Caregiving Factors Affecting Breastfeeding Duration Within a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Sharon G Casavant1, Jacqueline M McGrath, Georgine Burke
1University of Connecticut, School of Nursing, Storrs (Ms Casavant and Drs McGrath and Briere); Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford (Drs McGrath, Burke, and Briere, and Ms Casavant); and University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington (Dr Burke).
Summary
Initiating oral feeding at the breast for very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants significantly increases their likelihood of receiving breast milk at discharge. This practice is crucial for improving breastfeeding outcomes in preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Perinatal nutrition
- Infant feeding practices
Background:
- Evidence supports exclusive breast milk feeding for very low birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants.
- However, suboptimal outcomes persist despite the known benefits of breast milk.
- Identifying factors that enhance breast milk provision is critical for improving infant health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore breastfeeding practices among mothers of VLBW infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
- To identify factors associated with the mode of infant feeding at hospital discharge.
- To understand the impact of early breastfeeding interventions on long-term feeding outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of VLBW preterm infants admitted over 24 months.
- Primary outcome: receipt of any breast milk at discharge.
- Variables included infant gestational age, first direct breastfeeding, maternal factors, and nursing practices.
Main Results:
- 48% of 96 VLBW infants received breast milk at discharge.
- Infants receiving their first oral feed at the breast were significantly more likely to receive breast milk at discharge (aOR=8.7, P<.0001).
- This effect was independent and also interacted with maternal marital status.
Conclusions:
- First oral feeding at the breast is strongly associated with continued breast milk feeding at discharge for VLBW infants.
- Targeting VLBW infants for initial oral feeding at the breast may optimize feeding outcomes, even for the smallest and sickest infants.
- These findings highlight the importance of early breastfeeding interventions in the NICU setting.
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