PROMOTION OF BREAST FEEDING: EFFECT ON NEONATES OF CHANGE OF FEEDING ROUTINE AT A MATERNITY UNIT

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Abstract
The effect on the health of neonates of a change in neonatal routine care, including general rooming-in, breast feeding on demand and avoidance of supplementary bottle feedings was studied in conjunction to a breast feeding campaign at a maternity unit. There was an accentuated weight loss in the neonatal period during the ad lib breast feeding. The mean serum bilirubin of clinically jaundiced infants was slightly higher on a 4-h feeding schedule with supplementary bottles than on the new regimen. There was a similar high (32-33%) incidence of bilirubin levels > 205 .mu.mol/l (12 mg/100 ml) in both groups. The incidence of spontaneous hypoglycemia did not differ in the 2 groups. The new feeding regimen was considered safe. Infants at risk for hypoglycemia were given supplementary bottles and were excluded from the study.