Predictors of sustained maternal milk feeds in extremely preterm infants

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the predictors of maternal milk feeds (MMFs) in extremely preterm (EPT) infants during neonatal stay. STUDY DESIGN: Maternal characteristics, obstetrical data and infant characteristics were correlated to MMFs in 97 EPT infants during the first 6 weeks of life and at hospital discharge. RESULT: High MMFs (>90%) at second week predicted sustained MMFs the first 6 weeks of life; nonuniversity education and non-Nordic origin were unfavorable predictors. The proportion of MMFs the first 6 weeks of life and maternal age were positively associated with MMFs at discharge, whereas overweight was an unfavorable predictor. High MMFs at second week, assisted reproduction technology and employment were predictive factors for exclusive MMFs at discharge. CONCLUSION: High MMFs at week 2 promote sustained MMFs in EPT infants and exclusive MMFs at discharge. Mothers who are either young, overweight, non-Nordic or without university education may need special interventions to establish successful lactation.