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.