Exclusive Breastfeeding in Late Preterm Infants: Rates and Risk Factors for Non-Exclusivity at One Month of Age in a Vietnamese Tertiary Hospital.

BACKGROUND

Late preterm infants are at increased risk of breastfeeding difficulties compared to term infants. However, data on breastfeeding outcomes and specific risk factors for non-exclusive breastfeeding remain limited.

RESEARCH AIMS: To determine the exclusive breastfeeding rate among late preterm infants at one month of age and to identify factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding.

METHODS

This secondary analysis used data from a randomized clinical trial conducted at Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children between August 2023 and May 2024. A total of 288 infants were included and stratified into late preterm (34-366/7 weeks) and full-term (≥ 37 weeks) groups. Feeding practices were assessed from birth to one month. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify independent factors associated with non-exclusive breastfeeding.

RESULTS

Late preterm infants more frequently required intravenous fluids and experienced longer times to achieve full enteral feeding and direct breastfeeding than term infants. They also required donor milk for a longer duration (1.73 vs. 1.19 days, p = .002). Despite these early challenges, the exclusive breastfeeding rate at one month among late preterm infants was high (84.84%) and comparable to that of full-term infants (84.65%, p = .96). In multivariable analysis, prolonged duration of donor milk use was the only independent factor for non-exclusive breastfeeding (adjusted OR = 1.33; 95% CI [1.04, 1.70]).

CONCLUSION

With appropriate support, late preterm infants can achieve exclusive breastfeeding rates comparable to term infants. Prolonged use of donor milk may serve as an early marker for mother-infant dyads requiring intensified lactation support.