Evaluation of Preterm Infants during the First Offering of the Maternal Breast-feeding in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Introduction: Breast-feeding is the most natural and safe way to feed a newborn premature. The establishment of breast-feeding in these cases presents problems for mother and newborn. The assessment of the first offering of maternal breast (MB) in a neonatal intensive care unit (ICU) have become indispensable to those difficulties are seen early.

Objectives: Rate newborn prematures during the first offering of MB in a neonatal ICU.

Methods: In this study, 15 mother-newborn participated in a neonatal ICU in a Hospital in Porto Alegre. The collection occurred in three parts with each dyad: (1) inquiry newborn records and filling out a form, (2) application a structured questionnaire to mothers, and (3) assessment the first offer of MB applying the speech therapy evaluation form feedings.

Results: In this study, 46.7% of newborn had prematurity as the sole reason for admission, 60% were already in speech therapy before initiating breast-feeding. Mean maternal age was 29.27 years and 73.3% had a stable relationship with the father of the newborn. It was found that the higher the corrected gestational age of newborns, the better the conditions for making the handle and milking breast, and final classification of breast-feeding. Older newborns (days of life) had the best handle in the MB.

Conclusion: Prematurity was the main factor against breast-feeding; however, the positive characteristics of the mothers and the early onset of therapeutic sessions in most prematures may have provided good results in the first offering of the MB.

Keywords: breast-feeding, premature, neonatal unit care.