Impact of structured programs on breastfeeding initiation rates in preterm neonates in a socioeconomically deprived area in France: A 10-year population-based study

Area of Science:

• Neonatal care
• Public health initiatives
• Infant nutrition

Background:

• Breastfeeding (BF) initiation rates are positively influenced by structured programs.
• Preterm neonates, especially those from socioeconomically deprived areas, often have lower BF rates.
• Few studies have evaluated structured BF programs specifically for preterm infants.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess BF initiation rates in very preterm, moderately preterm, and term neonates.
• To evaluate the impact of structured BF programs implemented since 2002 in a socioeconomically deprived French district.
• To compare BF initiation trends between different gestational age groups and the general population.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective population-based study analyzing 302,102 first health certificates from 2002 to 2011.
• Data collected from a French administrative district with implemented structured BF promotion and support activities.
• Comparison of BF initiation rates across very preterm (<33 weeks), moderately preterm (33-36 weeks), and term neonates.

Main Results:

• Overall BF initiation rate increased significantly from 52.9% in 2002 to 61.0% in 2011.
• In 2011, BF initiation was significantly higher in very preterm neonates (74.7%) compared to term (60.9%) and moderately preterm (59.9%) neonates.
• Very preterm neonates showed a 2.2% yearly increase in BF initiation, significantly higher than the 0.9% in the French general population (P<0.001).

Conclusions:

• Structured BF programs initiated in neonatal units positively impact BF initiation rates in very preterm neonates.
• The positive impact was not observed in moderately preterm neonates, suggesting a need for further evaluation of their specific needs.
• Socioeconomic deprivation and prematurity are key factors influencing BF rates, necessitating targeted interventions.