Post-publication Peer Reviews to:
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Michael L Moritz, Pediatric Nephrologist Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
Send letter to journal:
moriml{at}chp.edu Michael L Moritz
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I read with interest the detailed article by Dewey et al documenting the difficulties in initiating breastfeeding during the first week of life. In this report they noted that over 12% of breastfed infants had greater than10% weight loss by the third day of life. There was no mention though of breastfeeding complications requiring hospitalization, phototherapy or supplemental infant formula. I would appreciate if the authors would provide additional data regarding re-hospitalization of infants during the first week of life, the need for phototherapy, supplemental infant formula, and what interventions were taken when infant weight loss exceeded 10% of birth weight. |
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Kathryn G. Dewey, Professor Univ of California, Davis, Laurie Nommsen-Rivers, Roberta Cohen and M. Jane Heinig
Send letter to journal:
kgdewey{at}ucdavis.edu Kathryn G. Dewey, et al.
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In response to the letter by Dr. Michael Moritz, we can provide the following additional information about the infants in our study (Risk Factors for Suboptimal Infant Breastfeeding Behavior, Delayed Onset of Lactation, and Excess Neonatal Weight Loss. Pediatrics 2003; 112: 607- 619). In all cases in which the infant had a weight loss greater than or equal to 10% of birth weight, both the mother and the infant's health care provider were notified. Our lactation consultants worked with the mother and the health care provider to evaluate the situation and assist in correcting whatever problems were evident with regard to infant latch or other breastfeeding difficulties. In some cases, supplemental infant formula was used (usually temporarily). This is the topic of a separate manuscript, currently in preparation. We do not have data on how many infants needed phototherapy. Only one infant was re-admitted to the hospital. This infant was jaundiced and had lost 11% of birth weight, and was re-admitted on day 3. |
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