The Efficiency of Breastfeeding Supportive Practices in Reducing Newborn Bilirubin Level During The First Week of Life. A Retrospective Comparative Study

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Pediatric Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Egypt

2 Pediatric Nursing Department , Faculty of Nursing, Ain shams university, Egypt

Abstract

Background: Neonatal jaundice is a common condition that frequently leads to hospital readmission in the first week of life. Breastfeeding plays a critical role in the management of hyperbilirubinemia by enhancing hydration and promoting bilirubin elimination. However, the impact of breastfeeding counseling (BFC) on bilirubin levels and readmission rates remains underexplored.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BFC programs in reducing hospital readmissions, hyperbilirubinemia severity, and neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) stay among neonates diagnosed with jaundice in their first week of life.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted using hospital records from the Breastfeeding Counseling Unit at Ain Shams Pediatric Hospital (2017–2022). Full-term jaundiced neonates were categorized into two groups: intervention (BFC received) and control (no BFC). The data analyzed included bilirubin levels, NICU duration, feeding practices, and readmission rates.
Results: Neonates receiving BFC showed significantly lower bilirubin levels on the third day (5.1 ± 1.62 mg/dL vs. 6.9 ± 2.45 mg/dL, p < 0.001), shorter NICU stays (26.5 ± 2.87 vs. 60.3 ± 6.41 hours, p < 0.001), reduced weight loss at jaundice onset (5.6% vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001), and lower readmission rates compared to controls.
Conclusions: breastfeeding counseling (BFC) significantly reduced neonatal hyperbilirubinemia severity, NICU stay length, and readmission rate. Expanding access to BFC, especially in low-resource settings, can improve neonatal outcomes.

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