Infants’ characteristics of proper and improper breastfeeding positions

One of the important methods in successful breastfeeding is proper positioning. The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics of newborns with proper and improper breastfeeding position. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on 591 neonates who were referred to the neonatal clinic, ward and emergency department of Ghaem Hospital in Mashhad, Iran, during 2012-2018, through available sampling method. The data collection tool was a researcher-made questionnaire including laboratory data, maternal and neonatal characteristics. Data were analyzed by T-test and Chi-square tests. Results: Among 591neonates, 466 (78.8%) neonates were nursed with proper breastfeeding position and 125 (21.2%) cases were breastfed with inappropriate positioning. Between two groups there was significant difference in terms of admission weight (P = 0.000), daily weight loss (P = 0.000), daily weight loss percentage (P = 0.000), first breastfeeding time (P = 0.000), breastfeeding frequency (P = 0.000), breastfeeding duration (P = 0.002), urination frequency (P = 0.000), defecation frequency (P = 0.000), and serum sodium (P = 0.000), urea (P = 0.000), creatinine (P = 0.000), hematocrit (P = 0.002), platelet (P = 0.001), and blood glucose (P = 0. 010). Lethargy, irritability, seizure, mucosal dryness, inverted fontanelle, hyperthermia, non-softening breast after breastfeeding, nipple fissure, and pregnancy problems were higher in the group of inappropriate positioning. Conclusion: Result of this study showed that breast, lactation and nutritional difficulties, neonatal complications and laboratory abnormalities were increased with improper breastfeeding position.

کلیدواژه ها:

Breastfeeding ، Breastfeeding position ، Neonate ، Breast Problems ، Nipple Fissure ، Neonatal Complications