Abstract
Background: Preterm infants have shorter breastfeeding duration than that of term infants. Details of postdischarge feeding methods and difficulties are needed to inform the care of preterm breastfeeding dyads. Purpose: To describe postdischarge breastfeeding characteristics of mother–preterm infant dyads up to 12 weeks corrected gestational age (CGA).Methods: A prospective observational study of preterm dyads (birth 24-33 weeks’ gestation) that fed their mother's own milk (MOM) at discharge from a neonatal unit in Perth, Western Australia. Feeding method and frequency, breastfeeding duration, difficulties, and nipple shield use were recorded at 2, 6, and 12 weeks CGA. Results: Data were obtained for 49 mothers (singleton infant n = 39, twins n = 10). At 12 weeks CGA, 59% fed any MOM with 47% exclusively fed MOM and 31% fully breastfed. Nipple shield use reduced from 42% at 2 weeks CGA to 11% at 12 weeks CGA. Compared with mothers who exclusively fed MOM at discharge (n = 41) those who fed both MOM and infant formula (n = 8) were more likely to wean before 12 weeks CGA (P < .001). Weaning occurred before 2 weeks CGA in 12/19 (63%), with low milk supply the most frequently cited reason. Implications for Practice: Most mothers with a full milk supply at discharge successfully transition to predominant breastfeeding. Frequent milk removal needs to be prioritized throughout the preterm infant's hospital stay. Implications for Research: Examination of facilitators and barriers to early and continued frequent milk removal across the postpartum period is required to identify strategies to optimize lactation after preterm birth.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 571-577 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Advances in Neonatal Care |
Volume | 22 |
Issue number | 6 |
Early online date | 2 Nov 2021 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Dec 2022 |