The Relationship Between Breastfeeding Frequency and Neonatal Dehydration Hypernatremia

Objective: Inadequate breastfeeding is the most important cause of neonatal dehydration hypernatremia (NDH). This study aimed to define the relationship between breastfeeding frequency and NDH. Methods: A total of 934 infants (574 isonatremic and 360 with NDH) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study at Ghaem Hospital, Mashhad, Iran, in 2014-2022, assigned into low feeding frequency (<8 times/day) and proper feeding frequency (>= 8 times/day) groups, and compared for NDH intensity according to a researcher -made questionnaire. Results: The admission age (p = .001) and weight (t(931) = 1.864, p = .063), urination frequency (t(931) = -8.742, p = .001), defecation frequency (t(931) = -5.372, p = .001), serum sodium (t(931) = 13.541, p = .001), urea (t(931) = 9.721, p = .001), and creatinine levels (t(931) = 7.613, p = .001) showed significant differences between the two groups. Interestingly, 56.27% of infants with NDH and only 10.28% of isonatremic infants had low feeding frequencies. Conclusions: Low feeding frequency and duration were associated with weight loss and increased serum sodium levels. A group of infants who had a feeding frequency of less than eight times a day, a history of cesarean delivery, breast problems, and a lack of let -down reflex was associated with an increased incidence of low weight; higher levels of serum sodium, urea, and creatinine; and reduced frequency of urination and stool passage.