National Trends in Breastfeeding by Gestational Age Category

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• National breastfeeding rates for preterm infants remain largely uncharacterized.
• Understanding breastfeeding practices is crucial for infant health outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine national rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation at 12 weeks postpartum among preterm infants.
• To analyze these rates across different gestational age categories.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from a nationally representative survey conducted between 2009 and 2019.
• Examined breastfeeding rates (direct breastfeeding and/or pumped breast milk) stratified by gestational age at birth.

Main Results:

• Breastfeeding initiation and continuation rates at 12 weeks postpartum were lowest among infants born late preterm.
• Rates varied significantly across different gestational age categories for preterm infants.

Conclusions:

• Infants born late preterm exhibit the lowest rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation at 12 weeks postpartum.
• Targeted interventions may be necessary to improve breastfeeding support for late preterm infants.