Breastfeeding Patterns in Newborns at Risk of Hypoglycemia: Preliminary Findings from a Feasibility Study

Neonatal hypoglycemia is common in newborns with metabolic risk, such as infants of diabetic mothers or those with inadequate birth weight for gestational age, and may result in adverse outcomes. Although exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is recommended, these infants are more likely to receive formula in the first days of life, which may negatively affect breastfeeding.

Aim: To analyze breastfeeding patterns and their relationship with the occurrence of hypoglycemia in at-risk newborns.

Methods: This is a descriptive study nested within a feasibility study evaluating early hand expression of breast milk as a strategy to prevent hypoglycemia and promote EBF. Data were collected in the rooming-in unit of a maternity hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, between December 2023 and February 2024. Eligible participants were postpartum women over 18 years old, with singleton full-term infants and the intention to breastfeed. Data were obtained from medical records and standardized forms. The study was approved by the UNIFESP Research Ethics Committee.

Results: Among the 35 participants in the study, 51% had prior breastfeeding experience, and 57% of the newborns were breastfed within the first hour after birth. During hospitalization, 23% of the newborns received formula. Of the eight newborns who were given formula, 87% (n = 7) developed hypoglycemia. Statistical analysis revealed a significant association between formula feeding and the occurrence of hypoglycemia.

Conclusion: These findings highlight the need to explore early breastfeeding support strategies such as breast milk expression to protect and promote exclusive breastfeeding in newborns with increased metabolic risk.