Breastfeeding Duration and Exclusivity Among Early-Term and Full-Term Infants: A Cohort Study
Michele Galvão da Silva1, Rita Mattiello2, Bianca Del Ponte3
1Postgraduate Program in Pediatrics and Child Health, Medical School, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
Current Developments in Nutrition
|May 14, 2023
Summary
Early-term infants (37-38 weeks) show similar exclusive breastfeeding rates at 3 months compared to full-term infants. However, they have a higher risk of stopping breastfeeding by 12 months.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
Background:
- Early-term infants (37-38 weeks gestation) face increased risks for adverse outcomes.
- Shorter breastfeeding duration is a noted concern for early-term infants compared to full-term infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare breastfeeding rates at 3 and 12 months between early-term and full-term infants.
- To assess the risk of early cessation of breastfeeding in early-term infants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of two population-based birth cohorts in Pelotas, Brazil.
- Comparison of early-term infants (37-38 weeks) with full-term infants (39-41 weeks).
- Breastfeeding data collected via maternal interviews at 3 and 12 months; statistical analysis using Poisson regression.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months between early-term and full-term infants.
- Early-term infants had a significantly lower prevalence of any breastfeeding at 12 months (38.2% vs. 42.4%).
- Adjusted analysis revealed a 15% lower prevalence ratio for any breastfeeding at 12 months in early-term infants.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates at 3 months are comparable between early-term and full-term infants.
- Early-term infants are at a higher risk of being weaned before 12 months of age.
- Findings highlight the need for continued breastfeeding support for early-term infants.
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