Changes in weight gain pattern of low-birth weight neonates while gradually shifting from Ryle tube to breastfeeding: A non-experimental descriptive study

Abstract

Breastfeeding has many health benefits for both the mother and infant. Breast milk contains all the nutrients an infant needs in the first six months of life. Breastfeeding further protects against diarrhoea and common childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, and may also have longer-term health benefits for the mother and child, such as reducing the risk of overweight and obesity in childhood and adolescence. Evidence suggests that initiation of breastfeeding in the first day of life is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of neonatal mortality when compared with delaying breastfeeding for more than 24 hours after birth. Aim of the study was to observe weight gain pattern in low birth weight neonates shifting Ryle's tube feeding to exclusive breast feeding. A total of 60 low birth weight neonates who were between 1500 and 2000 gm and admitted at NICU at Bharati hospital, Pune were included in the study. The patients who did not fulfill exclusion criteria were excluded from the study. Parents of the patients gave their consent for the participation in the study. In this study, paired t test and ANOVA was used to compare mean of two groups and more than two groups respectively. The 62% neonates were female and 68% neonates were having weight between 1500-1799 gm at birth. First birth order included 70% neonates. 97% neonates received 9-12 Ryle’s tube feeding per day. The results showed that the frequency of breast feeding increased and frequency of Ryle’s tube feeding decreased, there were no neonates whose weight was found within range of 1500 to 1699gm. There were 31% neonates whose weight was found within range of 1800 to 1899 gm.30% neonates whose weight within range of 2000 to 2999gm. The study results showed that when the low birth weight neonate were gradually shifted towards breast feeding from Ryle’s tube feeding, there is consistent and significant change in weight gain pattern of the neonate.