Effect of complementary feeds on sucking and milk intake in breastfed babies: An experimental study

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Abstract
The effect of complementary feeds of solids on milk intake and sucking time was examined in a group of 36 breastfed babies. On one day the baby was given no solids; on a second day solids were given before breastfeeds; on a third they were given after breastfeeds. A counterbalanced design was used with six replications of the six possible orderings.Over 24 hours the mothers kept a record of sucking time and test weighed the baby at each feed using a Sartorius 3865 MP balance. Records of the weight and composition of solids taken were also kept Both milk intake over 24 hours and sucking time were reduced on the days when solids were taken in proportion to the amount of solids consumed. Daytime feeds at which solids were taken were shorter, and less milk was consumed, if the solids were given before the breast rather than after; but over 24 hours the baby compensated so that total milk intake and time spent sucking were unaffected by the placing of the solids in relation to the breastfeeds.