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Breastfeeding supports growth in small for gestational age infants: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Heather Resvick1,2,3, Amber Foster2, Brenda Hartman1,2

  • 1Faculty of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.

Acta Paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)
|November 19, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Exclusive breastfeeding supports growth in small for gestational age infants. However, evidence for significant catch-up growth within the first six months is limited, with effects on weight and length noted.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Neonatal Growth Studies
  • Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses

Background:

  • Small for gestational age (SGA) infants are defined by birthweight below the 10th percentile. Postnatal rapid growth in SGA infants is linked to later adiposity and cardiometabolic issues. Breastfeeding offers benefits for low-birthweight and premature infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review and meta-analyze the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on growth parameters in small for gestational age infants.
  • To assess the effect of 4-6 months of breastfeeding on weight, length, and head circumference catch-up growth.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic review and meta-analysis guided by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement.
  • Searched four major databases for relevant studies.
  • Employed random effects models to analyze the impact of breastfeeding on catch-up growth, assessing weight and length differences.

Main Results:

  • Five studies involving 4702 infants met the inclusion criteria.
  • Significant differences in weight and length were observed (p < 0.001), indicating a positive effect of breastfeeding.
  • High heterogeneity (I² > 90%) was noted, and study quality was assessed as very low.

Conclusions:

  • Breast milk promotes growth in small for gestational age infants.
  • Limited evidence supports significant catch-up growth within the first six months of exclusive breastfeeding.
  • The precise magnitude and direction of breastfeeding's effect on SGA infant growth remain undetermined due to evidence limitations.
Abstract

Keywords:
breastfeedingcatch‐up growthlow birthweightsmall for gestational age

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