In-hospital formula feeding and breastfeeding duration
The starting point of this study is that breastfeeding is important for the health of the mother and the fetus. There are many scientific reports about this matter, and you can read about it using this link.
Amongst the infants being breastfed, exclusive breastfeeding gives the most optimal advantage to the baby. However, supplementing with formula during the short hospitalization period after birth is very common. Many reasons and factors are associated to formula feeding after birth.
This interesting and intriguing article was published on June 2020, in an excellent pediatric journal (Pediatrics, PMID 32518169), This article talks about risk factors proven before for early ceasing of breast feeding, which is formula feeding in the nursery after birth.
Methods – Of course it is not possible to perform an interventional study in this matter, only observational (on all its disadvantages, including bias). However, in this study many statistical methods were used, trying to eliminate these biases.
This study was conducted in Minnesota, USA, in a few hospitals participating in a program for low to medium income families. The purpose of the program is to medically support these families, as well as gathering data on feeding habits of babies.
Data was collected on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and the management in the short period after birth.
Results – A few analyses were made, on a total of 5000 infants. The main result was the duration of exclusive breastfeeding, regarding the use of in-hospital formula, and the reason for using formula.
In all analysis been made, it was found that in those babies who did not receive any formula after birth, the chance for continuing with exclusive breastfeeding was 2.5-6 times higher the those who received formula.
Discussion – There are many explanations to why this formula supplement in the nursery, interferes with continuing breastfeeding, in mothers planning to do so. From decreasing milk production to the effortlessness in formula bottles over breastfeeding, and more.
Of course there are babies who need early supplementation with formula even though they are being breastfed, before establishing sufficient breastfeeding. But those cases are the exception. Researchers in this study quote other studies, stating that in over quarter of the hospitals in the USA, supplement formula is given to more than half of the babies, sometimes with no medical indication.
We should remember that the conclusions in this study are important in the levels of the decision makers. Those with public interest for keeping children well and healthy should be aware to the conclusions of this study, emphasizing the need for specific terms and conditions in which formula is given to babies in the nursery.
There is no doubt that the subject of breastfeeding is complex. Promoting breastfeeding should begin way ahead of childbirth, and should focus on the mother as well as her surroundings. As I wrote before in another post, we should remember that we are a society that values breastfeeding, which may put pressure on mothers not wanting or can’t breastfeed. On a more personal note – it is not the end of the world, and we should respect their feelings and not cause any guilt about this matter.
I think that this study points out a very important message, and addresses its conclusions to the health decision makers in the country and the hospital.
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