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

## TL;DR

This study explores how social and demographic factors affect how much maternal breast milk preterm infants receive.

## Contribution

The study identifies residential distance and marital status as key predictors of maternal breast milk intake in preterm infants.

## Key findings

- Maternal race, income, marital status, and residential distance were initially linked to breast milk intake.
- Residential distance and marital status remained significant predictors in multivariate analysis.
- Greater distance from the hospital and being married were associated with higher breast milk intake.

## Abstract

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.

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.

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.

Residential distance from the hospital was not a significant barrier to breastfeeding in the study population.