Maternal hospitalization

It is important to consider breastfeeding when a nursing mother is admitted to the hospital, be it for a medical, surgical or psychiatric problem (Lawrence 2016 p604), respecting the maternal desire to breastfeed (AEP 2018, Ares 2017). The mother must inform the hospital health personnel that she is breastfeeding (ABA 2017).
The benefit of maintaining breastfeeding is greater than the assumed risk of admitting the child with its mother (AEP 2018, Ares 2017).

Whenever the mother’s clinical situation allows it, it is necessary to facilitate the joint accommodation of mother and infant in a single room. The convenience of the mother being admitted to the Obstetrics or Pediatrics wards to facilitate mother and baby care can be assessed. A family member or person designated by the mother can take care of the infant (AEP 2018, Ares 2017, SJHC 2013).

If joint admission is not possible, it is necessary to facilitate the infant’s periodic access and/or breast milk expression, to feed the infant, maintain milk production and avoid discomfort and problems (fever, pain, congestion, mastitis) that occur if nursing mothers do not empty their breasts regularly (Ares 2017, Lawrence 2016 p605).
A rough weaning is not advisable, neither for the mother nor for the infant (ABA 2017).

Scientific sources (APILAM: e-lactancia.org, Lactmed, Hale) should be consulted regarding the compatibility of breastfeeding with the medications required by the mother. Very few medications require breastfeeding to stop (ABA 2017).

See below the information of this related product:

• Maternal Surgical Intervention (Fairly safe. Mild or unlikely adverse effects. Compatible under certain circumstances. Follow-up recommended. Read Commentary.)

See below the information of this related group:

• NoATC MA1: Maternal Disease, illness, problem or other Mother´s Conditions.