Early term infants less likely to breastfeed: Study

According to a recent study, 'early term' infants are less likely to be breastfed than full-term infants within the first hour and at one month after birth.

The study also found that the early-term infants had lower exclusive breastfeeding and lower breastfeeding intensity during the first 72 hours in the hospital and at one month.

The researchers recommend that extra attention and lactation assistance need to be given to the early term infant and mother to help them overcome the difficulties in breastfeeding that may be caused by the neurologic immaturity of the infants.

Findings of the study were published in the Journal of Breastfeeding Medicine.

Beginning breastfeeding within the critical hour(s) after birth can have a substantial impact on continuation rates at one month and on infant health, morbidity, and mortality.

"This study emphasizes that though technically labelled as term infants, this is a high-risk population that requires added and targeted breastfeeding support programs," said I. Eidelman, lead author of the study.