ARS | Publication request: GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF A HOSPITAL-BASED LACTATION PROGRAM AND MOTHER'S OWN MILK BANK

Submitted to: Journal of Obstetric Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 15, 1999
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: As the use of human milk for the hospitalized newborn increases, more attention is given to maintaining an adequate maternal milk volume to meet the newborn's needs and to methods of milk collection, storage, and preparation for feeding. It is recognized that delay or interruption of breast-feeding because of prematurity or infant illness may be detrimental to lactation. This article summarizes strategies used in the design and implementation of a hospital-based lactation program and mother's own milk bank.

Technical Abstract: This article describes the development and characteristics of a hospital- based lactation program and mother's own milk bank in a large pediatric hospital in the southwestern United States. Professional and technical staffing, physical space of the milk bank area, and the program's services and special features are outlined. Quality control issues about human milk preparation, fortification, storage, and transport are discussed.