Funded Projects

Enhancing Breastfeeding Duration in Premature Infants

Grantee: Boston Medical Center
Principal Investigator: Barbara L. Philipp
Project Number: R40MC00252
Project Date: 09/01/2001

Final Report

Enhancing Breastfeeding Duration in Premature Infants Final Report (PDF)

Age group(s)

• Perinatal/Infancy (0-12 months)

Abstract

Enhancing Breastfeeding Duration in Premature Infants: Breast milk is the optimal form of nutrition for all infants. Yet impoverished families who stand to gain most from the health benefits of breastfeeding practice it least. For premature infants, the health benefits of breast milk are vital and include protection against infections including necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis and meningitis, enhanced digestion, and improved visual function and neurocognitive development. Our preliminary findings suggest the NICU environment exacerbates all problems associated with low breastfeeding rates among underprivileged groups. A key problem is lack of peer support. Research shows peer counselors increase breastfeeding duration in a population of low income full term infants, but counselors have not been used in the NICU setting. Research also shows hospital policies can have a negative impact on breastfeeding rates. The goal of this study is to increase breastfeeding duration rates among premature infants and to study determinants of breastfeeding in a population of low income mothers. This is a randomized clinical trial, conducted at an inner city hospital serving primarily minority and low income families. 242 premature infant (26 37 weeks gestational age)/mother pairs in the NICU will be randomized to either the control group (standard of care consisting of breastfeeding assistance from hospital staff) or the intervention group (standard of care plus a peer counselor). Both groups will complete an extensive questionnaire on breastfeeding determinants. Outcome measures will include rates of breastfeeding at 4, 8, and 12 weeks post birth, amount of time spent in kangaroo care and determinants of breastfeeding. This study will determine if peer counselors increase the duration of breastfeeding among impoverished women with premature infants.

Publications

Listed is descending order by year published.

Merewood A, Chamberlain LB, Cook JT, Philipp BL, Malone K, Bauchner H. The effect of peer counselors on breastfeeding rates in the neonatal intensive care unit: results of a randomized controlled trial. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2006 Jul;160(7):681-5.

Merewood A, Philipp BL. Peer counselors for breastfeeding mothers in the hospital setting: trials, training, tributes, and tribulations. J Hum Lact. 2003 Feb;19(1):72-6.