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Postnatal weight gain of exclusively breast fed preterm African infants
Insights
Preterm infants fed only breast milk experienced initial weight loss, with smaller infants losing more. However, all groups eventually regained birth weight, and the smallest preterm infants showed the fastest growth rate.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Infant Growth
Background:
- Preterm infants require careful monitoring of weight changes.
- Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for neonatal care.
- Gestational age and birth weight influence infant growth patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze weight changes in preterm infants fed only mother's breast milk.
- To compare growth rates among different birth weight categories of preterm infants.
- To determine the time to regain birth weight in preterm neonates.
Main Methods:
- Followed weight of 64 preterm infants appropriate for gestational age.
- Subdivided infants into three birth weight groups (1001-1250g, 1250-1500g, 1501-1750g).
- Monitored infants exclusively fed their mother's breast milk without supplements.
Main Results:
- All groups showed significant weight loss in the first week (Group A: 12.0%, Group B: 7.7%, Group C: 4.4%).
- Group A infants experienced further non-significant weight loss in the second week.
- Birth weights were regained by 23 days (Group A), 16 days (Group B), and 15 days (Group C).
- Daily weight gain post-initial loss was similar across groups (approx. 20.0-20.4 g/day), with Group A exhibiting the fastest growth rate.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive breastfeeding supports weight regain in preterm infants.
- Smaller preterm infants experience greater initial weight loss but demonstrate robust growth.
- Gestational age and birth weight are critical factors in preterm infant weight dynamics.
Abstract:
The weight of 64 preterm appropriate for gestational age infants were followed closely during the period of stay in the newborn unit. They were subdivided into three groups: A (1001-1250 g), B (1250-1500 g), and C (1501-1750 g). The mean gestation for these groups were 28.7, 30.5, and 31 weeks, respectively, while mean birth weights were 1132 +/- 81.7 g, 1377 +/- 85.6 g, and 1641 +/- 88.6 g. All were fed their own mothers breast milk during the period of study with no supplements. During the first week, there was significant weight loss in all groups as follows: A (12.0 per cent), B (7.7 per cent), and C (4.4 per cent). Thereafter, only group A lost weight in the second week, but the loss was not significant. Birth weights were regained at 23, 16, and 15 days, respectively. The weight gain after the initial loss was A (20.0 g), B (20.4 g), and C (20.2 g) per day. Group A had the fastest growth rate.