Evaluation of the implementation of human milk supply for prematures in a neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract

Objectives: to assess the supply of human milk exclusively to prematures in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the influence of external and organizational contexts on the degree of implementation of this intervention. Methods: this is an implementation evaluation with analysis of the external context (sociodemographic situation of mothers, support network and industry marketing) and organizational context (belonging to the hospital unit). To define the degree of implementation, the Analysis and Judgment Matrix was used, considering the compliance dimension, and the availability and technical-scientific quality sub-dimensions. The data used were obtained through interviews, semi-structured questionnaires and analysis of documents from the institution. Results: the degree of implementation of the intervention was 80.74%, proving to be satisfactory, with emphasis on the technical-scientific quality sub-dimension. Conclusions: the success in the supply of human milk is linked to public policies, the support and guidance offered to mothers in the hospital unit, presence of a support network, knowledge of mothers about the benefits of breastfeeding, adequate infrastructure and availability of supplies. The prematures being hospitalized in a child-friendly hospital contributed to the implementation of the intervention.