Presentation Information

Holistic Lactation Management in the NICU: A Comprehensive, Family-Centered Framework

• Speaker: Rashmi Poduval , IBCLC, CBS, M.Sc. Dietetics
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits:

Abstract:

Holistic lactation management in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) prioritizes comprehensive, family-centered care to optimize human milk feeding for critically ill and preterm infants. This evidence-based framework integrates multidisciplinary collaboration, maternal support and developmentally supportive interventions to enhance lactation outcomes.
Core components of lactation care in NICU settings include structured lactation support programs with dedicated lactation consultants, effective milk expression protocols and appropriate utilization of pasteurized donor human milk. These interventions have been shown to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates and improve health outcomes in vulnerable infants.
Family-centered care emphasizes on unrestricted parental access and their active participation in infant care. This holistic approach addresses physiological, psychological, social and environmental factors that may affect lactation. It incorporates maternal assessments, supervised transitions to oral/breastfeeding, individualized discharge planning along with community support.
This presentation will offer practical strategies for implementing holistic lactation management, overcoming barriers, achieving sustainable improvements in NICU breastfeeding outcomes through evidence-based practices that benefit infants and families worldwide.