Breastfeeding : A Protective Factor for NICU Infants

NICU graduates are a hidden population who are at high risk for child maltreatment. There are many factors that pose maltreatment risks for NICU infants. The NICU environment poses its own unique yet significant parenting challenges. Child maltreatment of NICU graduates is a critical issue and families remain vulnerable to maltreatment risks due to high-risk factors and parenting challenges. The parenting challenges in the NICU provides opportunity to reduce child maltreatment risks. The provision of human milk is considered a prevention for child maltreatment as it addresses the risk factors that place NICU infants in danger. NICU practitioners have a responsibility to mitigate risk factors and address environmental barriers to attachment. Social workers have a vital role in leading child maltreatment preventions in the NICU. This book offers an intervention for child maltreatment and discusses the policies and breastfeeding strategies that keep NICU infants safe at home.