P464 Breastfeeding in very low birth weight

Introduction Available research has shown that breastfeeding reduces the frequencies of sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, retinopathy of prematurity, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), shortens reaching full enteral feeding and hospital stay, and improves neurodevelopment. Although sucking from breast prolongs breastfeeding duration in very low birth weight (VLBW, ≤1500 g) infants, breastfeeding prevalence are still below the target levels. Methods According to unit protocol, all newborns are fed with their mothers’ milk if there is no medical obstacle. Breast milk is given via orogastric tube, bottle or cup to the infants who can not suck from the breast. Orogastric feeding is accelerated through kangaroo mother care, and the application of breast milk smell and taste. Breastfeeding is supported after discharge by educated nurses at outpatient clinic. Data of VLBW infants discharged from our hospital and referred to our outpatient clinic were collected from medical records and their mothers. Feeding practices recorded according to corrected age at discharge and postdischarge were classified in three categories: exclusive breast milk (EBM), exclusive formula, and mixed (a combination of breast milk and formula). Exclusive breast milk and mixed feeding were named as breastfeeding. Results This study included 115 VLBW infants discharged from our hospital (88) and referred to outpatient clinic (27). No significant difference was found between discharged and referred groups in terms of birth weight (1047±272 vs 1046±253 g), gestational age (28±2.9 vs 28±1.5 w), male gender (48.9% vs 51.9%), SGA rates at birth and on discharge [(15.9%, 30.7%) vs (7.4%, 40.7%)], moderate/severe BPD incidence (23.9% vs 40.7%), hospitalization duration (57±27 vs 78.2±31.7d], and mother education (high school% 48,9 vs 66.7%) (p> 0.05). At discharge, EBM (63.7% vs 18.5%) and breastfeeding rates (91.7% vs 77.8%) were significantly higher in discharged infants compared with referred infants (p Conclusion The policies supporting breastfeeding during hospitalization and after discharge increases breastfeeding rates in VLBW infants.