First Meconium Passage as a Predictor of Early Breastfeeding Success in Term Newborns

Abstract Background Early meconium passage is considered a marker of neonatal gastrointestinal maturity and may have implications for breastfeeding success. To examine the association between breastfeeding success and time of first meconium passage in full-term newborns. Methods This correlational study was conducted in a maternity unit and included 59 healthy, exclusively breastfed term newborns. Breastfeeding success was evaluated using the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool during the first (0–1 h), second (1–24 h), and third (24–48 h) feeding. Assessments were performed independently by a lactation consultant and the primary nurse. The time of first meconium passage was recorded, and the relationship with breastfeeding success was analyzed. Results Newborns who passed meconium in less than 7.17 hours showed a statistically significant increase in breastfeeding success between the first and second assessments (mean increase: 0.93 ± 1.33; p = 0.017). In those with passage times ≥ 7.17 hours, the increase was not significant (0.8 ± 1.42; p = 0.051). Conclusion Earlier meconium passage was associated with a faster improvement in breastfeeding success, suggesting a link between gastrointestinal maturity and early feeding readiness in term newborns. These findings highlight the potential value of monitoring meconium timing as a simple, non-invasive marker to identify infants who may benefit from closer observation and timely breastfeeding support in the early postnatal period.