Factors Associated with an Inadequate Volume of Expressed Milk Among Mothers of Preterm and Low Birth Weight Neonates Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units of Government Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

BACKGROUND: Around 15 million live newborns are born prematurely each year around the world before 37 weeks. One cause of inadequate nursing is prematurity. The goal of this study was to find parameters linked to an insufficient volume of expressed milk among mothers of preterm and low birth weight neonates at government hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. METHODS: An nstitution-based cross-sectional study was conducted on a total of 124 mothers who were available in neonatal intensive care units during the study period in government hospitals that provided such units. RESULTS: One-third of the responders (33.9%) were unable to express the necessary amount of milk. An inadequate volume of expressed breast milk was significantly associated with a baby’s stable health status (AOR=0.24; CI=0.07–0.86), the fair (subcritical) health status of the baby (AOR=0.178; CI=0.04–0.76), worry about the volume of milk (AOR=7.50; CI=3.32–16.95), and worry about the baby’s health status (AOR=4.63; CI=2.21–9.70). CONCLUSION: According to our findings, 33.9% of mothers were unable to express sufficient amounts of milk. To produce an adequate volume of expressed breast milk, health care workers must address mothers’ psychological issues in the neonatal intensive care units and give all necessary care to prevent neonatal deterioration.