Impact of early-onset sepsis guidelines on breastfeeding

Objective: To evaluate the impact of changes to neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) guidelines on in-hospital breastfeeding. Study design: Asymptomatic neonates admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for sepsis evaluations over a 2-year period were identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted as part of a larger quality initiative on antibiotic stewardship. Result: In Epoch 1, Epoch 2, and Epoch 3, there were 268 babies, 138 babies and 138 babies admitted to the NICU based on sepsis protocol, respectively. When comparing Epoch 1 to Epoch 3, there was a 14% increase in total breast milk consumption rates (p < 0.0001) and a 15% increase in exclusive breastfeeding at discharge (p < 0.002). Conclusion: By implementing new EOS protocols, we have decreased NICU length of stay. We suggest that the decrease in mother–infant separation time leads to an improvement in breastfeeding.