Impact of mother-baby friendly initiative plus approach on improving human milk feeding for neonates in hospital: a quality improvement before-and-after uncontrolled study

Breastfeeding, use of pasteurised donor human milk when mother's own milk is unavailable and kangaroo mother care have independently proven benefits in improving survival of vulnerable sick babies. A triangulated approach called the Mother Baby Friendly Initiative Plus (MBFI+) model, bringing together the combined benefits of these proven interventions, was used to improve exclusive human milk feeding at health facilities through quality improvement and system strengthening approach. This quality improvement before-and-after uncontrolled study enrolled 5343 term and 278 very low birth weight (VLBW) mother-infant dyads. Pre- and post-intervention data were compared to evaluate effect on feeding-related healthcare processes and outcomes. Primary outcome which was incidence of exclusive human milk feeding during hospital stay, improved from 44 to 64.8% (RR 1.47, 95% CI: 1.40-1.55) among term and from 60.5 to 80.7% (RR: 1.33; 95% CI: 1.12-1.59) among VLBW neonates. Neonates receiving extended KMC improved from 43 to 71.1% (RR: 1.65; 95% CI: 1.30-2.10). Conclusion: MBFI+ approach improved exclusive human milk feeding among term and preterm VLBW neonates. What is Known: Breastfeeding has immense health benefits to sick preterm neonates admitted in NICU. What is New: Quality improvement approach can lead to system strengthening and can help overcome hindrances to achieve increased breastfeeding rates.

Automated summary

The MBFI+ model successfully improved exclusive human milk feeding rates in health facilities by combining the benefits of breastfeeding, use of pasteurised donor human milk, and kangaroo mother care, particularly in term and preterm VLBW neonates.