Objective: To evaluate the effects of frequent latching versus supplementary feeding of breastfed infants with hypoglycaemia on blood glucose concentrations and breastfeeding.
Design: Retrospective study of patient files.
Method: All breastfed infants born in the period of investigation (June 1st 2004-April 30th 2005) by artificial or breech delivery were included. In the group with supplementary feeding (June 1st 2004 until December 12th 2004) mild neonatal hypoglycaemia, defined as glucose concentrations between 1.8 and 2.5 mmol/l, with symptoms, or between 1.3 and 1.7 mmol/l, without symptoms, was treated with supplementary feeding with formula. In the group with more frequent latching (December 13th 2004-April 30th 2005) mild neonatal hypoglycaemia (defined as glucose levels of 1.8-2.1 mmol/l) was treated with more frequent latching without supplementary feeding. The change in feeding policy (mid December 2004) was introduced because of excessive numbers of supplementary feedings, which jeopardized breastfeeding. Blood glucose determinations were carried out with the HemoCue B-glucose system. Risk factors for hypoglycaemia were listed, enabling the assessment of data of neonates who did not run an increased risk of hypoglycaemia, a kind of 'control group'.
Results: 232 newborn infants were included: 158 in the supplementary feeding group and 74 in the group with more frequent latching. In the supplementary feeding group, 63% (100/158) of the children developed hypoglycaemia, versus 55% (41/77) in the group with more frequent latching. The latter had lower blood glucose concentrations than the supplementary feeding group. This difference was only significant for infants without risk factors: the mean difference in lowest glucose concentration between supplementary feeding and more frequent latching in the group without risk factors was 0.50 mmol/L (SD: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.06-0.93; p = 0.03) versus 0.20 mmol/l (SD: 0.79; 95% CI: -0.05-0.45; p = 0.14) in the group with risk factors. Supplementary feedings decreased by 39% (95% CI: 28-50). The number of infants discharged with breastfeeding only increased by 14% (95% CI: 2-26). Symptomatic hypoglycaemic episodes were not found in the group with supplementary feeding or in the group with more frequent latching.
Conclusion: Frequent latching instead of supplementary (formula) feeding in infants with mild neonatal hypoglycaemia was associated with lower blood glucose concentrations but with higher percentages of breastfeeding only at discharge.