Child Health Nurs Res.  2018 Apr;24(2):128-137. 10.4094/chnr.2018.24.2.128.

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

• Han SY
• Chae SM

• KMID: 2438715
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4094/chnr.2018.24.2.128

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.

Keyword

Breastfeeding; Infant formula; Feeding method; Preterm birth; Patient discharge

MeSH Terms

Breast Feeding
Feeding Methods
Gestational Age
Hospitalization
Humans
Infant
Infant Formula
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature*
Intensive Care, Neonatal
Logistic Models
Methods*
Patient Discharge
Premature Birth