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Objective: The aim was to investigate the rates, duration, and possible influencing factors of breast milk feeding (BMF) in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at discharge and in the first year of life.
Materials and Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, 173 preterm infants <37 weeks who were hospitalized in the NICU were evaluated. Information was obtained from hospital records and mothers via telephone.
Results: The BMF rate was 90.7% with 62.4% exclusively breastfeeding (EBF) and 28.3% partially breastfeeding at discharge. The exclusive, partial, and formula feeding rates were 53.7%, 27.7%, 18.5% and 43.9%, 37%, 19.1% at 4 and 6 months, respectively. The median EBF and total BMF durations were 4 (1-6) and 12 (4.5-24) months, respectively. Very preterms were weaned at a higher rate in the first 6 months compared to moderate and late preterms (50%, 26.3%, 33.3%, P=.046, respectively). EBF at discharge was significantly associated with EBF at 4 and 6 months by chronological and corrected age. The BMF rate for >12 months was higher for multiparous mothers (56.40%, 36.10%, P = .02). Total BMF duration was shorter in preterms with sepsis compared to those without sepsis (median 5 (1-12) and 12.5 (5-24) months, P=.02). It was positively correlated with gestational age (P=.046, r = 0.13), birthweight (P=.012, r=0.17),APGAR (Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, Respiration) scores 1-minute (P=.002, r = 0.22) and 5-minutes (P= .016, r = 0.16), and maternal age (P < .001, r = 0.25) and negatively correlated with the length of stay in the NICU (P =.031, r= −0.14) and the intubation time (P=.006, r = −0.41).
Conclusion: To improve breastfeeding, EBF should be aimed at discharge in all preterms. After discharge, breastfeeding support and close follow-up should be continued for all preterms, especially very preterms.
Cite this article as: Emren Yakar F, Ünver Korğalı E. Possible factors affecting breast milk feeding status of preterm infants monitored in the neonatal intensive care unit. Turk Arch Pediatr. 2025;60(3):280-288.