actation and breastfeeding in moderate and late preterm infants - an investigator initiated trial to improve long-term breastfeeding success

A total of 170 mothers were assessed for eligibility, resulting in 69 mothers who met the inclusion criteria and participated in the study. The intervention group (n=36) and control group (n=33) had similar baseline characteristics and morbidities with a median birth weight of 2535g (IQR 2259.5 – 2857.5 g) and 2448g (IQR 2037.5 – 2808.5) and a median gestation of 35.9 weeks (IQR 34.4-36.3 weeks) and 35.7 weeks (IQR 34.3-36.1 weeks), respectively. Four months after birth, 75% of the mothers in the intervention group were breastfeeding their babies compared to 50% in the control group (p=0.023). In addition, more mothers in the intervention group breastfed their babies directly at the breast, rather than using other methods like bottles or cups, compared to the control group (67% vs 42%, p=0.043). More mothers in the intervention group reported receiving breastfeeding support (e.g. lactation counselling) than in the control group (63% vs 30%; p=0.010). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, higher socioeconomic status, milk production of at least 500 ml per day within 14 days and early higher maternal self-efficacy in breastfeeding were positive predictors of long-term breast feeding success. In contrast, caesarean section was an independent negative predictor.