Supplemental feeding in the first days of life -- effects on the recipient infant

Since clinical indications may necessitate the feeding of supplements to newborn infants, the effects of different supplemental feedings on the recipient infants were studied.

Two groups of healthy, term newborn infants (n = 64 in each group) were investigated. The mothers breast-fed their infants, and by indication the babies were additionally fed supplement A (supplementary neonatal formula, 78 kcal/dl) or the traditionally used supplement B (glucosaccharide solution, 100 kcal/dl). The differences in volume and energy intake, weight development and rate of hyperbilirubinemia were assessed in the hospital. The frequency of breast-feeding was evaluated using a structured telephone interview at the ages of 4 and 8 weeks.

The energy intake of group B was higher prior to the 3rd day of study (p < 0.05). Afterwards a higher mean intake of human milk, a faster weight gain but a lower frequency of exclusive breast-feeding at discharge were observed in study group A. Hyperbilirubinemia was more frequent in the group B. Fifty-five percent (group A) and 52% (group B) of the participants were exclusively breast-fed at the age of 8 weeks.

Despite differences in milk intake and weight gain in the early postpartum period, the breast-feeding patterns at 4 and 8 weeks were not significantly influenced by the use of different supplements.