Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore and compare bilirubin levels and readmission for jaundice in neonates who have different frequency of breastfeeding (BFF) during the first two weeks of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred mothers and full-term neonates recruited from a University Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. The transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) levels of neonates were recorded at 24, 48, and 72 hours after birth. The breastfeeding frequency (BFF) was recorded every day for a total of 14 consecutive days. The re-admission rates for jaundice were obtained by telephone call enquiry on day 6, 9, 12, and 14 after birth. For analysis, the samples were assigned to two groups according to their mean BFF during the first two weeks of life. The low-BFF group was breastfed < 8 times/day, and the high-BFF group was breastfed ≥ 8 times/day. RESULT: The average bilirubin levels of neonates in the low-BFF group and the high-BFF group were 6.74 ± 1.76 mg/dl and 5.31 ± 1.76 mg/dl at 24 hours, 10.95 ± 2.44 mg/dl and 8.19 ± 2.40 mg/dl at 48 hours, and 13.34 ± 2.03 mg/dl and 10.60 ± 2.48 mg/dl at 72 hours, respectively. The bilirubin levels and re-admission rates for jaundice of neonates in the low-BFF group were higher than the high-BFF group with statistical significance (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01, respectively). CONCLUSION: High-BFF at least eight times/day may help prevent inadequate breastfeeding jaundice in neonates.
Highlights
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore and compare bilirubin levels and readmission for jaundice in neonates who have different frequency of breastfeeding (BFF) during the first two weeks of life
According to recommendations from the American Academic of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)[15] breastfeeding frequency (BFF) should be at least eight times per day, as high BFF is associated with successful breastfeeding
Another study by Okechukwu and Okolo 20 reported that lower frequency of breastfeeding per day was significantly correlated with higher serum bilirubin levels and lower passage of meconium during the first 24 hours of life
Summary
Descriptive research design was used to explore and compare bilirubin levels and re-admission rates for jaundice during the first two weeks of life between neonates who received low and high-BFF. The inclusion criteria for the neonates: 1. Bilirubinometer, Dräger Jaundice Meter JM-105: Used to measure bilirubin levels at the foreheads of neonates at the first 24, 48 and 72 hours of neonate life. The bilirubinometer is a non-invasive measurement of bilirubin levels by gentle pressing of a probe to the neonate’s skin. The validity of this device is calibrated every 6 months by The University Hospital Facilities Service and every morning by staff nurses before the device is used
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