Factors Associated With Breastfeeding Very Low Birth Weight Infants at Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Discharge: A Single-Center Brazilian Experience

Background The mothers of very low birth weight infants face many challenges to achieve breastfeeding at hospital discharge, especially during long stays. Research aim The aim of this study was to describe the incidence and factors associated with breastfeeding rates (exclusive or with formula) at discharge, for very low birth weight infants, in a private Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in southern Brazil. Methods We conducted a prospective longitudinal cohort study of infants ( N = 335) with very low birth weight and/or less than 30 weeks gestational age, who survived to discharge and had no contraindication to mother’s own milk. Participants were initially divided into three groups (exclusive breastfeeding, some breastfeeding, and no breastfeeding) based on their feedings at discharge; however, later, two groups were analyzed (any breastfeeding, no breastfeeding). Results Most (93.4%; n = 313) were breastfeeding directly at least once daily at discharge, of which 16.1% ( n = 54) were receiving exclusive mother’s milk and 77.3% ( n = 259) mixed feeding (mother’s milk and formula). Breastfeeding at discharge was associated with gestational age ≥ 28 weeks, higher birth weight, not developing neonatal sepsis or bronchopulmonary dysplasia during the hospital stay, shorter lengths of stay, and lower weight at discharge. After Poisson regression, breastfeeding at discharge was associated only with a shorter length of stay (RR 0.98; CI 95% [0.95, 0.99], p < .05). Conclusions In our single unit experience in Brazil, most infants were breastfeeding at discharge. NICU staff might address mothers of infants who have prolonged hospitalization with specific strategies. Mothers and infants at risk can be identified early and personalized interventions can be developed for improving breastfeeding rates at discharge.