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According to an article in the June 1998 issue of the Journal of Human
Lactation, the number of higher-order multiple births in the US quadrupled
between 1970 and 1994. The number of women choosing to breastfeed their
higher-order multiples has also risen. In this case report, a mother of
quadruplets identifies the factors and interventions she perceived as
having a positive or negative impact on breastfeeding.
Positive perceptions after discharge from the hospital included social support, visits from a lactation consultant, and bonding with her babies. Negative perceptions included the status of her milk production and concerns about the health of two of her four babies. Maternal commitment was found to be a key component in one study of breastfeeding multiples and appeared to be true in this case study as well. Recommendations from the health care team included: -Anticipatory guidance for breastfeeding initiation, milk expression and feeding management for preterm infants. -Lactation consultant participation on any prenatal, neonatal and postpartum multidisciplinary care team. -Establishing breast milk production through early, frequent milk expression. -Long term discharge follow-up by a lactation consultant and referral to local breastfeeding support groups, like La Leche League In summary, the authors concluded that in order to provide consistent and appropriate breastfeeding care for this population, health care professionals require additional breastfeeding support skills. This includes insight into their unique situations and sensitivity to maternal pacing. Auer, C and Gromada, KK. A case report of breastfeeding quadruplets: Factors perceived as affecting breastfeeding. Journal of Human Lactation. 1998; 14: 135-141. Go To Page: 1 |
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