Integrative Early Breastfeeding Support in NICU

Background and Purpose: Preterm infants are suffered from preterm-related medical sequelae and neurobehavioral problems, which required interdisciplinary intervention. Breast milk is the best nutrition for preterm infants. However, consistent breastfeeding is quite challenging to most mothers of prematurity. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of integrative early breastfeeding support and intervention programs on preterm infants\' breastfeeding rate, neurobehavioral development, and maternal mental health. Method: The prospective, single-blinded randomized controlled trial would be conducted in National Taiwan University Children\'s Hospital in Taipei, Taiwan. We would recruit the mother and infant dyad whose gestational age is between 28 weeks and 34 6/7 weeks. The intervention group (n=22) would receive integrative early breastfeeding support and intervention programs, including breastfeeding for prematurity brochure, group education class, weekly interview, one-by-one breastfeeding consultation and online peer group support. The control group (n=22) only receive breastfeeding for prematurity brochure and routine care. Outcome measure: the growth date and types of feeding data at birth, discharge from hospital, 3- and 6-month-old of corrected age would be collected by medical chart review or by interview. Maternal health condition would evaluate by 3 questionnaires, including Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II and Maternal Confidence Questionnaire. Neurobehavioral development would be measured using Neonatal Neurobehavioral Evaluation-Chinese version and Bayley Scales of infant and toddler development 3rd edition at corrected age of 3-month-old and 6-month-old separately. Demographic data, birth history, types of breastfeeding data would be compared with independent t test or χ2 test. The effect of integrative early breastfeeding support and intervention on growth of preterm infants, neurobehavioral development, types of feeding, and maternal health would be conducted by logistic regression analysis.