Direct-breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit and breastfeeding duration for premature infants

AimTo explore the relationship between direct-breastfeeding in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and breastfeeding duration after discharge.BackgroundInitiating and maintaining breastmilk feeding is an important goal that begins in the NICU. Little is known about direct-breastfeeding in the NICU and its relation to breastfeeding duration.MethodsChart review of 46 infants (< 32 weeks gestational age or < 1500 grams) whose mothers provided breastmilk.ResultsOne month after discharge, mothers still providing breastmilk were more likely to have provided ≥ 1 direct-breastfeed per day in the NICU (21.16, CI: 3.13–143.25, p < 0.01) and had prior breastfeeding experience (OR: 9.16, CI: 1.02–82.34, p < 0.05). At 4 months, mothers still providing breastmilk were more likely to have provided ≥ 1 direct-breastfeed per day in the NICU (OR: 12.80, CI: 1.39–118.32, p < 0.05).ConclusionsDirect-breastfeeding in the NICU may play an essential role in preparing mothers for breastfeeding after discharge, thus potentially impacting breastfeeding duration.