Factors Associated with the Method of Feeding Preterm Infants after Hospital Discharge

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate factors that may affect the method of feeding among preterm infants at 4 weeks after discharge. Methods: This study included 222 mother-infant dyads born before a gestational age of 37 weeks. The feeding method and general medical characteristics of the participants were assessed at 4 weeks after discharge using a structured questionnaire. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine which factors were associated with breastfeeding at home. Results: Of the 222 infants who qualified for the study, 71 (32.9%) continued to receive breastmilk at 4 weeks post-discharge. Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that breastfeeding at 4 weeks post-discharge was associated with higher breastfeeding self-efficacy, vaginal delivery (experience), direct breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), gestational age between 30 and 34 weeks, and breastmilk consumption in the NICU. The following factors were associated with mixed feeding at 4 weeks post-discharge: being employed, having higher breastfeeding self-efficacy, and direct breastfeeding in the NICU. Conclusion: NICU nurses should provide opportunities for direct breastfeeding during hospitalization and support breastfeeding to enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy. These factors may help to ensure the continuation of breastfeeding after discharge. Moreover, factors that affect breastfeeding should be considered when providing interventions.

Identifying Latent Topics and Trends in Premature Infant–Related Nursing Studies Using a Latent Dirichlet Allocation Method

“…The commonly included core keyword was “breast feeding.” Lin et al 28 reported that the time of first postpartum breastfeeding and the number of breastfeeding attempts in a neonatal intensive care unit were factors influencing breastfeeding in premature infants. Han and Chae 29 similarly reported that whether or not breastfeeding was attempted directly in a neonatal intensive care unit was a factor that could affect breastfeeding in premature infants 4 weeks after discharge. Therefore, a breastfeeding intervention program that considers the first breastfeeding time and direct breastfeeding attempts and frequency during hospitalization of premature infants in the neonatal intensive care unit should be designed for mothers.…”