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Updated: Aug 29, 2026

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect
Published on: September 22, 2023
[Breast feeding during the first few days after birth: sometimes insufficient]
1Academisch Ziekenhuis, Beatrix Kinderkliniek, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Postbus 30.001, 9700 RB Groningen.
Insights
Breastfeeding jaundice in newborns can signal insufficient intake, leading to dehydration. Monitoring infant weight loss is crucial for timely intervention and ensuring adequate nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Breastfeeding is widely recommended for newborns.
- Potential complications of breastfeeding, such as insufficient caloric intake, require careful monitoring.
Observation:
- Two newborns presented with jaundice and drowsiness, indicative of potential feeding issues.
- One infant experienced recurrent symptoms after initial treatment, highlighting the challenges in assessing breastfeeding adequacy.
Findings:
- Insufficient breast milk intake can lead to dehydration and hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice) in neonates.
- Weight loss exceeding 5% suggests the need for increased feeding frequency; over 10% loss indicates the necessity of supplementary feeding.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers must be vigilant in assessing breastfeeding effectiveness in newborns.
- Early recognition of insufficient intake can prevent severe dehydration and associated health complications in breastfed infants.
Abstract:
Two newborn infants that were receiving breast-feeding were admitted to hospital for drowsiness and jaundice on the 6th and 4th day of life, respectively; these were a male infant that had been yellow since the very first day and a female infant that did not grasp the breast properly. Both recovered thanks to phototherapy and the administration of extra fluids. Seven days after discharge, the female infant was readmitted for the same symptoms, after which the breast-feeding was found to be insufficient and the infant was put on bottle-feeding. In infants that are being breast-fed, insufficient intake can result in dehydration with all of its consequences. Such insufficient intake may be difficult to recognise. Weight loss greater than 5% implies that more frequent feeding is necessary and a loss of more than 10% may mean that supplementary feeding is necessary, albeit temporarily.
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