Mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding in neonates with hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy or seizures

Abstract Mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding are critical factors in the long-term outcomes of neonates. This is a first-of-its-kind exploratory study that reports the maternal bonding status and provision of breastmilk for families whose infants suffered from hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) or neonatal seizures. Eighty-six mothers who participated in the NEOLEV2 neonatal seizure clinical trial were interviewed. Researchers surveyed mothers using the Parent Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) and subjects provided additional qualitative comments on their experiences bonding and breastfeeding in the hospital as well as at home with their high-risk newborns. Participant interviews highlighted the impact of stressors surrounding the health and progress of their neonates that negatively impacted maternal-infant bonding as well as contributed to their inability to provide breastmilk. New mothers, in particular, reported a desire to continue breastfeeding, but felt that there was inadequate support for them. Further considerations of Whole Person Care in maternal-infant bonding, breastfeeding, mental, and postpartum support for parents of high-risk neonates could reduce long-term challenges for this vulnerable population.