Early weight loss in cesarian section : Healthy exclusively breast-fed neonates

Abstract EN

Background : The early detection of breast feeding malnutrition is of clinical importance and has been poorly studied.

Normal or abnormal weight loss in healthy exclusively breast-fed neonates during the first 48 hours of life has not been clearly defined.

Objective : To determine weight loss in cesarian section, healthy exclusively breast-fed neonates (n = 150) during their first 2 days of life.

Methods and Subjects : A prospective and descriptive study have been conducted at Arya General Hospital in Tehran from May 8, 2002 to October 30, 2002.

A total of 160 newborns born by cesarian section were included.

The weight of the newborns were measured at birth 12, 24 and 48 hours after delivery by digital scale and all healthy newborns fed exclusively breast milk.

Results : The mean body weight at birth were 3080 grams (95 % confidence interval [CI] 2629.5 - 3505.5), after 48 hours 2841 grams (95 % CI 2423.28, 3250.23), total body weight loss ranging from 184 to 335 grams or 8.6% and 3270 grams, (95 % CI 2885.32-3655.

94) after 48 hours 3023 grams (95 % CI 2643.6,3402.6), total body weight loss ranging 170 to 275 grams or 7.5 % in female and male neonates respectively.

Conclusion : This study confirm approximately 8 % weight loss in healthy cesarian section with exclusively bread-fed neonates during the first 48 hours of life.

Therefore, for the protection of early weight loss we should reduce adverse factors such as cesarian section and the mothers be completely trained and encouraged for nursing before delivery.