The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #46804

Rahel G. Hailemichael, School of Public Health; Department of Maternal & Child Health, Boston University, 715 Albany Street, Talbot Building, 5 West, Boston, MA 02118, 617-983-0111, Rahelghm@aol.com

Over the past decade the proportion of babies born in the U.S. at less than 37 weeks gestation has increased from 10.9% to 11.9% of all births, an increase of more than 28,000 nationally. Premature births are even more common among Black, non-Hispanic mothers, with 17.7% giving births at less than 37 weeks in 1999. Prematurity is known to expose infants to severe neonatal health problems such as necrotising enterocolitis, meningitis & sepsis. These neonatal diseases can be prevented by breastfeeding. However, literature suggests that mothers of preterm infants face additional barriers to breastfeeding.

This study examines breastfeeding rates for Massachusetts’ mothers by gestational age of their babies and a variety of personal and institutional characteristics to identify those at greatest risk. The study relied on the Massachusetts birth certificate item on intention to breastfeed and examines data from 1990-2000. Since breastfeeding rates overall tend to be lower among black mothers particular attention was paid to breastfeeding rates for black non-Hispanic mothers with premature babies.

Overall breastfeeding rates in Massachusetts for cases of preterm births (64.5%) were about 7 percentage points lower than in full term births and were particularly low among key subgroups, especially younger, Black non-Hispanic mothers. Both hospital and community programs to improve breastfeeding rates among premature mothers are described.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to

• Recognize and illustrate the importance of
  - (a) what we know about breastfeeding among premature infants in Massachusetts (b) the role of public and private interests in shaping breastfeeding policy and practice in Boston, Massachusetts
  • Apply the knowledge of demographic, health, familial, socio-cultural and community factors related to breastfeeding among premature infants
  • Develop and complete a formal needs assessment of breastfeeding among premature infants in a defined catchment area.

  Keywords: Breast Feeding,

  Presenting author's disclosure statement:
  I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

  Nutrition issues in maternal and child health

  The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA