Work

The role of residential distance in maternal breast milk intake in preterm and very low birthweight infants

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: 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.

Source: Journal of Perinatology

DOI: 10.1038/s41372-026-02577-1

Authors: Amornrat Sawangkum, Alexandra Hoeman, Willow D. Goff, Xiaoqi Sun, Thao TB Ho

Institutions: University of South Florida, Memorial Healthcare System

Language: English

Topic: Breastfeeding Practices and Influences

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funders: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development