeding preterm infants is generally observed, particularly in special care neonatal units, although there are evidences suggesting that a highly supportive hospital environment can make it possible to breastfeed these infants.Conclusions: Although breastfeeding premature infants represents a challenge, it is feasible if appropriate help and support are provided. Mothers of premature infants need information and support to make informed decisions about their infants feeding.J Pediatr (Rio J). 2004;80(5 Suppl):S163-S172: Breastfeeding, human milk, newborn, preterm infant, neonatal care.
Breastfeeding in premature infants:in-hospital clinical management Maria Beatriz R. do Nascimento, 1 Hugo Issler 2 0021-7557/04/80-05-Suppl/S163
Jornal de Pediatria
Copyright © 2004 by Sociedade Brasileira de PediatriaBreastfeeding is the safest and most natural form of infant feeding, and it should be exclusive up to the sixth month. After that, complementary feeding should be implemented, but breastfeeding can be maintained up to the second year of life or longer. 1 Human milk provides a unique combination of proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, enzymes and living cells, in addition to offering nutritional, immunological, psychological and economic benefits. 2-7 These qualities have great importance when it comes to preterm newborns (PTNB), due to their greater vulnerability. 8 The appropriate clinical management of lactation has been described to facilitate the successful breastfeeding of full-term newborns. 9 The medical literature also provides evidence that mothers of PTNB infants should have access to breastfeeding support, in order to maintain a sufficient milk production; however, practical aspects regarding the promotion of human milk feeding still have not been settled into the routine care of preterm infants in most neonatal