Breastfeeding in Relation to Neonatal Jaundice in the First Week After Birth: Parents' Perceptions and Clinical
Ya-Wen Chiu1, Shao-Wen Cheng2, Chun-Yuh Yang3
1PhD Program in Global Health and Health Security, Master Program in Global Health and Development, College of Public Health, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
Insights
Neonatal jaundice (NJ) can deter parents from breastfeeding. Despite no direct correlation found, many parents perceive breastfeeding as a risk, highlighting a need for better education to support continued breastfeeding.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Pediatrics
- Public Health
Background:
- Neonatal jaundice (NJ) is a common concern for parents, sometimes leading to decisions about interrupting breastfeeding.
- Understanding the relationship between breastfeeding and NJ is crucial for supporting infant and maternal health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the correlation between breastfeeding practices and neonatal jaundice (NJ) in infants within the first week of life.
- To assess parental perceptions and knowledge regarding NJ and its relationship with breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cross-sectional study involving 449 infants and their parents in a tertiary medical center.
- Data collection included infant clinical information and a 16-item questionnaire on parental knowledge and perceptions of NJ.
Main Results:
- No significant correlation was found between exclusive breastfeeding and hyperbilirubinemia (peak transcutaneous bilirubinometer value ≥15 mg/dL).
- Two-thirds of parents worried about NJ, and while aware of phototherapy, their knowledge of NJ risk factors and complications was limited.
- Nearly 30% of parents viewed breastfeeding as a risk factor for NJ, and 24% considered stopping breastfeeding as a management option.
Conclusions:
- Neonatal jaundice presents a significant barrier to continued breastfeeding in the early postpartum period.
- Enhanced parental education is vital to address misconceptions and improve willingness to sustain breastfeeding despite NJ concerns.
Abstract:
Parents may consider interrupting breastfeeding to manage neonatal jaundice (NJ). Our aims were to determine correlations of breastfeeding with NJ by examining infants' manifestations in the first week after birth and to understand parents' perceptions toward NJ in relation to breastfeeding. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary medical center by examining infants and administering a questionnaire survey to their parents. All healthy infants admitted to the well-baby nursery were eligible for enrollment. A 16-item questionnaire was distributed to parents of enrolled infants from October 2017 to February 2019. Items of the questionnaire included perceptions and knowledge of NJ. In addition, clinical information of enrolled infants was obtained from medical records. Hyperbilirubinemia was defined as a peak transcutaneous bilirubinometer value ≥15 mg/dL. In total, 449 parents completed the consent form and participated in the study. Results showed that exclusive breastfeeding was more common in infants with a vaginal delivery (p < 0.001), who were nonprimiparous (p = 0.004) and who had weight loss of >7% (p < 0.001). There was no significant correlation of exclusive breastfeeding with hyperbilirubinemia (p = 0.414). Approximately two-thirds of parents were worried about NJ occurring in their child. Most parents were aware of phototherapy as management of NJ. However, their knowledge of risk factors, complications, and assessments of NJ was relatively deficient. Overall, 29.6% of parents rated breastfeeding as a risk factor for NJ, and 24% of parents indicated that cessation of breastfeeding was a management option for NJ. The results indicated that NJ in the first few days after birth poses a significant barrier to breastfeeding. Our findings provide critical information for plotting strategies to enhance parents' willingness to continue breastfeeding.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Changes in Skin Color: Clinical Perspectives
Albinism
Albinism is a genetic disorder that affects (completely or partially) the coloring of skin, hair, and eyes. The defect is primarily...
00:55Parental Care
01:29Nursing Assessment
The nurse collects all aspects of the patient's health in the initial assessment, establishing priorities for ongoing focused assessments...
01:29Drug Dosing: Infants and Children
01:24Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism
01:27Parentral Nutrition: Centeral and Peripheral Parental Nutrition
PN can be administered through two primary routes:
1. Central Parenteral Nutrition (CPN):
CPN involves delivering a high concentration of nutrients through a large vein. This is typically achieved using a Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) or,...