Breastfeeding Medicine最新文献

Objectives: Breast milk is an ideal food for newborns born term and preterm. The short-term storage of human milk (HM) involves freezing at low temperatures; however, its effects on macronutrients remain unclear. The macronutrients in HM are generally thought to be unaffected by short-term freezing. This study aimed to analyze the impact of freezing HM from preterm infants at -20°C for 5 days on macronutrient content. Methods: HM samples were collected from 54 mothers of preterm infants. Each sample was divided into three aliquots and stored at -20°C for 1 and 5 days. After thawing and homogenization, energy and macronutrient contents were measured using a HM infrared spectroscopy analyzer. Results: We analyzed 162 samples (from 54 mothers of preterm infants). Mean baseline concentrations in fresh milk were protein 1.55 ± 0.61 g/100 mL, carbohydrates 6.87 ± 0.81 g/100 mL, fat 4.29 ± 2.16 g/100 mL, and energy 75.9 ± 27.3 kcal/100 mL. Freezing at -20°C reduced protein to 1.33 ± 0.35 g/100 mL after 24 hours and 1.21 ± 0.38 g/100 mL after 5 days (14.2% and 21.9% decrease, p < 0.001), fat to 3.23 ± 1.15 g/100 mL and 3.04 ± 1.40 g/100 mL (24.7% and 29.1% decrease, p < 0.001), and energy to 64.3 ± 12.8 kcal/100 mL and 61.7 ± 16.1 kcal/100 mL, respectively (p < 0.001); carbohydrate content remained unchanged (p = 0.41). Conclusions: Freezing HM at -20°C for 5 days can significantly reduce critical nutrients, including fat and protein, suggesting the need for individualized fortification strategies to ensure optimal growth in preterm infants.

Objective: In the present study, the effects of prayer frequency and knowledge of prayer on breastfeeding self-efficacy were examined for the first time while controlling for variables such as psychological resilience and method of delivery. Method: For this purpose, a sample of 232 women was analyzed by using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: The results indicate that regular prayer has a higher level of positive impact on breastfeeding self-efficacy, that it is a stronger predictor in comparison with psychological resilience, and that this effect is pronounced among Muslim mothers. Conclusion: These insights could inform interventions aimed at improving breastfeeding practices by incorporating spiritual dimensions alongside psychological support.

Introduction: Subjective social status (SSS), which describes one's perceived hierarchical rank, may provide a more accurate prediction of health than traditional socioeconomic measures. The specific relationship between SSS and breastfeeding outcomes is understudied. Our objectives were to: (1) investigate factors associated with SSS, (2) assess the relationship between prenatal SSS and any or exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months, and (3) evaluate the relationship between prenatal SSS and breastfeeding duration. Methods: Overall, 2,870 participants from the Canadian Healthy Infant Longitudinal Development birth cohort data were included. Prenatal SSS was self-ranked at 18 weeks' gestation using the MacArthur Scale and categorized as low (1-5), moderate (6-7), and high (8-10) SSS. Any and exclusive breastfeeding were categorized at 3 and 6 months postpartum, along with breastfeeding duration. Multivariable logistics and linear regression were conducted. Results: After adjusting for race, education, income, marital status, employment, and parity, the odds of exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months were 1.51 times higher [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.18, 1.94] in the high SSS group than in the low SSS group. The likelihood of any breastfeeding at 6 months was 1.45 times higher [95% CI: 1.10, 1.92] in the moderate SSS group than the low SSS group. Women with high SSS breastfed for approximately 42 days longer than women with low SSS. Conclusion: SSS was associated with exclusive breastfeeding at 3 months, any breastfeeding at 6 months, and breastfeeding duration. SSS may offer a more patient-centered indicator of health, informing targeted interventions for individuals at risk of suboptimal breastfeeding outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the association between infant gender and both postpartum depression and breastfeeding duration at multiple time points during the postpartum period. Methods: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted between March and December 2022 in Turkey with a sample of 311 postpartum women. Data were collected using a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and the Breastfeeding Characteristics Form within the first 24 hours postpartum. The Breastfeeding Characteristics Form was readministered via telephone at 3 and 6 months postpartum. Results: Of the infants born, 50.5% (n = 157) were female and 49.5% (n = 154) were male. In the first 24 hours postpartum, 87.8% (n = 273) of mothers scored below 12 on the EPDS, while 12.2% (n = 38) scored 12 or above. Mothers who knew the infant's gender before birth had significantly lower EPDS scores than those who did not. Similarly, planned pregnancies and immediate postnatal contact with the infant were associated with significantly lower EPDS scores (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant association was found between infant gender and either postpartum depression or breastfeeding duration at any time point. Conclusions: Infant gender was not found to have a significant association with postpartum depression or breastfeeding duration. These findings suggest that other maternal and perinatal factors may have a greater impact on postpartum mental health and breastfeeding outcomes. Implications and Contributions: This study examines the association of infant gender with postpartum depression and breastfeeding duration in women who give birth. In traditional societies, there has been a strong focus on determining the gender of the unborn baby due to pressures related to preserving inheritance, ensuring the continuation of the lineage, and similar factors. This study is important to highlight that infant gender does not show a significant association with maternal postpartum depression or breastfeeding, thereby emphasizing the need to focus on other maternal and perinatal factors that may play a more critical role in supporting mother-infant bonding and breastfeeding during the postpartum period.

