Domperidone as an adjunct to lactation support in neonatal care: UK practice and international evidence

Despite strong motivation, many mothers of neonatal unit infants experience difficulty establishing or maintaining an adequate milk supply. Although comprehensive lactation support can address many of these barriers, a proportion of mothers continue to have low milk supply despite optimal non-pharmacological interventions. This review examines the physiological rationale for domperidone use, the evidence bases for efficacy, particularly in mothers of preterm infants—the evolving safety concerns that have shaped regulatory guidance, and differences between UK and international practice. A pragmatic, governance-focused approach to prescribing domperidone within neonatal services is proposed, emphasising short-term use, careful risk assessment and integration within a broader lactation support framework.

Dr Mahgul Ghouri
Resident Neonatal Doctor

Dr Imdad Ali
Neonatal Consultant

Barts Health NHS Trust, London

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Keywords

domperidone; MEBM; premature; necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)

Also published in Infant:

VOLUME 18 ISSUE 4/JULY 2022

Use of a novel human milk-based fortifier in a preterm baby

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