Prelacteal and early formula feeding increase risk of infant hospitalisation: a prospective cohort study

What is it about?

This is the first study in Vietnam to examine prelacteal feeding and early formula feeding in relation to infant hospitalisation, diarrhoea, and lower respiratory tract infection during the first year of life, using a multicenter prospective cohort study design. We found that the rates of these adverse health outcomes were higher in the prelacteal-fed and early formula-fed groups when compared to other infants who were exclusively breastfed before hospital discharge. The results suggest that prelacteal feeds and in-hospital use of infant formula should only be given if clinically necessary, to reduce the risk of subsequent infant illness and hospital admissions. Extra support should be available to mothers who have difficulties to initiate breastfeeding and to minimize their use of infant formula.

Featured Image