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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF INFANTS DURING THE FIRST 1–2 MONTHS AMONG BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS AT THE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER HO CHI MINH CITY
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Abstract
Background: Breastfeeding provides numerous benefits for both infants and mothers. However, the impact of exclusive breastfeeding on the weight of newborns has not yet been clearly established. Objective: To evaluate the physical development of infants during the first 1–2 months of life among mothers who practice exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from July 2024 to January 2025 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Outpatient Clinic and the Well-Baby Clinic, University Medical Center Ho Chi Minh City. Results: The average weight of female infants at 1–2 months after birth was 4.2 ± 0.6 kg, and that of male infants was 4.4 ± 0.5 kg. The average length of female infants was 53.6 ± 3.0 cm, and that of male infants was 53.7 ± 2.1 cm. The mean weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) was 0.11 ± 0.74 (min: –1.75; max: 2). The proportion of infants with slightly slow to slow growth was 10.8% (95% CI: 6.8–15.9). Conclusion: The study results showed no statistically significant difference in physical development between exclusively breastfed infants and those who were not exclusively breastfed. Further long-term follow-up studies are needed to better assess the relationship between breastfeeding practices and the physical development of infants.
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Keywords
breastfeeding, physical development, weight-for-age index
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