Multiple Micronutrients Versus Iron Folic Acid on Neonatal Breastfeeding Intervals and Period in Kenya

Abstract

Exclusive breastfeeding within the first six months of life, provides sufficient infant nutrients, but remains a challenge for the postnatal women. Maternal pregnancy nutrient deficiency has long-term infant complications: heart disease; heart attacks; deaths; and irreversible cognitive challenges. Half of under five morbidity and mortality are associated with under nourishment. The study introduced multiple micronutrients to promote maternal nutrition to try and influence sustained exclusive breastfeeding to support neonatal and infant health. The study defined sub-populations at risk of nutritional deficiencies and provided opportunities for early intervention to support the known benefit of multiple micronutrients on breastfeeding outcomes up to six weeks (42 days) post delivery. The study determined variations on breastfeeding intervals and period among the Multiple Micronutrients (MMs) and Iron Folic Acid (IFA) groups. This was a Block Randomized Controlled study; treatment arm was administered with MMs while the control arm continued with the usual standard care of IFA. A structured Questionnaire with open and closed ended questions was employed to answer the research questions. Focus group discussions were conducted to collect qualitative data on impact of prenatal multiple micronutrients among the infants. The study demonstrated a significant difference in breast milk amounts and substitution between the treatment and control arm and assumed non-equal variances with a Levene’s test <0.10 (f=7.379, p=0.009): breast feeding was initiated immediately at 100% for MMs and 68.8% for IFA; breast milk was available within 30 minutes post delivery in 86.3% of MMs and 25% for IFA (t, -4.8 p =0.000); breast milk amount was sufficient at 100% for MMs and 60.7% for IFA (-3.697, p=0.001); and no breast milk substitution was effected at 100% for the MMs, while breast milk was substituted in 18.5% of the IFAs within 42 days post delivery (t,-2.190, p=0.033). The study demonstrated significant benefits in micronutrient supplementation to promote infant health compared to the Iron folic acid use by enhancing exclusive breastfeeding practice.