Publication:

Difference in weight gain among breast-fed and mix-fed infants at 6 weeks

Background Breastfeeding practice protects children from a large number of illnesses, increases IQ and improves a strong bond between mother and infant. Body weight is an important sign of a baby’s growth and development. The relationship between breastfeeding and body weight is crucial for the wellbeing of neonates.

Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Paediatrics, ASCOMS, Jammu for a period of 06 months. In the study 200 neonates were included and divided into two groups on the basis of self-reported feeding mode (breast-feeding and mix-feeding). History on maternal parameters and infant parameters at birth and 06 weeks were noted on a pre-designed proforma. The data was recorded in Microsoft excel sheet and was analysed by SPSS 20.0 version.

Results It has been observed in our study that none of the maternal parameters significantly differed among the two feeding modes (Breast fed and mix-fed). Out of 100 breastfed infants 45% had weight 4.0-4.2 kg, 32% had weight 4.2-4.4 kg, 14% had weight >4.4 kg and 9% had weight 4.4 kg and 14% had weight<4 kg. Further, the weight gained by infants at 06 weeks after birth slightly differed with breastfed infants having slightly more weight gain as compared to mix-fed infants.

Conclusions The current study found slight difference in weight gain between infants who were exclusively breastfed and those who were mix-fed at 06 weeks of life.