Variations in breastfeeding rates for very preterm infants between regions and neonatal units in Europe: results from the MOSAIC cohort

Abstract: Objectives To compare breastfeeding rates at discharge for very preterm infants between European regions and neonatal units, and to identify characteristics associated with breast feeding using multilevel models. Methods Population-based cohort of 3006 very preterm births (2231 weeks of gestation) discharged home from neonatal units in eight European regions in 2003. Results Breastfeeding rates varied from 19% in Burgundy to 70% in Lazio, and were correlated with national rates in the entire newborn population. Women were more likely to breast feed if they were older, primiparous and European; more premature, smaller and multiple babies or those with bronchopulmonary dysplasia wer…