Breastfeeding progression in late preterm infants from birth to one month

Abstract

This study aimed to describe and compare breastfeeding progression, infants' feeding behaviours, maternal feeding difficulties, and mothers' usage of breastfeeding interventions for singleton late preterm (LPT) and term infants. A further aim was to identify associated factors for exclusive breastfeeding at breast at 1 month in LPT infants.This was a cohort study where mothers of LPT infants from a neonatal unit (n = 60), LPT infants from a maternity unit (n = 62), and term infants from a maternity unit (n = 269) answered a questionnaire approximately 1 month after delivery. Findings showed no significant differences in exclusive breastfeeding at breasts between LPT infants admitted to the neonatal unit compared with the maternity unit, during the first week at home (38% vs. 48%), or at 1 month of age (52% vs. 50%). Term infants were more likely to be exclusively breastfed at the breast (86% and 74%, p < 0.05) compared with LPT infants. Multiple regression analysis showed that usage of a nipple shield, not feeding breast milk exclusively during the first week at home, or feeding less than 10 times per day at 1 month were statistically significant for not exclusively breastfeed at the breast. A protective factor was the mothers' experience of having an abundance of milk during the first week at home. In conclusion, LPT infants are less likely to be exclusively breastfed at the breast than term infants, highlighting the need for further research to guide interventions aimed at optimising exclusive breastfeeding rates.

Longitudinal Study Depicting Differences in Complementary Feeding and Anthropometric Parameters in Late Preterm Infants up to 2 Years of Age

“…According to previous studies, a higher percentage of first-time mothers, with some declared pathology during pregnancy and delivered by cesarean section, were found among PT groups [ 35 ]. In addition, as was expected due to the limitations widely described in initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding in PT [ 36 ], higher differences were detected in the prevalence of breastfeeding between the groups analysed. In contrast to the 42% of the FT newborns in the sample continuing to be breastfed up to 6 months of age, in compliance with WHO recommendations, less than 15% of PT maintained it [ 37 ].…”

A shorter breastfeeding duration in late preterm infants than term infants during the first year

“…Although LPT infants were breastfed exclusively to a lesser extent than term infants at 1 month, a more positive trend was seen in the following months. In a previous study, 4 we showed that LPT mothers reported an increase in exclusive breastfeeding during the first month after birth, which did not occur in term mothers. Hence, these studies taken together show that LPT mother‐infant dyads have the capacity and resources to transition from any to exclusive breastfeeding in the first 4 months.…”

“…14 In a previous study, we described the differences in breastfeeding during the first month in LPT infants in the NICU, LPT infants from the maternity unit and term infants. 4 The aim of this study was to describe, and compare, the experiences of mothers of LPT and term-born infants during the first year, with regard to breastfeeding duration, feeding, worries, depression and stress. A further aim was to identify factors associated with shorter breastfeeding duration of LPT infants.…”

Effects of in-hospital breast feeding on brain function development in preterm infants in China: study protocol for a prospective longitudinal cohort study

“…The exclusive BF rate and BF duration in hospitalised preterm infants are significantly lower than those in full-term newborns. [51][52][53][54] Preterm infants are transferred to the NICU immediately after birth for disease observation, diagnosis and treatment, which results in separation of mother and child, leading to insufficient lactation, an important factor that affects BF in preterm infants. 55 BF impacts the health economics of developing countries, improves the health of mothers and infants and reduces social inequities while reducing the incidence of infectious diseases, especially for disadvantaged children in poor areas.…”