Factors associated with breast milk feeding of very preterm infants from birth to 6 months corrected age

Iris Morag*, Tal Harel, Leah Leibovitch, Michal J. Simchen, Ayala Maayan-Metzger, Tzipi Strauss

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

20 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate factors that may affect breast milk feeding (BMF) practices among very preterm infants. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included infants born before 32 weeks gestational age (GA) and monitored up to 6 months corrected age (CA). Feeding method was assessed at day 14 of life, 36 weeks GA, 6 weeks after home discharge, and 6 months CA. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to examine which factors were associated with BMF initiation at cessation. Results: Of 181 infants who qualified for the study, 146 (81%) initiated BMF. Of these, 80% were mainly BMF (≥75% of daily nutrition volume). At 36 weeks GA, 6 weeks postdischarge, and 6 months CA, 130 (71.8%), 87 (48%), and 36 (19.9%) infants, respectively, continued to receive some BMF. Multivariate analysis revealed that initiation of BMF was more common with younger GA and higher level of maternal education. Infants whose mothers failed to supply ≥75% of daily nutrition as BMF at day 14 were more likely to be exclusively formula fed 6 weeks after discharge. Cessation of BMF at 6 months CA was associated with birth at >28 weeks. Conclusions: Successful BMF can be commenced and maintained throughout hospitalization in the majority of very preterm infants. Despite a significant dropout rate occurring within several weeks after discharge, in this select cohort, infants with lower GA were more likely to be breastfed after discharge.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)138-143
Number of pages6
JournalBreastfeeding Medicine
Volume11
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2016
Externally publishedYes

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