Factor Affecting Duration of Exclusive Breast Feeding in Preterm Infants With Gestational Age ≤ 34 Weeks

Objectives To study the factors influencing the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in preterm (≤34 weeks) infants. Methods This study was done in 113 preterm infants with gestational age ≤34 weeks who were attending the well-baby clinic at the corrected age (CA) of 6 month. The birth details were noted from hospital records and feeding details were collected through a personal interview. Results The mean (SD) duration of EBF was 3.61 (2.3) months, and 35.3% babies had received EBF till CA of 6 month. Operative delivery [aOR (95% CI): 3.8 (1.0, 13.4) P =0.037], delay in initiating tube feeding, [aOR; 1.5 (1.0, 2.1); P =0.017], and delay in establishment of oral feeds [aOR1 (1.0, 1.08) P =0.016] were associated with a shorter duration of EBF. Conclusion The prevalence of EBF till 6 months CA in preterm ≤34 weeks was 35.3%. Earlier initiation and establishment of full oral feeds may help in improving the duration of EBF.