Growth and morbidity of exclusively breastfed and artificially fed babies in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Abstract

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding has been established as the most appropriate modality of feeding babies up to 6months of age. Myths and misinformation regarding breastfeeding exist aplenty in the community. There is a feeling that modern-day mothers are less inclined to exclusively breast feed their baby. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze the feeding practices that are prevalent in our hospital and to compare growth and morbidity pattern between breast fed and artificially fed babies up to 6 months of age. Materials and Methods: After obtaining clearance from the Institutional Ethics Committee, a retrospective study was conducted wherein a questionnaire inquiring feeding and illnesses was submitted to parents of babies born in our hospital coming to our outpatient department at 6 months of age for vaccination. Weights at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 6 months, were accessed from our hospital information system. Results: 199 babies were studied. Though exclusively breast-fed infants had more weight than artificially fed babies at 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 6 months, the difference was not statistically significant. Morbidity of artificially fed infant was significantly more than in those who were exclusively breast fed and bottle feeding was associated with a statistically significant morbidity pattern. Conclusion: Artificial feeding and bottle feeding was associated with increased morbidity. Weights and weight gains between exclusive breast fed and artificially fed infants were not significantly different up to 6 months of age.