Making STARs: Reaching successful transition to at-breast feeds in the premature infant

The transition to at-breast feeding in the premature infant may not occur until after discharge.PurposeTo identify factors influencing this transition to assist health care providers in providing optimal support to mothers of premature infants.DesignQualitative study based on telephone interviews with mothers 8 weeks post-discharge from the NICU regarding their lactation experiences.Sample26 mothers of 29 infants born at <37 weeks gestation who desired to feed their babies directly at-breast.ResultsPrevious breastfeeding experience appears to be a prominent factor in producing premature infant STARs (Successful Transition to At-breast feeds Reached). Additional factors that may affect the transition are: (a) whether mothers of premature infants have realistic expectations about the transition to at-breast feeds; (b) importance of adequate breastfeeding experience prior to discharge and (c) maternal confidence and patience.