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Breastfeeding infants who were extremely low birth weight
J A Blaymore Bier1, A E Ferguson, Y Morales
1Department of Pediatrics, Brown University School of Medicine, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA.
Insights
Breastfeeding extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants improves oxygen saturation and temperature. While breastfeeding is beneficial for physiological responses, supplementation may be needed to ensure adequate weight gain in ELBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatrics
- Infant Nutrition
Background:
- Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants require specialized care to optimize physiological stability and growth.
- Feeding methods significantly impact the clinical outcomes of vulnerable ELBW infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the clinical effects of breastfeeding versus bottle feeding in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
- To assess differences in physiological parameters and weight gain between the two feeding methods.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 12 ELBW infants (birth weight ≤800 g) who served as their own controls.
- Continuous monitoring of oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and temperature during breastfeeding and bottle feeding sessions.
- Measurement of pre- and post-feeding weights to determine weight gain.
Main Results:
- Infants exhibited higher oxygen saturation and body temperature during breastfeeding compared to bottle feeding.
- Breastfeeding was associated with a reduced likelihood of oxygen desaturation below 90%.
- Mean weight gain was significantly greater during bottle feeding (31 g) than during breastfeeding (9 g).
Conclusions:
- Breastfeeding offers significant physiological benefits for ELBW infants, including improved oxygenation and thermal regulation.
- Optimal weight gain in ELBW infants may necessitate breastfeeding support and potential supplementation.
- Integrating breastfeeding with appropriate support strategies is crucial for the well-being of ELBW infants.
Objective:
To compare the clinical effect of breastfeedings and bottle feedings in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants (birth weight
Methods:
A total of 12 ELBW infants (mean birth weight, 672 +/- 95 g; mean gestation, 26 +/- 2 weeks) served as their own controls in this prospective study comparing physiologic parameters during bottle and breastfeeding. The infants were put to breast the same week they began on bottle feedings of human milk or premature infant formula (mean gestation, 35 weeks). One breastfeeding and one bottle feeding were observed each day for 10 days. Pre- and postfeeding weights were measured, and oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, heart rate, and axillary temperature were monitored continuously and recorded every minute during feedings.
Results:
The infants demonstrated a higher oxygen saturation and a higher temperature during breastfeeding than during bottle feeding, and were less likely to desaturate to <90% oxygen during breastfeeding. Mean weight gain was greater during bottle feeding than during breastfeeding (31 vs 9 g).
Conclusions:
Breastfeeding the ELBW infant is desirable from a standpoint of improved physiologic responses, but such practice requires breastfeeding support and possible supplementation to optimize weight gain.