Breastfeeding Reduce Infant Hospitalization: An Overview

Introduction:

Breastfeeding is how the infant is nourished for the first six months of life. It offers numerous benefits to the mother as well as the infant. Breastfeeding reduces the chances of type 2 diabetes, hypertension, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer. In Infants, breastfeeding promotes optimal growth and cognitive development. More than that it creates a unique bond between the mother and the child. It also protects the infant from short-term and long-term illness.

When Does the Infant Get Hospitalized?

Infant hospitalization usually occurs when an infant is born prematurely, has a serious medical condition, or suffers from a severe infection. It may also be necessary if the infant has difficulty breathing, a low birth weight, or difficulty feeding.

Risk factors for infant hospitalization include:

1. Premature birth or low birth weight.

2. Respiratory infections.

3. Gastrointestinal infections.

4. Urinary tract infections.

5. Allergies and asthma.

6. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

7. Dehydration and malnutrition.

8. Jaundice.

9. Congenital heart disease.

10. Injury or accidents.

What Is the Importance of Breastfeeding During Hospitalization?

Breastfeeding is essential when an infant is hospitalized because breast milk provides important immune protections that help prevent infections and illnesses.

Breast milk also contains optimal nutrients for an infant's growth and development, and it is easy to digest, reducing the risk of gastrointestinal problems. In addition, breastfeeding provides skin-to-skin contact, which is important for bonding and emotional support during a stressful time. While formula milk can provide basic nutrition when necessary, it is not a substitute for breast milk. Formula milk does not contain the same immune protection, and it can be harder for infants to digest, leading to gastrointestinal problems. Furthermore, formula milk lacks the bonding benefits of breastfeeding. Therefore, breastfeeding should always be encouraged for hospitalized infants, even if it requires pumping and delivering the milk to the hospital. This can help improve the infant's overall health and reduce the risk of complications during their hospital stay.

Does Breastfeeding Reduce Infant Hospitalization?

Several studies have shown that breastfed babies have a lower hospitalization risk than formula-fed babies. Here are some examples:

• A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that breastfed babies had a lower risk of hospitalization for infections, especially respiratory infections, than formula-fed babies.

• Another study published in the American Journal of Public Health found that breastfed babies were less likely to be hospitalized for gastroenteritis or pneumonia than formula-fed babies.

• A meta-analysis of 19 studies published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months or more was associated with a lower risk of hospitalization for respiratory infections.

• A study published in the Journal of Pediatrics found that breastfed infants had a lower risk of hospitalization for fever or infection in the first year of life than formula-fed infants.

These studies suggest that breastfeeding may protect against infections and other illnesses that could lead to infant hospitalization.

How Breastfeeding Helped the Pre-Term Babies to Overcome Hospitalization?

• Breastfeeding is a vital part of preterm babies’ care. During hospitalization, it can help provide the nutrition, warmth, and connection the baby needs for growth and development.

• Breast milk is the best food for preterm babies as it contains many nutrients, antibodies, and hormones that are important for the baby’s growth and development.

• Breastfeeding also helps promote bonding between the mother and the baby, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in the baby.

• Additionally, it can help reduce the risk of infections and other health complications. Breastfeeding is an important part of the care of preterm babies and should be encouraged during hospitalization.

What Could Be the Reasons for Lower Rate of Infant Hospitalization?

Breastfeeding has been shown to reduce infant hospitalization for a variety of reasons. Here are some possible mechanisms:

1. Protection Against Infections: Human milk contains immune factors such as immunoglobulins, lactoferrin, and cytokines that can help protect infants against infections. Breastfed infants have been shown to have lower rates of respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, and sepsis, all of which can lead to hospitalization.

2. Improved Nutrition: Breast milk provides optimal infant nutrition, balanced nutrients and bioactive compounds that support growth and development. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of malnutrition and associated conditions such as dehydration, which can necessitate hospitalization.

3. Better Respiratory and Gastrointestinal Function: Breastfeeding has been linked to improved lung function, decreased airway reactivity, and reduced risk of asthma and allergies. Breast milk also contains oligosaccharides that promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, which can reduce the risk of infection and inflammation.

4. Increased Maternal-Infant Bonding: Breastfeeding promotes skin-to-skin contact and maternal-infant interaction, which may positively affect both physical and emotional health. Infants who are breastfed may be more secure and have a better sense of attachment, which can reduce stress and improve resilience.

These factors suggest that breastfeeding can help prevent various health problems that might otherwise require hospitalization. Breastfeeding is not guaranteed against hospitalization; other factors may contribute to an infant's risk of illness or injury. However, breastfeeding can be a valuable tool for promoting infant health and reducing disease burden.

How Breastfeeding Is Managed During Hospitalization?

• Breastfeeding should be initiated as soon as possible after birth.

• If the baby is too small or weak to suckle, mothers should express milk by hand or with a breast pump, and the milk should be given to the baby through a tube or cup.

• Mothers should be provided with appropriate guidance and support to ensure that the baby can feed effectively.

• Regular growth assessments should be performed to ensure that the baby is getting enough nutrition.

• The mother should also be encouraged to breastfeed or express milk as often as possible, and the baby should be closely monitored to ensure they receive enough milk.

• For premature babies, breastfeeding is managed with extra care during hospitalization.

Conclusion:

Exclusive breastfeeding is beneficial to both maternal and child health. They provide numerous health benefits and reduce the risk of infant hospitalization. Care should be taken when the baby is born premature and has congenital disabilities. Breast milk is the best food that can be given to the infant. Optimal breastfeeding practices and healthy and nutritious eating of the mother do wonders for the infant.