The DOTS program was established in 2021 to support medically stable NICU babies who still require nasogastric (NGT) feeding while establishing full oral feeding, allowing them to continue care safely at home with guidance from an experienced neonatal outreach nurse.
Research shows that babies and families benefit greatly from transitioning home while receiving this support. An additional benefit is that the DOTs program also frees NICU beds for other infants requiring acute care.
While in NICU, mothers have access to Medela Symphony pumps to establish and maintain milk supply. However, upon discharge via the DOTS program, mothers must return these pumps.
Often there is insufficient time to source an alternative, or family’s resort to less effective pumps, leading to anxiety about milk supply and infant growth.
The four existing outreach pumps are primarily reserved for babies with more complex needs, meaning demand currently exceeds supply.
Providing six hospital-grade pumps for home use would allow mothers to continue expressing safely and confidently for 2–3 weeks post-discharge, until babies are fully feeding and maintaining weight.
This support promotes exclusive breastfeeding goals without placing additional financial pressure on families. The pumps would be managed by the DOTs team with oversight from our equipment nurse.
The funding of 6 breast pumps would allow circulation of pumps factoring in maintenance and repairs, ensuring sustainability of this vital support.