Effect of Breast Milk on Hospital Costs and Length of Stay Among Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants in the NICU

Abstract

This article presents a descriptive comparative study on the effect of providing at least 50% breast milk feedings compared with formula feeding on days to discharge and cost of hospitalization in VLBW infants in the NICU. It also provides information concerning cost of care and length of stay in VLBW and infants weighing less than 1000 g.

Effects of a Breast Milk Diet on Enteral Feeding Outcomes of Neonates with Gastrointestinal Disorders

“…1 Furthermore, BM diets are associated with decreased time to full enteral feeds and decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) in select populations. 5,[7][8][9][10][11] We believe that decreasing the time that neonates with GI disorders spend on PN will improve clinical outcomes and decrease overall costs. While there is literature to support this conclusion in preterm and very low-birthweight neonates, there is a paucity of literature assessing the role of BM diets on outcomes of neonates who do not meet such criteria.…”

“…1 BM has been found to stimulate the development of healthy intestinal flora, modulate inflammatory processes, and encourage bowel maturity, repair, and function. 1,5,6 In particular, BM diets in premature infants decrease the incidence of late-onset sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, increase intestinal motility and gastric emptying, and have general anti-inflammatory effects. 5,7 Studies have also supported the role of BM diets in decreasing PN courses by more than 50% in infants with short bowel syndrome.…”

“…1,5,6 In particular, BM diets in premature infants decrease the incidence of late-onset sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis, increase intestinal motility and gastric emptying, and have general anti-inflammatory effects. 5,7 Studies have also supported the role of BM diets in decreasing PN courses by more than 50% in infants with short bowel syndrome. 1 Furthermore, BM diets are associated with decreased time to full enteral feeds and decreased hospital length of stay (LOS) in select populations.…”

“…While there is literature to support this conclusion in preterm and very low-birthweight neonates, there is a paucity of literature assessing the role of BM diets on outcomes of neonates who do not meet such criteria. 5,[7][8][10][11][12][13][14] The objective of this study was to assess whether a diet of ‡50% BM is associated with an earlier transition off of PN in neonates with specific GI disorders when compared to similar neonates who receive enteral diets <50% BM. Secondary outcomes included hospital LOS and days to achievement of full enteral feeds.…”

Mother's breast milk supplemented with donor milk reduces hospital and health service usage costs in low-birthweight infants

“…The promotion of breast feeding has enormous potential to improve global infant mortality and morbidity (Mangham et al, 2009;Jeiger et al, 2010;Parker et al, 2012;Horta et al, 2015).…”