Predictors of Breastfeeding and Breastmilk Feeding Among Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Objective: This study investigated associations between maternal and infant factors and breastfeeding practices in infants born <30 weeks gestation in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Study Design: This study was a retrospective cohort. Mother and infant characteristics were investigated for associations with breastfeeding outcomes using multivariate logistic regression. Results: Seventy-eight percent of infants initiated breastmilk feedings, 48% of those continued to have breastmilk at discharge, and 52% were breastfed in the hospital. The average duration of breastmilk feedings was 43 days. Mothers who were married and had a multiple-infant birth were more likely to initiate breastmilk feeds, African American mothers and younger mothers had less success with maintaining breastmilk feeds until hospital discharge, and African American mothers and mothers of lower socioeconomic status were less likely to participate in direct breastfeeding in the NICU. Conclusions: Infant factors, such as birth weight and gestational age, were not associated with breastfeeding behaviors. Mothers can succeed with breastfeeding the premature infant. By understanding what maternal groups are at risk for breastfeeding failure, targeted interventions in the NICU can be implemented.