Socioeconomic Disparities in Human Milk Nutrition Patterns among Preterm Infants

Objective – This study examined patterns of mother’s own milk (MOM) and donor human milk (DHM) intake during NICU hospitalization and assessed socioeconomic status (SES) disparities. Study Design – We analyzed daily MOM and DHM volumes in a retrospective cohort of 121 preterm infants <32 weeks’ gestation in a level IV NICU until 34 weeks postmenstrual age. SES was defined by maternal insurance (public = low SES; private = high SES). Results – Low-SES infants received a higher DHM proportion than high-SES peers (42% vs. 24%, p = 0.011). High-SES infants had a faster decline in DHM use during the first 14 days of life (DOL) (p < 0.001). At discharge, 40% of low-SES infants were formula-fed only versus 20% of high-SES infants (p = 0.043). DHM percentage on DOL 14 predicted formula-only discharge (p < 0.001). Conclusion – SES disparities exist in HM nutrition patterns during NICU hospitalization.