Use of a Supplemental Feeding Tube Device and Breastfeeding at 4 Weeks

Frances Penny, Elizabeth A. Brownell, Michelle Judge, Mary Marshall-Crim, Diana Cartagena, Jacqueline M. McGrath

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background:Mothers having difficulty breastfeeding their infants may use alternative supportive feeding methods. Although a supplemental feeding tube device is commonly used, efficacy for supporting sustained breastfeeding remains unknown.Purpose:To describe supplemental feeding tube device use by breastfeeding mothers as an alternative feeding method through exploration of associations between supplemental feeding tube device use and continued breastfeeding at 4 weeks of infant's age.Method:Forty mothers participated. They were interviewed during the birth hospitalization and at 4 weeks postpartum. Questions addressed use of supplemental feeding tube devices, breastfeeding issues, and continued breastfeeding relationships. We examined the relationship between LATCH scores at 2 to 3 days of life.Results:Breastfeeding mothers who chose to supplement with bottle-feeding instead of use of a supplemental feeding tube device were 30% less likely to continue breastfeeding at a medium/high/exclusive level.Conclusion:Use of the supplemental feeding tube device may help avoid the potentially detrimental effect of bottle-feeding on continued breastfeeding.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)334-340
Number of pages7
JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing
Volume48
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 1 2023

Keywords

  • Baby-friendly hospital initiative
  • Bottle-feeding
  • Breast feeding
  • Breastfeeding exclusive
  • Exclusive breastfeeding
  • Human milk
  • Lactation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Maternity and Midwifery
  • Pharmacology (nursing)

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