Relationship of lower breastfeeding score and problems in infancy.

BACKGROUND AND

METHODS

We undertook a descriptive study in 2-month-old healthy infants to determine the factors that affect breastfeeding score. Mother's breastfeeding was evaluated and scored according to the World Health Organization/UNICEF B-R-E-A-S-T Feeding Observation Form.

RESULTS

The breastfeeding score (BFS) was higher in female than male babies (p=0.005). The babies with regurgitation had lower BFS than the babies without (p=0.016). The BFS was lower in babies who had repeated, without cause, inconsolable crying than in those without such crying (p<0.004). When the crying was problematic for the family, BFS was lower (p=0.028). Babies who had another sibling with a history of colic had a lower BFS (p=0.038). A low BFS was associated with short duration of night sleeping (p=0.032).

CONCLUSIONS

A decreased BFS may be a risk factor or indicator for infant crying, regurgitation, and short sleeping duration. As a result, tracking the BFS and appropriate breastfeeding intervention during the newborn period may assist in decreasing the frequency of regurgitation and infant crying.