Admitted when Breastfeeding: Impact and Experiences of Hospital Care

• DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0310
• Publication Date: 2025-01-20T15:00:21Z
• Authors: Anna Llupià; Anna Fité; Alba Lladó; Laia Aguilar; Joaquim Puig
• Keywords: Formula feeding; Hospital Care

Objective: This study analyzes the impact and experiences of hospitalization for any reason on breastfeeding women. Methods: Cross-sectional online survey (November 2019-March 2020). Adults admitted to a Spanish hospital at least one night, when actively breastfeeding, were included. The questionnaire aimed assessing breast complications, support perceived health care workers' attitudes breastfeeding. Results: Of 266 included participants, 70 (26%) stopped during hospitalization, 13 (5%) interrupted it permanently. A total 24 (10%) participants reported that meant problems later 67 (25%) experiencing complications. most common negative comment was child too old be breastfed (median age, 15 months [interquartile range (IQR) 11-25]). Problems due more likely if (odds ratio [OR] 3.68, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.32-10.5) or experienced (OR 4.11, CI 1.51-11.7). less patients felt encouraged 0.38, 0.21-0.69) hospitalized in surgical inpatient area 0.15, 0.03-0.65). Conclusions: Hospitalizations can cause problems. Hospital services must update protocols integrate into usual care.