Supporting breastfeeding mothers in hospital: part 2b.

In this third article in the series, two further hypothetical scenarios are used to provide guidance on supporting breastfeeding mothers when the baby has a craniofacial anomaly or a cardiac defect. Successful breastfeeding in such circumstances has a positive effect on maternal confidence and attachment, and appears in itself to have healing potential. Unexpected benefits of breastfeeding critically ill babies include enhanced immunity and feeding tolerance in babies undergoing chemotherapy. A structured breastfeeding support service can assist staff in promoting successful breastfeeding in the paediatric environment. Expert, experiential knowledge of overcoming challenges in breastfeeding for mothers of critically ill babies can be applied in the absence of research evidence.