Impact of early-onset sepsis guidelines on breastfeeding

J Perinatol. 2021 Oct;41(10):2499-2504. doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-01154-y. Epub 2021 Aug 6.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of changes to neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) guidelines on in-hospital breastfeeding.

Study design: Asymptomatic neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for sepsis evaluations over a 2-year period were identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted as part of a larger quality initiative on antibiotic stewardship.

Result: In Epoch 1, Epoch 2, and Epoch 3, there were 268 babies, 138 babies and 138 babies admitted to the NICU based on sepsis protocol, respectively. When comparing Epoch 1 to Epoch 3, there was a 14% increase in total breast milk consumption rates (p < 0.0001) and a 15% increase in exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (p < 0.002).

Conclusion: By implementing new EOS protocols, we have decreased NICU length of stay. We suggest that the decrease in mother-infant separation time leads to an improvement in breastfeeding.

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Intensive Care Units, Neonatal
  • Neonatal Sepsis* / drug therapy
  • Neonatal Sepsis* / epidemiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sepsis* / diagnosis
  • Sepsis* / drug therapy
  • Sepsis* / epidemiology