Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
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Despite a mother's intention to breastfeed, there are many barriers to feeding preterm infants that decrease breastfeeding rates. ⋯ Maternal age and method of first oral feed are critical predictors of breastfeeding success in preterm infants. Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed at the infant's first oral attempt and strategic breastfeeding support should be provided before initiation of oral feeding.