eMedicineLive

The weight of a newborn breastfed infant has always been used as a measure to test the adequacy of breastfeeding. However, a new study shows that the weight loss noticed in newborns during the first 72 hours after delivery may be due to several non feeding factors as well. The most prominent of these factors is the IV fluids given to the mother during parturition. The new research, which has been published in BMC's open access journal “International Breastfeeding Journal” shows that the infant tries to regulate his hydration through this process and it does not necessary means inadequate breast milk.

 

The researchers from School of Nursing at the University of Ottawa's Faculty of Health Sciences found that certain infants, who are exposed to increased fluids before birth, are over-hydrated at the time of their birth. The baby tries to overcome this situation by passing out more urine and thereby losing weight. According to principal investigator Prof Joy Noel-Weiss, there is a positive association both between the IV fluids given to mothers before birth and neonatal output, and between the neonatal output and newborn weight loss.

 

The researchers suggest that in light of the findings of this study, the practice of using birth weight as a baseline while calculating newborn weight loss in the first few days after delivery should be reconsidered. But then, it is essential for the mothers and their breast fed babies to know the amount of weight loss following birth in order to assess any lack of breast milk. Therefore, the researchers have recommended that the weight of the baby 24 hours after delivery should be used as the baseline rather than using the weight immediately after the birth. The researchers have also suggested a standardized method of collecting and analyzing data regarding newborn weight loss at their clinics so that the doctors can make informed decisions about the change in the weight of the infant.

 

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