Comparing Factors Associated with Breastfeeding in Late Preterm Infants of Different Gestational Ages

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare the rate of breastfeeding and factors which affect late preterm infants’ (LPIs) breastfeeding according to gestational age. Methods: Participants were LPIs of 34 weeks (n=70), 35 weeks (n=75), and 36 weeks (n=88). Data were collected from July to December, 2011 from four university hospitals in D city. Descriptive statistics and odds ratio were used to compare three groups. Results: The rate of breastfeeding at 1 week after LPIs’ discharge was 32.9%, 37.3%, 23.9% at 34, 35 and 36 weeks, respectively. The tendency to breastfeed in LPIs of 34 weeks was lower for LPIs born by Cesarean-section, while it was higher for LPIs with a longer period of breastfeeding during hospitalization and higher body weight at the first day of feeding. The prevalence of breastfeeding in LPIs of 35 weeks and 36 weeks was higher for infants with a history of more frequent breastfeeding during hospitalization. Conclusion: The rate of breastfeeding in LPIs of 36 weeks was the lowest. This study suggests that nurses should give more customized education to mothers with LPIs of 36 weeks during their stay in hospitals.

Keywords

• Preterm infants
• Gestational age
• Breastfeeding
• Infant formula