First primary care visit of the newborn and its implications for breastfeeding.

Background: The first primary care visit of the newborn aims to assess neonatal feeding, promote breastfeeding, and identify potential health issues. This study examines the relationship between the timing of the first visit and the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at one month of life.

Methods: This prospective, observational, analytical study was conducted in Spain through a paediatric research network. Data were collected from newborns at both the first visit and the one-month check-up. Selected variables were compared with those from a 2014 study by the same network to estimate EBF rates at the first visit. The primary outcome was EBF prevalence at one month, measured using 2024 data. EBF was defined as receiving only breast milk in the past 24 h. To analyse factors associated with EBF over time, generalised estimating equation models with binomial distribution and logit link function were used in univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results: A total of 1952 cases were collected in 2024, with the first visit at 9.3 ± 6.1 days after discharge, compared to 2047 cases in 2014 at 10.7 ± 6.3 days. EBF prevalence at the first visit was 63.1% in 2014 and 62.6% in 2024. In 2024, EBF prevalence at one month was 55.0% (95% CI 52.7, 57.3). Previous maternal breastfeeding experience was the strongest predictor of EBF at one month (AOR 14.61, 95% CI 5.04, 42.33). Having the first visit within 7 days of life was associated with higher EBF maintenance at one month in univariate analysis (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17, 1.53), but not in multivariate analysis (AOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.47, 1.74).

Conclusions: The first primary care visit of the newborn occurs late in Spain. Rates of EBF have declined over the past decade, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address modifiable determinants. The strongest predictor for EBF at one month is having previous breastfeeding experience. Early postnatal follow-up of newborns in primary care appears to have a beneficial effect on EBF maintenance at one month, although other determinants may mediate or influence its impact.