Length of stay in a neonatal intensive care unit and its association with low rates of exclusive breastfeeding in very low birth weight infants

Abstract

Objective. To identify the inpatient maternal and neonatal factors associated to the weaning of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.

Methods. One hundred nineteen VLBW (<1500 g) infants were monitored from July 2005 through August 2006, from birth to the first ambulatory visit after maternity discharge. This maternity unit uses the Kangaroo Method and the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative. Out of 119 VLBW infants monitored until discharge, 88 (75%) returned to the facility, 22 (25%) were on exclusive breastfeeding (EB), and 66 (75%) were weaned (partial breastfeeding or formula feeding).

Results. Univariate analysis found an association between weaning and lower birth weight, longer stays in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and longer hospitalization times, in addition to more prolonged enteral feeding and birth weight recovery period. Logistic regression showed length of NICU stay as being the main determinant of weaning.

Conclusion. The negative repercussion on EB of an extended stay in the NICU is a significant challenge for health professionals to provide more adequate nutrition to VLBW infants.

Keywords:

• Breastfeeding
• preterm
• very low birth weight infants
• risk factors and weaning

Acknowledgements

The authors thank the entire multiprofessional team that provides newborn care at Januário Cicco Maternity School and the Heriberto Bezerra Pediatric Hospital at UFRN, in addition to the Department of Pediatrics and Postgraduate Program of Health Sciences at UFRN.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.