Work

Oral care with human milk is associated with increased human milk feeding and breastfeeding for newborns with critical congenital heart disease

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Describe the prevalence of oral care with human milk (OHM) for infants with critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) and estimate the effect of early OHM (1st postnatal week) on lactation outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort including infants with CCHD from 2014-2023. Adjusted regression estimated effects of early OHM frequency (quartiles (Q); Q1 = 0-1 OHM doses, Q2 = 2-6, Q3 = 7-13, Q4 ≥ 14) on human milk intake and breastfeeding (BF) at discharge. RESULT: For 297 infants ≤6 months old, OHM comprised 25.5% of oral care. Early OHM frequency was associated with 42.67-57.03 mL/kg/d higher human milk intake (p < 0.001 for Q2-4 compared to Q1), and 4.7-6.03 greater odds of BF (p < 0.01 for Q2-4) at discharge. CONCLUSION: Increased early OHM frequency was strongly associated with lactation outcomes for newborns with CCHD. OHM may support human milk/BF exposure in this vulnerable population.

Source: Journal of Perinatology

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-026-02698-7

Authors: Kristin M. Elgersma, Nancy L. Slater, Kimberly Watkins, Lynn R. Tanner, Nellie M. Swanson, Sara E. Ramel

Institutions: University of Minnesota, Children's Minnesota

Language: English

Topic: Breastfeeding Practices and Influences

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,790