Abstract
Background: Iron status in the first weeks of life is crucial for optimal cognitive development. The relationship between early feeding patterns and iron status is not clear.
Aim: To study the relationship between intensive breastfeeding practices and iron stores in the first six months of life.
Methods: Blood samples were collected from babies and at the sixth week post partum to measure serum ferritin levels. One half of the mothers were counseled in intensive exclusive breastfeeding patterns. Their infants were monitored for weight, length and head circumference biweekly up to six weeks and serum ferritin was measured at six weeks of age.
Results: The study revealed that the exclusive breastfeeding group had statistically significantly higher levels of serum ferritin which correlated with the high growth rate and intensity of breastfeeding practices including frequency of breastfeeding, night feeding, early skin to skin contact and abstinence of pacifiers and bottles.
Conclusion: The intense breastfeeding practices is probably associated with rapid early growth and higher iron stores which can also lead to better brain and cognitive development.