Impact of feeding from human milk bank on Neonatal Mortality and low birth weight and very low birth weight babies

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: To estimate the effect of feeding from a human milk bank on neonatal mortality in low birth weight (LBW) and very low birth weight (VLBW) babies. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care center in a metropolitan city. Data collection and analysis were performed for the period from 2007 to 2012. The study involved analyzing data on the Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) and disease-specific mortality rates for neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of the tertiary care center. Additionally, the utilization of human milk during the corresponding years was assessed, followed by statistical analysis to estimate the effect of breastfeeding on neonatal mortality and morbidity rates, particularly in LBW and VLBW babies. Results: The establishment of a human milk bank and the supply of human milk to neonates, especially LBW babies, had a significant impact on neonatal mortality and morbidity. The total number of neonatal deaths was found to be significantly different before and after the establishment of the milk bank. The mean number of neonatal deaths before 2008 (70.66) was significantly higher than that after 2008 (mean number of deaths = 49.37) (Independent t-test, p-value < 0.05). The mean number of deaths due to sepsis was considerably higher before the establishment of the milk bank. However, the mean number of neonatal deaths due to other causes, such as asphyxia, sepsis, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), before and after 2008, was not found to be statistically significant.