Efficiency of breastfeeding as compared to bottle-feeding in very low birth weight (VLBW, <1.5 kg) infants.
OBJECTIVE
To examine feeding efficiency and correlates of feeding behaviors in breastfeeding as compared with bottle-feeding VLBW infants at 35 weeks corrected age (CA, postmenstrual plus chronologic age).


METHODS
In all, 105 singleton VLBW infants underwent a standardized feeding observation, of whom 35 were observed breastfeeding and 70 bottle-feeding. Intake, efficiency, and feeding behaviors were compared, and effects of infant and maternal factors were examined.


RESULTS
Breastfeeding as compared with bottle-feeding infants took in smaller volumes (median 6.5 vs 30.5 ml, p<0.001), fed less efficiently (median 0.6 vs 2.2 ml/min, p<0.001), and spent less time with sucking bursts (mean 33 vs 55%, p<0.001). For breastfed infants, birth and neonatal factors and prior maternal breastfeeding experience were not associated with feeding efficiency or behaviors.


CONCLUSIONS
Feeding performance of breastfeeding compared with bottle-feeding VLBW infants at 35 weeks CA is worrisome, and lactation intervention is needed for discharge planning.
Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Lydia
L
Furman
Nori
N
Minich
D001903:Bottle Feeding; D001942:Breast Feeding; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D013391:Sucking Behavior