Human milk sufficiency for premature babies in Intensive Care Units

Abstract

Objective To analyze human milk sufficiency in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in the Metropolitan Region of São Paulo according to the number of premature babies, estimated demand for human milk and actual consumption. Methods This is a cross-sectional study, carried out at Human Milk Collection Stations and Human Milk Banks registered with the São Paulo Network of Human Milk Banks in 2017. Data from 2017 census vital statistics were used to identify premature baby distribution in Regional Health Care Networks. Results 100% of Human Milk Collection Stations and 84.6% of Human Milk Banks in São Paulo participated in the study. Pasteurized human milk distribution insufficiency was identified between estimated demand and actual consumption by premature babies. During the study period, only the Center and Southeast regions met 100% of human milk coverage, followed by the Greater ABC region, with 44.62%. Conclusion Most Human Milk Collection Stations and Human Milk Banks in the metropolitan region of São Paulo do not assist all premature children. The management of these units can contribute to encouraging donor recruitment and collected human milk optimization.