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The use of human milk in the neonatal intensive care unit: Practices in Belgium and Luxembourg

par Cossey, Veerle;Johansson, Anne Britt ;De Halleux, Virginie;Vanhole, Chris
Référence Breastfeeding Medicine, 7, 4, page (302-306)
Publication Publié, 2012-08

Article révisé par les pairs

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Résumé :

Background: Human milk remains the preferred feeding for all infants, including premature and sick newborns. However, mother's milk is not sterile, and expressed milk can be a source of commensal and pathogenic microorganisms. Microbiological quality standards for the use of expressed human milk in hospitals are not available, unlike for donor or formula milk. Methods: To document current practices for the use of human milk in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Belgium and Luxembourg, both for mother's own milk and donor milk, a questionnaire was sent to all 20 neonatal units. Results: Of the 19 units that completed the survey, 47% perform bacteriological testing of expressed milk. Applied bacterial count limits for the acceptable level of contamination differ among units, for both commensals and pathogens. Only six units have a device for pasteurizing milk at their disposal. Storage time in the refrigerator for fresh milk varies between 24 hours to 7 days before use. Access to donor milk is limited. Conclusions: Routines for handling of human milk differ widely among NICUs in Belgium and Luxembourg. An assessment of current issues through a structured survey is a useful tool in the development of best practice guidelines. © 2012, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.