The establishment of breastfeeding in the small-for-gestational-age baby

Abstract

Background Term babies born smaller than expected for a given gestation are at greater risk of short- and long-term health conditions. Breastmilk is the optimum nutrition for all babies and offers specific protection from the risks that follow from being born small for gestational age. Aim To explore breastfeeding outcomes for babies born with a birthweight below the 10th centile. Methods Data were collected on all women giving birth in one maternity unit in the north of England over a year. Method of feeding at three time points was compared between small-for-gestational-age and appropriately grown babies. Findings Small-for-gestational-age babies were significantly less likely to be breastfeeding at discharge from hospital and community services compared to larger babies. Conclusion This study suggests that small-for-gestational-age babies are disadvantaged in establishing breastfeeding.