Abstract

Approximately 15-50% of newborns may experience jaundice due to inadequate breastfeeding in early life. This condition was associated with maternal factors, especially the breastfeeding pattern in healthy newborns. The purpose of this research was to determine the relationship of early initiation of breastfeeding and breastfeeding patterns toward the occurrence of physiological neonatal jaundice in term newborns aged 0-7 days. Using a prospective cohort design, 99 respondents were enrolled for 7 days observation of breastfeeding frequency, duration and technique. The breastfeeding diary and breastfeeding observation sheet with LATCH scoring system were used for collecting the data. The data were analyzed statistically with univariate description, chi-square test and binary logistic test. The results demonstrated that breastfeeding frequencies (p = 0,000, RR = 2,95) and breastfeeding technique (p = 0,017, RR = 1,70) significantly associated with the occurrence of physiological neonatal jaundice. Multivariate analysis revealed that breastfeeding frequency was independently associated and most influencing factor toward physiological neonatal jaundice occurrence (ExpB = 8,007, CI 3,131-20,475). In conclusion adequate breastfeeding frequency, at least 8 times/day, with good breastfeeding technique might reduce the risk of healthy newborns to experienced physiological neonatal jaundice in the first week of life.