Social and Demographic Factors Influencing Maternal Breast Milk Intake in Preterm and Very Low Birthweight Infants

Objective: Identify demographic and social factors that influence the availability of maternal breast milk (MBM) to reduce barriers and improve outcomes for very low birthweight preterm infants. Study Design: This prospective cohort study analyzed demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical data from 300 maternal-infant dyads with infants born <1500 g. Data included residential distance from the hospital, comorbidities, and infant MBM intake measured as a percentage of total enteral intake. Results: Bivariate analysis revealed that maternal race, median income by zip code, marital status, and residential distance were significantly associated with MBM intake. In a multivariate regression model, only residential distance and marital status remained significant predictors, with greater distance from the hospital and marriage status associated with higher MBM intake. Conclusion: Residential distance from the hospital was not a significant barrier to breastfeeding in the study population.