Breastfeeding insufficiencies: Common and preventable harm to neonates (4 October 2021)

Summary

Insufficient milk intake in breastfed neonates is common, frequently missed, and causes preventable hospitalisations for jaundice/hyperbilirubinaemia, hypernatraemia/dehydration, and hypoglycaemia - accounting for most U.S. neonatal readmissions. These and other consequences of neonatal starvation and deprivation may substantially contribute to fully preventable morbidity and mortality in previously healthy neonates worldwide.

This article argues that modern misconception of exclusive breastfeeding as natural and thus safe causes common and preventable harm to neonates. 

This review shows that the evidence regarding common and preventable harm to neonates associated with breastfeeding insufficiencies is sufficient to warrant fundamental changes to early infant feeding policies and practices.

Content