Maternal determinants of breast milk feeding in a level III neonatal intensive care unit

ObjectivesDespite gains in breast milk feeding rates in the NICU population nation-wide over the last 15 years, disparities in breast milk feeding rates persist within and between hospitals. This study investigated maternal determinants of the likelihood of breast milk feeding.Study designThe pilot study took place in a large, urban NICU in Northern California. Thirty mothers of children born prematurely in 2011 or 2012 were surveyed using a unique data collection tool. Responses were later linked to medical records data after the infant was discharged home.ResultsThe most salient positive predictors of breast milk feeding behavior were those in the familial and peer role-modeling category. The direction of the relationship between many of our predictors ran counter to our initial hypothesized relationships.ConclusionsMaternal attitudes, beliefs, social support and logistical constraints create a complex environment for nurses to navigate. Studies such as this one are critical to understanding the intricacies of early-life nutrition interventions.