Feeding practices of preterm low birthweight infants up to six onths: a comparison between Kangaroo and Conventional care.

OBJECTIVE: To compare feeding practices of low birthweight(LBW) infants, according to type of care received during and after hospital discharge: Kangaroo Care(KC) and Conventional Care(CC).

METHODS: Prospective cohort study was conducted at a university hospital (Brazil) between 2019 and 2021. The sample consisted of 65 LBW infants (weight≤1,800grams)-46 in KC and 19 in CC. KC includes breastfeeding(BF) guidance and support to parents at hospital and after discharge. Data collection was performed at hospital discharge, and at the 4 th and 6 th month of corrected gestational age(CGA). Consumption of twenty-seven foods was analyzed in the last two periods of the follow-up and expressed in relative frequency. Three indicators were analyzed: exclusive breastfeeding(EBF); mixed BF; and introduction of liquid and solid foods.

RESULTS: Groups had similar health characteristics, except for the weight at hospital discharge and SNAPPE II score, that were lower in KC group. We found higher frequency of EBF among KC at hospital discharge (CC=5.3% vs KC=47.8%; p=0.001). The higher frequency of mixed BF was observed in KC at 4 months of CGA (CC=5.6%vsKC=35.0%; p=0.023), and at 6 months of CGA (CC=0.0%vsKC=24.4%; p=0.048). Consumption of solid foods (4 th month of CGA=25.9%, 6 th month of CGA=91.2%) and liquids (4 th month of CGA=77.6%;6 th month of CGA=89.5%) were similar between groups.

CONCLUSIONS: In KC, SNAPPE II scores were lower and frequency of EBF was higher at hospital discharge and frequency of mixed BF was higher over six months. Early supply of infant formula, liquid and solid foods were similar in both groups.