Background: Breast pumps can support breastfeeding continuation in the United States, where federal law permits only 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. Despite widespread use, research on individuals' experiences with breast pumps is limited. Methods: An interdisciplinary research team developed a cross-sectional Qualtrics survey to explore the perspectives of breast pump users in the United States. Participants were recruited online over a 30-day period in 2021. Descriptive statistics summarized breast pump attributes valued by users, while open-ended responses were analyzed using content analysis. Results: A total of 641 participants completed 906 pump evaluations. Respondents were located across the United States, with the majority from the Midwest (42%) and South (29%). Most participants were non-Hispanic White (85%) and highly educated (60% held a master's or doctoral degree). Eight thematic categories with positive, negative, and neutral/mixed experiences emerged: flange fit (user cited need for better sizing guidance and access to multiple sizes), mobility (wearable pumps improved flexibility; electric pumps required accessories for hands-free use), cost and insurance (coverage often excluded replacement parts or alternate flanges), efficacy (some pumps emptied breasts efficiently, others lacked adjustable suction or cycle), longevity (durability was valued for frequent use), manufacturer support (experiences from helpful to inadequate information available to maximize pump efficacy and fit), noise (quiet pumps were preferred), and discomfort (proper fit reduced pain, though soreness and nipple trauma were reported). Conclusions: Centering users' experiences can inform improvements in pump design, insurance coverage, and professional support to reduce barriers to breast milk expression and promote breastfeeding success.

Aim: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of theorical education, standardized patients, and high-fidelity mannequins in improving nursing students' breastfeeding counseling skills. Design and Methods: A single-center randomized controlled trial was conducted in a nursing faculty in Türkiye with final-year students who had completed women's and child health courses. A total of 157 final-year nursing students participated. Students were randomly assigned to one of three groups: control group (theoretical education), standardized patient training, or high-fidelity mannequin-based simulation. Data were collected at three time points using four measurement tools. One-way ANOVA and post hoc tests were used for analysis. Results: Both simulation groups scored significantly higher than the control group in knowledge and preparedness (p < 0.001). The highest self-efficacy and counseling scores were observed in the high-fidelity simulation group. No significant difference was found between the two simulation groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Innovative, hands-on educational strategies can enhance clinical competence in breastfeeding counseling and contribute to improved postpartum maternal and infant care quality. [Figure: see text].

