engleski

Breastfeeding support in neonatal intensive care units in Croatia: a national survey.

Aim. To examine the practices that affect breastfeeding in the Neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in Croatia. Method. A national survey was conducted in September 2013. A structured questionnaire was mailed to all 12 Croatian NICUs (level II and III according to national definitions). The questionnaire was used to collect information on exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge and NICUs practices that promote breastfeeding, including the use of the skin-to-skin care (SSC). Results. The 11 out of 12 Croatian NICUs had obstetric service, and ten NICUs were at designated Baby-Friendly hospitals. Half of the all NICUs were level III units. There were a total of 2096 premature infants and 343 VLBW infants. On average, the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge was 62% ; with 70% and 54% (p<0.001) in level II and level III NICUs, respectively. SSC was regularly practiced in 75% of NICUs, and occasionally in one unit. Majority of the NICUs offered 2 to 3 SSC sessions per day, with the duration of daily SSC of 1-3 hours in 80% and 4-6 hours in 20% of the units. Only 42% of units had free maternal visiting policies, whereas policies regarding paternal visiting were more restrictive in almost all (92%) units. Staff education was rated as very good (67%) both in level II and level III NICUs. Conclusion. The Croatian NICUs reported relatively high exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge. However, practices that supported breastfeeding varied between units, and not all units supported skin-to-skin care and the parents' presence in the NICU.

breastfeeding, neonatal intensive care units, Croatia

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