Abstract

COVAS, María et al. Weight variation in healthy breastfed newborns babies during their first month of age. Rev. bol. ped. [online]. 2008, vol.47, n.3, pp.180-187. ISSN 1024-0675.

Weight variation in healthy newborns follow-up is an important clinical sign and a matter of concern for both pediatricians and families, especially in breastfed babies. Objectives. To assess relative weight change (increase or decrease) in healthy breastfed babies during their first month of age. Design. Observational, cohort, prospective. Population, material and methods. Newborn cohort assisted between September 2000 and September 2001. Eligible: Term newborns (> 37 weeks of gestational age) assisted in rooming-in. Noneligible: Twins and NICU assistance (jaundice and hypertonic dehydration in the first week were excepted). Inclusion criteria: At least, four weight controls. Exclusively breastfed at the end of the first month. Newborns whose controls were performed in days other than the established ones were excluded from the study. After delivery, all mothers received a brochure informing them about the study characteristics. Results. Newborns: 1,669. Eligible at birth: 1,479. Met inclusion criteria: 8l0. The weight variation during the first month showed: Maximum decrease took place on the third day: -8%. Birth weight recovery on 8th day. Average increase in the first month: +30% of birth weight. There were no differences when gestational age (<39 - 39 and >39 weeks) and birth weight (<3,000; 3,0003,500; >3,500g) were considered; however, the smaller they were at birth, the better weight increase at the end of the first month. Initial difficulties for breastfeeding were associated to longer weight recovery (13th day) as well as with higher hospitalization rates due to jaundice and dehydration. Spontaneous deliveries were associated to better weight increase. We didn't find any difference in gender. Conclusions. Identifying weight variation in healthy newborns proved to be useful for the development of weight curves and assess their changes in relation to different neonatal characteristics. This information could be used to support and promote breastfeeding policies.

Keywords : breastfeeding; growth; newborn.

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