Comparison of newborns' characteristics between neonates with proper and improper breastfeeding positions

IntroductionProper positioning for successful breastfeeding is important. The current study aimed to compare newborns' characteristics with proper and improper breastfeeding positions.MethodsThe current cross-sectional study was conducted on 591 neonates referred to the Neonatal Clinic, Ward, and Emergency Department of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, within 2019-2023. The subjects were selected through the availability sampling method. Neonates referred for the routine physical examination, jaundiced cases not requiring hospitalization, and newborns with hyperthermia and weight loss were included in the study. Neonates with less than 34 weeks of gestation, jaundiced cases requiring hospitalization, newborns with congenital anomalies, or those with confirmed infectious diseases were excluded from the study. Proper breastfeeding position was considered due to the status of attachment of the neonate to the mother's breast. The data collection tool was a researcher-made checklist, including laboratory data and maternal and neonatal characteristics. The data were analyzed using the t-test and chi-square test.ResultsAmong the 591 neonates, 466 (78.8%) and 125 (21.2%) subjects were nursed with proper and improper positioning, respectively. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of admission weight (p = .000), daily weight loss (p = .000), daily weight loss percentage (p = .000), first breastfeeding time after delivery (p = .000), breastfeeding frequency (p = .000), breastfeeding duration (p = .002), urination frequency (p = .000), defecation frequency (p = .000), and serum levels of sodium (p = .000), urea (p = .000), creatinine (p = .000), hematocrit (p = .002), platelet count (p = .001), and blood glucose (p = .010). Moreover, lethargy, irritability, seizure, mucosal dryness, inverted fontanelle, hyperthermia, unsoftened breast after breastfeeding, nipple fissure, and pregnancy problems were higher in the group nursed with improper positioning than the other group.ConclusionIn our study, breast problems, feeding problems, hypernatremia, hyperuremia, and weight loss were more common in infants of mothers with improper positioning of breastfeeding. Therefore, it is recommended to provide mothers with appropriate training and strategies for proper breastfeeding position.