Infant and Maternal Factors Influencing Breastmilk Sodium Among Primiparous Mothers

Abstract

Objective: This study identified birth events and infant/maternal factors related to breastmilk sodium (Na + ) among primiparous mothers. Subjects and Methods: Data were collected in a larger study on perceived insufficient milk among 252 breastfeeding mothers at a Canadian, French-speaking university maternal care center. Birth events and infant and maternal factors were collected at 48 hours, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks after birth and were analyzed with bivariate and regression analysis. Results: Presence of gestational diabetes increases the risk of an elevated breastmilk Na + level at 48 hours, and increased number of breastfeeds (mean = 8.91, SD = 3.77) lowers it, indicating lactogenesis II was initiated. Conclusions: Breastfeeding frequency impacts initiation of lactogenesis II, which in turn influences duration of breastfeeding exclusivity. Therefore feedings should be promoted as soon as possible after birth and as frequently as eight to 12 times a day.

The Relation between Breast Milk Sodium to Potassium Ratio and Maternal Report of a Milk Supply Concern

“…14, 15 Other investigators, using cross-sectional data, observed that day 3 breast milk sodium was negatively associated with infant breast milk intake 16 and with breastfeeding frequency. 17 …”

The Effects of Mild Gestational Hyperglycemia on Exclusive Breastfeeding Cessation

“…LII is characterized by changes in breastmilk components—in particular, a decrease in breastmilk sodium. Conversely, the presence of GDM increases the risk of an elevated breastmilk sodium level on day three postpartum [20]. A case–control study revealed that women diagnosed with low milk supply were significantly more likely to have had GDM compared with women with other lactation outcomes [21].…”

Influence of Diabetes during Pregnancy on Human Milk Composition

“…Col: [29] Col: [29] Potassium, Phosphorus and Calcium No differences Col: [15] Sodium No differences Col: [15,30] Vitamin E No differences Col: [31] Micro RNA No differences Col/Mat: [32] 3.1.1. Energy…”

“…Sodium was evaluated in two studies in colostrum, and both showed an increase of sodium concentrations in correlation to GDM; moreover Galipau et al found an increase in relation to insulin use [15,30]. Potassium, phosphorus and calcium were analyzed by Kaushik et al in the colostrum and no differences were found [15].…”