Special policies are needed to promote breastfeeding among low birth weight infants

Data came from the Cebu Longitudinal Health and Nutrition Survey, which followed 3,080 mother-infant pairs from urban and rural communities of Metro Cebu, Philippines. Logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of LBW on feeding practices, controlling for place of delivery (home, public or private health facility); receipt of free infant formula samples; infant sex; urban residence; primiparity; education level and age of the mother; and family income and assets. Birth of a LBW infant significantly decreased the likelihood that women would initiate breastfeeding. Of particular note is the finding of this decreased likelihood among women who during pregnancy had stated an intention to breastfeed. In a comparison of 6-month feeding patterns, it was also found that LBW increased the likelihood of not breastfeeding or weaning before 6 months. Among breastfeeding mothers, LBW increased the likelihood of full breastfeeding for 6 months compared to patterns characterized by earlier supplementation with other foods and liquids. The negative relationship of LBW to breastfeeding was strongest when births took place in private or public health facilities. Includes references. (Author abstract)