Background: International Board-Certified Lactation Consultants play a crucial role in protecting and promoting breastfeeding. Their specialized training and advanced practice skills enhance care quality and contribute to improved breastfeeding outcomes. However, evidence regarding their long-term impact on breastfeeding maintenance remains limited. Aim: This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate the effectiveness of lactation consultants' interventions on exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) at 6 months and to identify the most effective strategies in sustaining EBF through that period. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases to identify studies published until March 2024. Eligible studies assessed prenatal, intranatal, and postnatal programs involving pregnant women intending to breastfeed or postpartum women in the lactation period. Findings: Nineteen studies involving 1,475 women were included. Interventions combining intranatal and postnatal support from lactation consultants showed a positive effect on EBF maintenance at 6 months (risk ratio [RR] for EBF vs. not EBF at 6 months = 2.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27-3.27). Individual face-to-face intranatal care had a positive effect (RR for EBF vs. not EBF at 6 months = 1.42; 95% [CI], 1.19-1.70). Discussion and Conclusions: Lactation consultant support initiated during hospitalization and continued through the postnatal period has the potential to improve breastfeeding outcomes. A dose-response relationship was observed, with interventions offering extended follow-up up to 6 months showing more favorable results. Face-to-face interventions that ensure direct contact and build trust with the mother appear to foster better breastfeeding outcomes. Standardization and rigorous monitoring of such programs are critical priorities.

Background: Social media platforms, particularly Instagram, are increasingly used by new and expecting parents to seek health-related information, including guidance on breastfeeding. While this offers opportunities for accessible support, concerns persist regarding the accuracy and quality of content shared online. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy and general quality of breastfeeding-related information shared on Instagram and to examine how these attributes vary by post characteristics, including format, content topic, and account type. Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted using 80 top-performing Instagram posts identified through four popular breastfeeding-related hashtags. Posts were manually screened and assessed for eligibility. Accuracy was evaluated against official guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization, and American Academy of Pediatrics using a 4-point scale. General quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS), a validated 5-point tool. Ordered logistic regression was used to assess associations between post characteristics and outcomes. Results: Overall, 38.8% of posts were completely accurate, while 36.3% were either mostly or completely inaccurate. The mean accuracy score was 3.7 (SD = 1.41), and the mean GQS was 4.0 (SD = 1.03). Image-based posts were significantly more accurate than videos (odds ratio [OR] = 2.52; 95% CI: 1.11-5.74), and posts by health care professionals had significantly higher quality scores (OR = 5.23; 95% CI: 1.66-16.54). Accuracy and quality scores were strongly correlated (ρ = 0.68, p < 0.001). Conclusion: While Instagram can serve as a valuable platform for breastfeeding education, content quality and accuracy vary widely. Posts by health care professionals tend to be more reliable. Public health efforts should focus on amplifying evidence-based content and mitigating misinformation to better support maternal and child health online.

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States. While breastfeeding offers long-term protection against maternal cardiovascular disease, its influence on cardiovascular health (CVH) behaviors during the postpartum period remains less understood. Objective: To conduct a scoping review to understand the extent and nature of evidence regarding infant feeding methods (including direct and indirect breastfeeding) and their relationship to maternal CVH behaviors (i.e., physical activity, sleep, diet, and nicotine exposure) within 2 years postpartum from peer-reviewed quantitative primary research. Methods: Electronic bibliographic databases searched were MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and CINAHL (EBSCO) on January 2, 2025. Source selection, data charting, and data presentation were conducted according to Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Review checklist. No restrictions were placed on year, language, or geographical region. Results: This review included 60 studies and 57,489 participants. Postpartum sleep (n = 27) was the most frequently examined CVH behavior, followed by diet (n = 19), nicotine exposure (n = 15), and physical activity (n = 7). Breastfeeding was associated with longer and better quality sleep, higher intake of energy and dietary quality, and a lower likelihood of smoking or smoking relapse. Associations between breastfeeding and sleep efficiency as well as breastfeeding and physical activity were mixed. Conclusions: Breastfeeding was associated with favorable sleep duration and quality, better diet quality, and healthier smoking behaviors in the postpartum period, whereas significant gaps in knowledge remain regarding breastfeeding and maternal physical activity. The available data suggest infant feeding practices should be considered when promoting CVH during postpartum.