Observational Study Exploring the Timing of Postnatal Neonate Weight Measurements

The impact of even 1 formula supplementation can have detrimental effects on both mum and baby; decreased eagerness to breastfeed - leading to low milk supply, can trigger allergic sensitisation, and loss of confidence for the mother in breastfeeding. Maternal mental health within the first week of the postnatal period can be a turbulent time with increased hormones levels and adapting to a new normal. Ensuring good well-being of mothers is incredibly important to ensure the mother is able to bond well with her baby - a healthy loving relationship between parents and babies is integral to the brain development of the baby. Exposure in the first 1 year of the baby's life is the most integral part in helping to shape their emotional, cognitive and social capabilities (HM Government, 2021). This research project is of local and national importance for patient and parent care to improve long term health benefits of protecting breastfeeding journeys.

The main aim of the study is to collect data on the weight of neonates in the first 5 days of life.

Women will be consented in the first 24 hours following the birth of their baby if they fit the criteria. Baseline information will be collected:

• Time & Date of birth
• Type of birth
• Weight at birth
• Any medical risk factors i.e diabetes, high blood pressure etc
• Feeding type (breastfeeding, formula, or both)
• Gestation at birth

A maternity support worker will be tasked with weighing all the babies as near to their birth times possible and all data will be collected and logged. Following this the data will be sorted and correlated to look for any trends: