Breastfeeding During Maternal or Child Hospitalization

Patient Guideline Summary

Publication Date: September 16, 2021

Objective

Objective

This patient summary means to discuss key recommendations from the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine for breastfeeding during maternal or child hospitalization.

Overview

Overview

  • Hospital staff needs to pay attention to the special needs of breastfeeding mothers and their infants. This Guideline contains recommendations for that purpose.

Treatment

Treatment

  • This is what you should expect if you are breastfeeding while hospitalized.
    • Hospital staff that is attentive to your specific needs.
    • Have breastfeeding experts available if you need help or advice.
    • Be with your child whenever possible.
    • Enable and encourage breastfeeding during your hospital stay.
    • Have available all equipment you might need to breastfeed your child comfortably and effectively.
    • Have available nutrition and supplements specific to breastfeeding.
    • Provide a safe environment that includes attention to medications and imaging studies.
    • Proper infection control.
    • Support for you and your child if you undergo surgery.

Source Citation

Bartick M, Hernández-Aguilar MT, Wight N, Mitchell KB, Simon L, Hanley L, Meltzer-Brody S, Lawrence RM. ABM Clinical Protocol #35: Supporting Breastfeeding During Maternal or Child Hospitalization. Breastfeed Med. 2021 Sep;16(9):664-674. doi: 10.1089/bfm.2021.29190.mba. Epub 2021 Sep 6. Erratum in: Breastfeed Med. 2021 Nov;16(11):928. PMID: 34516777.

Disclaimer

The information in this patient summary should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.