The deuterium oxide-to-the-mother method documents adequate breast-milk intake among Sri Lankan infants

Abstract

Background: The WHO recommends that exclusive breastfeeding should last up to 6 mo. However, human milk intake of Sri Lankan infants has not been quantified scientifically. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to measure the human milk intake of Sri Lankan infants during the first 6 mo of age and to document the breastfeeding practices of their mothers. Methods: Forty-eight healthy mother-infant dyads were randomly recruited for this cross-sectional study at well-baby clinics. Milk intake was measured using the deuterium oxide-to-the-mother technique over a period of 2 wk. Information on breastfeeding practice and living standards of the participants were gathered using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. Results: Human milk intake was 672 ± 123 g . d -1 (mean ± SD), 776 ± 212 g . d -1, and 801 ± 51 g . d -1 for infants <2 mo, 2 to <4 mo, and 4-6 mo of age, respectively. The milk intakes were not different among the age groups. Maternal body composition, age, or parity had no effects on milk intake of the infants. However, mother's education (P < 0.05, r = 0.35), infant's age (P < 0.05, r = 0.30), and body mass index (P < 0.05, r = 0.41) positively correlated with the milk intake. Over 63% of mothers had commenced breastfeeding within 30 min of delivery. About 60% of the mothers were feeding the baby 6-10 times during the daytime and >81% intended to continue exclusive breastfeeding until 6 mo of age. Conclusion: This study, for the first time, documented the adequacy of breast-milk intake among Sri Lankan infants and the nutrition status of the mothers.