Exclusive Breastfeeding in Late Preterm Infants: Rates and Risk Factors for Non-Exclusivity at One Month of Age in a Vietnamese Tertiary Hospital

Abstract

Background:

Late preterm infants are at increased risk of breastfeeding difficulties compared to term infants. However, data on breastfeeding outcomes and specific risk factors for non-exclusive breastfeeding remain limited.

Research Aims:

To determine the exclusive breastfeeding rate among late preterm infants at one month of age and to identify factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding.

Methods:

This secondary analysis used data from a randomized clinical trial conducted at Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children between August 2023 and May 2024. A total of 288 infants were included and stratified into late preterm (34-36^6/7 weeks) and full-term (≥ 37 weeks) groups. Feeding practices were assessed from birth to one month. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding.

Results:

Late preterm infants more frequently required intravenous fluids and experienced longer times to achieve full enteral feeding and direct breastfeeding than term infants. They also required donor milk for a longer duration (1.73 vs. 1.19 days, p = .002). Despite these early challenges, the exclusive breastfeeding rate at one month among late preterm infants was high (84.84%) and comparable to that of full-term infants (84.65%, p = .96). In multivariable analysis, prolonged duration of donor milk use was the only independent factor for non-exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted OR = 1.33; 95% CI [1.04, 1.70]).

Conclusion:

With appropriate support, late preterm infants can achieve exclusive breastfeeding rates comparable to term infants. Prolonged use of donor milk may serve as an early marker for mother-infant dyads requiring intensified lactation support.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords

Breast milk breastfeeding rates exclusive breastfeeding human milk donors late preterm infant

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