Background: The ability to complete nipple feedings is one of the discharge criteria for most premature neonates. The Infant Driven Feeding (IDF) program suggests a system of objective promotion of oral feeds in premature infants. There is a lack of studies systematically studying the effects of IDF on the provision of breast milk. Methods: This was a retrospective study of all premature infants born before 33 weeks and birth weight of <1,500 g admitted to a level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Infants on IDF were compared with those not on IDF. Results: A total of 46 infants in the IDF group and 52 in the non-IDF group met the inclusion criteria. A higher number of infants in the IDF group breastfed at first oral attempt (54% versus 12%). Forty-five percent of IDF mothers completed a full 72 hours of protected breastfeeding at the start of oral feeds, and IDF infants had earlier removal of nasogastric (NG) tube. There was no difference in the provision of breast milk and/or breastfeeding on discharge between the two groups. There was no difference in the length of stay between the two groups. Conclusion: The IDF program attempts to streamline the promotion of oral feeds in very low birth weight infants. Higher incidence of breastfeeding at the start of oral feeds and earlier removal of NG tube did not translate into higher provision of breast milk on discharge in very low birth weight infants in the IDF group. Prospective randomized trials are needed to validate cue-based infant driven feeding programs and their effects on the provision of breast milk.
Keywords: breast milk; breastfeeding; infant driven feeding program; premature infants and NICU.