Abstract
The incidence and length of breast feeding of LBW [low birthweight] (.ltoreq. 2500 g) infants were investigated. A marked increase from 1979-1982 was noted: the incidence rose from 78-91% and the proportion of infants breast fed for 3 mo. rose from 54-67%. A breast feeding promotion program did not influence the length of breast feeding of LBW infants within 1 yr of the intervention. Smaller infants, those with RDS [respiratory distress syndrome] and those from lower social classes were breast fed less than others.