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Published on: February 5, 2019
A prospective cohort study evaluating exclusive breastfeeding in late preterm infants
Daniela Menichini1,2, Katia Rossi3, Eleonora Bonini4
1Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, International Doctorate School in Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy - daniela.menichini91@gmail.com.
Insights
Exclusive human milk feeding is achievable for late preterm infants. Early latch-on and skin-to-skin contact significantly support breastfeeding success in these vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Lactation science
- Pediatric nutrition
Background:
- Breastfeeding presents unique challenges for late preterm infants (34 0/7 to 36 6/7 weeks gestation).
- Understanding factors influencing breastfeeding in this population is crucial for infant health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge, 3, and 6 months in late preterm infants.
- To identify facilitators and challenges associated with breastfeeding in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study including late preterm neonates eligible for rooming-in.
- Data collected on breastfeeding status at discharge, 3 months, and 6 months postpartum.
Main Results:
- At discharge, only 32.7% of infants were exclusively fed human milk.
- Primiparous mothers, hypertension, cesarean delivery, low birthweight, and longer hospital stays were associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding.
- Early first latch-on and skin-to-skin contact were significantly linked to exclusive human milk feeding (P<0.001).
- Infants born at 35 weeks showed increased exclusive human milk feeding at 3 months compared to discharge (P=0.004).
Conclusions:
- Early first latch-on and immediate skin-to-skin contact are associated with exclusive human milk feeding in late preterm infants.
- Exclusive breastfeeding rates can increase post-discharge, even for infants initially formula-fed during hospitalization, particularly those born at 35 weeks gestation.
Background:
Breastfeeding can be challenging in neonates born between 34 0/7 and 36 6/7 weeks gestation (late preterm).
Methods:
This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate exclusive breastfeeding at discharge, at three and six months of life in late preterm infants, and to identify facilitators and challenges to it. We included late preterm neonates eligible for the rooming-in. Data about breastfeeding at discharge, at three and six months of life were collected.
Results:
Two hundred and fourteen late preterm infants were included in the study. At discharge 70 infants (32.7%) were fed with human milk and 144 (67.2%) were not. Non-exclusive breastfeeding was more common in women who were primiparous, had hypertension, and who underwent cesarean sections. Non-exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a low birthweight (<2500 g), ≥2 blood glucose controls, weight loss >10%, and longer hospital stay. Early first latch-on and skin-to-skin contact were more frequently associated with exclusive human milk feeding (P<0.001). Late preterm neonates born at 35 weeks showed a significant increase in exclusive human milk feeding at 3 months compared to the rate at discharge (P=0.004).
Conclusions:
In this cohort, early first latch-on and immediate skin-to-skin contact resulted associated with exclusive human milk feeding. Despite formula-fed during hospitalization, infants born at ≥35 weeks gestation who were exclusively breastfed at follow-up increased.
