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Early readmission of exclusively breastmilk-fed infants born by means of normal birth or cesarean is multifactorial and associated with perinatal maternal mental health concerns

Overview

Australian researchers studied readmission rates within 30 days for exclusively breastfed infants born via normal birth or cesarean section. They found similar readmission rates (6.8-7.3%) but different patterns: normal births primarily readmitted for jaundice, cesareans for feeding issues. Importantly, maternal depression scores were higher among readmitted infants' mothers.

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Individual authors

  • Kirsten Emma De Mare MD - Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
  • Debra Bourne MN - Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Barbara Rischitelli BSN - Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
  • Wei Qi Fan MBBS, PhD, FRACP - Northern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Key insights

 Insights:

  1. Readmission rates similar between normal birth and cesarean groups (6.8% vs 7.3%)

  2. Normal birth readmissions: primarily jaundice, infection, feeding issues (in that order)

  3. Cesarean readmissions: primarily feeding, infection, jaundice (reversed pattern from normal birth)

  4. Higher Edinburgh Depression Scale scores found in mothers of readmitted infants

  5. Most readmissions occurred within first week after discharge from hospital

  6. Male gender and gestational age ≤38 weeks increased readmission odds significantly

  7. Single/separated mothers had significantly higher readmission risk than married mothers

  8. Non-jaundice readmissions more strongly associated with maternal depression than jaundice cases

Did this resource draw on transformative evidence?

<p>This document demonstrates <strong>experiential expertise</strong> through the authors&#39; clinical practice at Northern Health&#39;s maternity and neonatal services. Their insights reflect hands-on experience with readmission patterns, breastfeeding challenges, multicultural patient populations, and recognition of maternal mental health impacts on infant outcomes in their specific healthcare setting.</p>
<p>This document reflects <strong>practice wisdom</strong> through the researchers&#39; clinical observations that exclusively breastfed infants still experience readmissions despite representing "the most successful outcome of obstetric and neonatal care." Their practical insights into different readmission patterns between birth modes and maternal depression impacts demonstrate accumulated professional knowledge.</p>
<p>This document is <strong>heavily based on research and evaluation insights</strong>. It&#39;s a retrospective cohort study analyzing 5,936 maternal-infant pairs using statistical methods including univariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression. The authors systematically evaluated readmission data, Edinburgh Depression Scale scores, and multiple clinical variables to identify evidence-based risk factors.</p>

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Evidence Summary