Breastfeeding patterns of low-birth-weight infants after hospital discharge.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the feeding patterns of low-birth-weight infants (1,500-2,500 g) on the day of hospital discharge and 4 weeks after birth.


METHODS
Prospective, descriptive survey.


METHODS
Eight hospitals in the Midwest.


METHODS
One hundred ten mothers who intended to breastfeed their low-birth-weight infants.


METHODS
Two different tools were used to address infant breastfeeding patterns and effectiveness of infant feeding at the breast as reported and rated by the mothers.


RESULTS
At hospital discharge, 38% of the infants were exclusively fed at the breast. Only 52% of the full-term, low-birth-weight infants and 52% of the preterm low-birth-weight infants had effective vigorous feedings at the breast at hospital discharge as rated by the mothers. At 4 weeks, 40% of the infants were fed exclusively at the breast and 19% were weaned to formula.


CONCLUSIONS
The several feeding patterns and modes of feeding identified with low-birth-weight infants suggest that appropriate tools be designed and tested with mothers of low-birth-weight infants. In addition, the definition of breastfeeding must be explored.
Hill
P D
PD
University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Nursing, Rock Island, IL 61201, USA.
Ledbetter
R J
RJ
Kavanaugh
K L
KL
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011446:Prospective Studies