SUCESS OF EXCLUSIVE BREASTFEEDING AT THE 30TH DAY OF CORRECTED AGE PRETERM INFANTS UNDER KANGOROO CARE

Abstract


 Objective: Breastfeeding is associated with multiple benefits for preterm infants. Kangaroo care is a strategy geared towards making the aforementioned practice successful. This study examined the rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at the 30th day of corrected gestational age (CGA) appointment and the maternal and neonatal factors associated with this outcome in preterm infants assisted by kangaroo care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on very low birth weight (below 1500g) newborns and/or those with gestational age below 33 weeks, born from January 2019 to February 2020 and monitored in the outpatient follow-up. For EBF yes (G1) or no (G2), bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: 87 (100%) patients attended the 30th day of CGA appointment, 43 (49.4%) on EBF, 30 (34.5%) on breastfeeding and 14 (16.1%) on formula only. The median gestational age and birth weight were 31 weeks (29-32) and 1370g (1190-1670), respectively, and 51 (58.6%) patients were female. There was no difference in the bivariate analysis of maternal age, preeclampsia, route of delivery, antenatal corticosteroid use, birth weight, neonatal morbidities, length of hospitalization, chronological age, and anthropometry at the 30th day of CGA between the G1 and G2 groups. In multivariate analysis, gestational age above 30 weeks (RC3.11/p=0.034) and breastfeeding duration above 30 minutes (RC3.77/p=0.013) were determinants of EBF. Conclusion: Successful breastfeeding rates were observed in 2020 in this at-risk population, especially compared to previous years' results from this and other institutions. The newborn's longer breastfeeding time, one of the strategies of kangaroo care, was shown to be a protective factor for the maintenance of EBF in this outpatient follow-up, and special attention should be given to those born under 30 weeks, who showed a higher risk of weaning.