Growth Patterns and Health Status of Exclusively and Non-Exclusively Breast-Fed Infants during First Six Months
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- Category: Vol. 84, December 2016
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Growth Patterns and Health Status of Exclusively and Non-Exclusively Breast-Fed Infants during First Six Months, MAI S. ABDULLAH, SOHIER A. DABASH and HANAN M. RASHAD
Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding for infants is rec-ommended for the first six months for optimal health, devel-opment and growth. In Egypt, most women breastfeed their infants for long periods, but many introduce alternative feeding too early in life.
Aim of the Study: The present study was designed to compare the growth patterns and health status of exclusively and non-exclusively breast-fed infants during first six months.
Material and Methods: A comparative prospective study design was utilized on a convenient sample of hundred healthy full term infants and their mothers who attended well-baby clinic for immunization during the first week of life at Pre-ventive Medicine Center in Specialized Pediatric Hospital at Cairo University. Structured interview questionnaire were developed by the researchers and administrated to mothers to ascertain reasons for the early introduction of complementary feeding to ascertain reasons for the early introduction of complementary feeding. Anthropometric measurements (weight, length, head and chest circumference) of infants were taken at birth and two monthly, until six months of age and recorded and plotted at Egyptian Growth Curve.
Results: The study revealed that all mothers breastfed their infants generally, eighty five present practiced Exclusive Breast Feeding (EBF) and fifteen percent didn't breast feed their infants exclusively at birth. The percentage of EBF mothers decreased throughout the 1st six months. The results of the anthropometric measurements showed that most of the parameters were better in exclusively breastfed than in non-exclusively breastfed infants though in some of the parameters, they were similar or better. Infants' mean weight percentile increased above 50th percentile significantly in both sexes for non-exclusive breastfeeding than exclusive breastfeeding at the end of the 4th month only. Length and head circumference means increased above 50th percentile significantly within the normal range for exclusive than nonexclusive breastfeeding infants at the end of 6th month only. The mean of chest circumference was the same for exclusive and nonexclusive breastfed. Vomiting, diarrhea, fever, tachypnea, and other health problems were higher significantly in nonexclusive than exclusive breastfeeding infants throughout the first six months of life. Formula feeding prescribed by doctor followed by infant refusal of breastfeeding were the highest percentage