ABSTRACT
This chapter aims to offer stepping stones to clinicians working with families experiencing the challenges by reviewing theoretical principles, published literature and current custom and practice. The components of breastmilk are even more important for sick hospitalised children than their healthy counterparts. In particular professionals should consider the immune components, and trophic factors for the gut, brain and other organs which will be of special significance for unwell children. Acute respiratory conditions are the most common reasons for the admission of infants to hospital, and admission rates for these conditions are rising. Some babies with these conditions, particularly bronchiolitis, will be admitted to the paediatric intensive care unit for respiratory support, including endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Breathless babies can struggle to feed due to the challenge of coordinating sucking and swallowing when tachypnoeic, and significantly reduced feeding is one of the criteria for admission in bronchiolitis.
