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In order to determine the relationship between breast feeding and growth pattern, the information about anthropometric measurement and feeding pattern in first 4-6 months of life and after that of 324 hospitalized children were recorded and analyzed results are as follow: 67.3% were exclusively breast-fed, 61.3% were breast-fed accompanied with non-maternal milk (Cow milk, formula, pasteurized cow milk) and 11.4% were fed with non-maternal milk only. 44.8% of the total patients had weight for the age under 5th percentile, 53.7% had height for the under 5th percentile and 26.9% had head circumference (HC) for age under 5th percentile of NCHS standard. 77.8% of infants under 6 months of age who had weight for age under 5th percentile never have been fed with breast milk. In the other hand 72.2% of patients with weight for age between 5-100th percentile fed exclusively with breast milk in first 4-6 months of life (P<0.03). 63.2% of infants aged 6-12 months with weight for age under 5th percentile have never been fed with breast milk in first 4-6 months or did not commence supplementary food on time. This study suggest that exclusively breast-feeding in first 4-6 months of life and continuation of breast milk beside supplementary food on proper time can provide better growth potential relative to other options.

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Background and Objective: Modification of life style, nutrional regiment and insulin therapy is used for improvement of pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). This study was done to evaluate the effect of the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) eating plan on pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 52 women with GDM were randomly divided into DASH and control groups for 4 weeks. The control diet contained 45-55% carbohydrates, 15-20% protein and 25-30% total fat. The DASH was rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products, and contained lower amounts of saturated fats, cholesterol and refined grains with a total of 2400 mg/day sodium. The numbers of women whom commenced insulin therapy after dietary intervention, the mode of delivery and prevalence of polyhydramnios were assessed. The length, weight and head circumference of infants were measured during the first 24 h after birth. Results: 46.2% of women in the DASH group needed to have a cesarean section, this rate for the control group was 80.8% (P<0.05). The percentage of those who needed to commence insulin therapy after intervention was 23% for DASH group vs 73% for controls (P<0.05). Infants born to mothers on the DASH group had significantly lower body weight (3222.7 vs 3818.8 g, P<0.05), head circumference (34.2 vs 35.1 cm, P<0.05) and ponderal index (2.50 vs 2.87 kg/m3, P<0.05) compared to those born to mothers on the control diet. Conclusion: Consumption of dietary approaches to stop hypertension for 4 weeks among pregnant women with GDM resulted in improved pregnancy outcomes.