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Influences on breastfeeding outcomes for healthy term and preterm/sick infants

Sharon L Perrella1, Julie Williams, Elizabeth A Nathan

  • 1School of Biomedical, Biomolecular, and Chemical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Western Australia, Australia. perres01@student.uwa.edu.au

Breastfeeding Medicine : the Official Journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
|February 17, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Breastfeeding duration was similar for healthy and sick/preterm infants. However, mothers who previously breastfed for less than six months or perceived breastfeeding as important were more likely to stop early.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal health
  • Infant nutrition
  • Maternal-infant bonding

Background:

  • Understanding breastfeeding duration is crucial for infant health.
  • Factors influencing breastfeeding cessation require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate breastfeeding outcomes in healthy term and sick/preterm infants.
  • To identify factors associated with the duration of breastfeeding.

Main Methods:

  • Follow-up study of 87 sick/preterm and 92 healthy term infants.
  • Data collected over 9 months post-discharge.
  • Multivariable analysis used to identify influencing factors.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in breastfeeding duration between sick/preterm and healthy term infants after correcting for gestational age.
  • Early breastfeeding cessation was associated with infants born <33 weeks gestation (HR=2.05).
  • Mothers with prior breastfeeding duration <6 months (HR=3.67) and those perceiving breastfeeding as 'important' (HR=2.58) were more likely to cease breastfeeding early.

Conclusions:

  • Maternal perception of breastfeeding importance and prior breastfeeding history <6 months negatively impact breastfeeding duration.
  • Preterm infants born <33 weeks gestation have shorter breastfeeding durations.
  • These modifiable factors can be addressed during prenatal and postnatal care to support longer breastfeeding.
Abstract

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