USF-LVHN SELECT
The role of residential distance in maternal breast milk intake in preterm and very low birthweight infants.
Publication/Presentation Date
2-3-2026
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Study the association of residential distance in the context of other socioeconomic factors with 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-preterm 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 studied hospital was not a significant barrier to breastfeeding. Hospitals need to examine their own barriers to breastfeeding.
ISSN
1476-5543
Published In/Presented At
Sawangkum, A., Hoeman, A., Goff, W. D., Sun, X., & Ho, T. T. (2026). The role of residential distance in maternal breast milk intake in preterm and very low birthweight infants. Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association, 10.1038/s41372-026-02577-1. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-026-02577-1
Disciplines
Medical Education | Medicine and Health Sciences
PubMedID
41634359
Department(s)
USF-LVHN SELECT Program, USF-LVHN SELECT Program Students
Document Type
Article