How to change perceptions on feeding in neonatal care
S. Afr. j. child health (Online)
;
7(1): 4-6, 2013.
Article
in English
| AIM
| ID: biblio-1270402
ABSTRACT
The transmission of HIV through breastmilk; with the potential to infect the newborn; has had a major impact on child health worldwide. Although South African studies confirmed that exclusive breastfeeding reduced rates of mother-to-child transmission of HIV; the recommendation of formula feeding for HIV-exposed newborn infants; provided their mothers had the facilities for safe preparation of formula milk and complied with the AFASS criteria (formula feeding to be Acceptable; Feasible; Affordable; Sustainable; Safe); was introduced. Observations made by the nursing staff; fully aware of the risks of formula feeding; in the neonatal unit at King Edward VIII Hospital in 2009 showed that an increasing number of small; sick newborns were being formula fed.By conducting focus group discussions with nurses; mothers and counsellors and teasing out the confusions and misconceptions; relevant information was imparted to the groups to allow them to re-consider their misconceptions. Within a period of 2 months nurses were confident about re-counselling mothers with respect to appropriate feeding choices. HIV-positive mothers were trained to flash-heat their milk. Subsequently; policies for the unit were derived from the focus group discussions. In addition; regional hospitals in the Durban area (eThekweni) considered the introduction of flash-heating to their units. The South African Department of Health opted for infants to receive prophylaxis with daily nevirapine as long as they are breastfed; and the Nutrition Directorate decided to withdraw the issue of free replacement feeds in HIV-exposed babies. KZN was the first province to institute this policy. The Department of Health has recommended that neonatal units no longer encourage HIV-infected mothers to flash-heat their breastmilk unless the infant is not receiving ARV prophylaxis or the mother is not on treatment
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Index:
AIM (Africa)
Main subject:
South Africa
/
Breast Feeding
/
Infant, Newborn
/
HIV Seropositivity
/
Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical
/
Therapeutic Misconception
Type of study:
Practice guideline
/
Qualitative research
Country/Region as subject:
Africa
Language:
English
Journal:
S. Afr. j. child health (Online)
Year:
2013
Type:
Article
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