First primary care visit of the newborn and its implications for breastfeeding
Paloma Comino-Vázquez1,2, Marta Carballal-Mariño3,4, Josep Vicent Balaguer-Martínez5
1Universidad de Málaga, Andalucía Tech, Málaga, Spain. palomacv@uma.es.
Insights
The timing of a newborn's first primary care visit in Spain did not significantly impact exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at one month. Previous maternal breastfeeding experience remains the strongest predictor of sustained EBF.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal care
- Public health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- The initial primary care visit for newborns is crucial for assessing feeding, promoting breastfeeding, and identifying health concerns.
- This study investigates the link between the timing of the first newborn visit and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates at one month.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the association between the timing of the first primary care visit and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) prevalence at one month of age.
- To identify factors influencing EBF rates in newborns.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational, analytical study conducted in Spain.
- Data collected from newborns at their first visit and one-month check-up.
- Generalized estimating equation models used to analyze factors associated with EBF over time.
Main Results:
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) prevalence at one month was 55.0% in 2024.
- Previous maternal breastfeeding experience was the strongest predictor of EBF at one month (AOR 14.61).
- While univariate analysis suggested a benefit of early visits (within 7 days) for EBF maintenance, multivariate analysis did not confirm this association.
Conclusions:
- Newborn primary care visits in Spain are often delayed.
- Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates have declined, necessitating targeted interventions.
- Previous breastfeeding experience is key for sustained EBF; early postnatal follow-up may support EBF maintenance, though other factors play a role.
Background:
The first primary care visit of the newborn aims to assess neonatal feeding, promote breastfeeding, and identify potential health issues. This study examines the relationship between the timing of the first visit and the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at one month of life.
Methods:
This prospective, observational, analytical study was conducted in Spain through a paediatric research network. Data were collected from newborns at both the first visit and the one-month check-up. Selected variables were compared with those from a 2014 study by the same network to estimate EBF rates at the first visit. The primary outcome was EBF prevalence at one month, measured using 2024 data. EBF was defined as receiving only breast milk in the past 24 h. To analyse factors associated with EBF over time, generalised estimating equation models with binomial distribution and logit link function were used in univariate and multivariate analyses.
Results:
A total of 1952 cases were collected in 2024, with the first visit at 9.3 ± 6.1 days after discharge, compared to 2047 cases in 2014 at 10.7 ± 6.3 days. EBF prevalence at the first visit was 63.1% in 2014 and 62.6% in 2024. In 2024, EBF prevalence at one month was 55.0% (95% CI 52.7, 57.3). Previous maternal breastfeeding experience was the strongest predictor of EBF at one month (AOR 14.61, 95% CI 5.04, 42.33). Having the first visit within 7 days of life was associated with higher EBF maintenance at one month in univariate analysis (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.17, 1.53), but not in multivariate analysis (AOR 0.90, 95% CI 0.47, 1.74).
Conclusions:
The first primary care visit of the newborn occurs late in Spain. Rates of EBF have declined over the past decade, highlighting the need for targeted interventions that address modifiable determinants. The strongest predictor for EBF at one month is having previous breastfeeding experience. Early postnatal follow-up of newborns in primary care appears to have a beneficial effect on EBF maintenance at one month, although other determinants may mediate or influence its impact.
More Related Videos
07:11Assessment of the Efficacy of An Osteopathic Treatment in Infants with Biomechanical Impairments to Suckling
Published on: February 5, 2019
09:12Assessing Cellular Stress and Inflammation in Discrete Oxytocin-secreting Brain Nuclei in the Neonatal Rat Before and After First Colostrum Feeding
Published on: November 14, 2018
Related Concept Videos
00:55Parental Care
01:22Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
01:22Imprinting
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:23Anatomy of the Intestines
Small Intestines
The small intestine is an ~7 meter-long tube with an inner diameter of just 2.5 cm. Since most nutrients are absorbed here, the inner lining of the...
01:20Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...