The Impact of Breast-Feeding on Early Neonatal Jaundice

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of breast-feeding promotion on the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia, on peak bilirubin level and on mean days of hospitalization. Study Design: The study population consisted of 1273 healthy full-term newborns born before and after the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Program was launched in July 2000. The relationship between breast-feeding and the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia (bilirubin level ＞12.9 mg/dL), body weight (BW) loss ratio, mean hospital days, bilirubin level on the third or fourth day, peak bilirubin level and mean days of phototherapy were analyzed. Results: The rate of breast-feeding during hospitalization was increased from 92.18% to 97.15% after implementation of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Program. The incidence of hyperbilirubinemia among newborns born after the Program also increased from 10.88% to 23.77%. There was a significant association between monthly rates of breast-feeding and the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia, BW loss ratio, the bilirubin level on the third or fourth day, the peak bilirubin level, the mean hospital days, the mean days of phototherapy, as well as the frequencies of urination and defecation. Maximum BW loss day after birth, BW loss ratio and breast-feeding were the most significant factors related to hyperbilirubinemia. Conclusions: After the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative Program was launched, the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia increased. This result may be due to increased weight loss caused by improper breast-feeding. Increased weight loss and breast-feeding were found to be associated with an increase in the incidence of hyperbilirubinemia, the bilirubin level on the third or fourth day, the mean days of hospitalization and phototherapy. Although breast-feeding remains the single best choice for infants and parents, jaundice and prolonged hospitalization related to improper breast-feeding should be kept in mind by medical personnel.