Breastfeeding of preterm newborn infants following hospital discharge: follow-up during the first year of life

• Published in: Ciência & saude coletiva 2018-07, Vol.23 (7), p.2403-2412
• Main Authors: Méio, Maria Dalva Barbosa Baker, Villela, Letícia Duarte, Gomes Júnior, Saint Clair Dos Santos, Tovar, Camilla Morcelli, Moreira, Maria Elisabeth Lopes
• Format: Article
• Language: eng ; por
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Breast Feeding - statistics & numerical data; Feeding Behavior; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Infant; Infant Formula - statistics & numerical data; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Male; Mothers - statistics & numerical data; Prevalence; Time Factors; Young Adult
• ISSN: 1413-8123; 1678-4561
• DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232018237.15742016

This paper aims to evaluate the prevalence of breastfeeding among premature infants following hospital discharge. Cohort (< 33 gestation weeks) followed up to 12 months (adjusted age). breastfeeding, anthropometric measurements, social and family information. The proportion of breastfeeding during follow-up was calculated. Survival analysis was conducted to estimate breastfeeding duration. In total, 242 of the 258 infants (93.7%) returned to follow-up; 170 (69.9%) at 6 months and 139 (57.2%) at 12 months (adjusted age). A history of miscarriages (27.5%), stillbirths (11.7%), neonatal deaths (9.5%) and preterm births (21.1%) was noted in 65.5% of women. At hospital discharge: 5.5% received exclusive breastfeeding, 65.8% breastfeeding and formula, 28.6% formula. At month 1, 81.3% received breastfeeding, decreasing to 68.5% at month 2, 62.4% at month 3, 48.1% at month 4 and 22.4% at month 6 (adjusted age). The median of breastfeeding duration was 4 months. Breastfeeding occurred up to four months adjusted age in almost half of the population. Despite the need to improve these rates, the results could reflect the profile of the Child-Friendly Hospital Initiative Unit. Maintaining breastfeeding amongst preterm infants following hospital discharge is still a challenge, for both mothers and health professionals.