ROLE OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY TO PROMOTE EFFECTIVE BREASTFEEDING IN HYPOXIC ISCHAEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY SEQUELAE BABY: A CASE STUDY

Abstract

Neonates with HIE sequelae exhibit poor oromotor skills and have difficulty in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Sometimes mother of baby finds difficulty to lactate or produce adequate breast milk or to maintain proper latching due to medical, psychological or due to lack of proper breastfeeding knowledge. Due to these factors associated with motherinfant dyad, effective breastfeeding can’t be established. As direct breastfeeding has many health benefits for motherinfant dyad and it has high and positive impact on the development of children’s oral skills and to facilitate the bonding relationship between mother and baby, it should be encouraged by healthcare professionals at any health care set up. As occupational therapists are well trained to provide oromotor stimulation to babies, motivate, and counsel mothers, promoting breastfeeding is definitely a challenging role for them. In this context, a case study was conducted for two weeks to find out the effectiveness of Occupational Therapy treatment in promoting breastfeeding.