A shorter breastfeeding duration in late preterm infants than term infants during the first year

AIM Little attention has been paid to breastfeeding late preterm (LPT) infants. This study compared breastfeeding, worries, depression and stress in mothers of LPT and term-born infants throughout the first year. We also described factors associated with shorter breastfeeding duration of LPT infants. METHODS This longitudinal cohort study of the mothers of singleton infants - 129 born LPT and 277 born at term - was conducted at Landspitali - The National University Hospital of Iceland, which has the country's only neonatal intensive care unit. The mothers answered questionnaires when their infants were one, four, eight and 12 months of age. RESULTS Mothers breastfed LPT infants for a significantly shorter time than term infants: a median of seven months (95% confidence interval 5.53-8.48) versus nine months (95% confidence interval 8.39-9.61) (p<0.05). Starting solids at up to four months was the strongest risk factor for LPT breastfeeding cessation during the first year, after adjusting for confounders (p<0.001). Their mothers reported more worries about their infants' health and behaviour during the first year and were more likely to experience depression at four months. CONCLUSION Mothers with LPT infants are vulnerable and need greater practical breastfeeding and emotional support in hospital and at home.