Long-term duration of breastfeeding in Swedish low birth weight infants

J Hum Lact. 2003 May;19(2):157-65. doi: 10.1177/0890334403252563.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe the long-term incidence of breastfeeding in a geographically defined cohort of low birth weight (LBW) (< 2500 g) Swedish infants (N = 70) at discharge from a neonatal unit and at the postnatal ages of 2, 4, 6, and 8 months. The infants' breastfeeding data were examined retrospectively and compared to annual breastfeeding data for all infants born in the same year and county (N = 2,751). Ninety-three percent of the LBW infants were fed breast milk at discharge and 36% at 6 months, compared to 97% and 75%, respectively, of the county population. Cox regression analysis showed that multiparity was a significant predictor associated with shorter breastfeeding in LBW infants (odds ratio = 2.51. 95% confidence interval, 1.35-4.69). LBW infants had a high breastfeeding incidence but a significantly shorter duration than controls. This result indicates the need for intensified support throughout the breastfeeding period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data*
  • Cohort Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Male
  • Parity
  • Proportional Hazards Models
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Sweden
  • Time Factors