Providing Breastfeeding Support in the Hospital Setting for Mothers Who Have Infants With Down Syndrome

Abstract

Breastfeeding is the gold standard when it comes to infant feeding due to the significant health benefits it offers infants. The advantages of breast milk are even greater for infants with Down syndrome because of their increased risk for infections and gastrointestinal issues. However, because babies with Down syndrome often experience unique challenges that can compromise successful breastfeeding, the hospital uses special techniques in the nursery to ensure the mothers have the necessary education to initiate breastfeeding and to troubleshoot should problems arise. The techniques outlined are designed to address issues of hypotonia, sleepiness, and tongue thrusting, which are common in babies with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome and breastfeeding: A systematic review

“…Colón et al (2009) properly discussed the fact that these children may benefit from breastfeeding to increase muscle tone because these children often exhibit low muscle tone at birth, and this requires the mother to be assisted in the process. Among the numerous positive impacts of breastfeeding in children (WHO, 2017), this importance is reinforced in infants with Down syndrome owing to the increased risk of infections and gastrointestinal problems (White, 2013), which states that breastfeeding protects children with Down syndrome by promoting immunity and gastrointestinal health; moreover, the rates of being overweight or obese are higher in youths with Down syndrome (Bertapelli et al, 2016). Risk factors for obesity are probably multi-factorial (Bertapelli et al, 2016), and breastfeeding is a significant protective factor against obesity (Yan et al, 2014).…”

“…Since breastfeeding offers health benefits (Deoni et al, 2018; Flores-Lujano et al, 2009; Vieira-Borba et al, 2018; WHO, 2017; White, 2013), along with a positive impact on the development of children’s oral skills (Silveira et al, 2013) and promotion of the bonding relationship between a mother and child, it is clear that breastfeeding is a natural, beneficial (WHO, 2017), and highly relevant strategy to nurture children with Down syndrome.…”

Relationship-Based Care for Newborns with Down Syndrome and Endocardial Cushion Defect

“…This in turn facilitates speech and language development. Because babies with Down syndrome are at higher risk for infection, the antibodies found in human milk provide extra protection (White, ). Breastfeeding is also associated with a decreased risk for obesity, which is a common health concern for persons with Down syndrome.…”

“…One position, the “Dancer” hold, provides added support. A “C” hold is utilized with the thumb on top and three fingers underneath the nipple, while supporting the baby's cheek by making a “U” shape with the index finger and the thumb (White, ). A combination of breastfeeding alternated with expressed breastmilk bottle feeding may be needed.…”

Dificuldades da amamentação em crianças com Síndrome de Down

“…A ação de sucção primordial durante a amamentação fornece estimulação que beneficia a coordenação das estruturas ativas do sistema estomatognático em bebês com tônus muscular reduzido. Neonatos com SD também apresentam maior risco de infecções, com isso, os anticorpos presentes no leite da mãe são primordiais para essa população (White, 2013). Bebês nascidos com SD apresentam características apontadas como fatores dificultadores da amamentação.…”