Feeding Patterns of Healthy Term Newborns in the First 5 Days-The Glucose in Well Babies Study (GLOW).

Abstract

<h4>Background</h4>The feeding patterns of healthy newborns have been poorly described.<h4>Research aim</h4>To determine the feeding patterns of healthy term newborns soon after birth, and if these differed with sex, gestation, and mode of birth.<h4>Methods</h4>This study was a prospective, longitudinal observational cohort study. Term, appropriately grown newborns (<i>N</i> = 66) were fed according to maternal choice and details were recorded. Data were analyzed using generalized Poisson regression for feeding frequencies, and mixed model regression of log-transformed data for durations.<h4>Results</h4>The participants completing the study had a <i>M</i> = 3589 g (<i>SD =</i> 348 g) birthweight, with a gestation age of <i>M</i> = 40.1 (1.2) weeks. All participants were breastfed; 23 (35%) also received expressed human milk and 10 (15%) received formula. Participants had fewer feeding sessions on Day 1, (<i>M</i> = 7.3 [1.9] sessions/day) increasing to (<i>M</i> = 9.4 [2.4] sessions/day) by Day 3, then reducing to (<i>M</i> = 9.0 [2.2] sessions/day) on Day 5, <i>p</i> < .001. The overall duration of breastfeeding sessions varied widely (<i>Mdn =</i> 29 [range = 1-447] min). Feed frequency but not duration was higher in males than females (<i>M</i> = 8.9, <i>SE</i> = 0.2 vs. 8.1, 02, sessions/day, <i>p</i> = .03), in newborns born ≥ 40 weeks' gestation (<i>M</i> = 8.9, <i>SE</i> = 0.3 vs. 8.2, 02, sessions/day, <i>p</i> = .04), and in newborns born by Caesarean section (<i>M</i> = 9.4, <i>SE</i> = 0.3 vs. 8.4, 02, sessions/day, for vaginal birth, <i>p</i> = .003).<h4>Conclusion</h4>Feeding patterns of healthy term newborns vary widely, but frequency increases during the first 3 days, and is greater in males, newborns born late term, and born by Caesarean section.<h4>Clinical trial registration</h4>The Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry Ref: ACTRN12615000986572. The study protocol is available online: http://hdl.handle.net/2292/32066.