Benefits Of Breastfeeding For Mothers Research Articles

Lactation suppression effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melengueta on female albino rats

Background and aims: Alligator pepper, a dietary spice used as food flavor enhancer is a common ingredient in pepper soup, a spicy delight in most parts of West Africa and possesses both medicinal and nutritive properties. Despite the well documented benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, there are a variety of medical situations for which breastfeeding is contraindicated. Therefore, lactation suppression might be indicated for the best interest of the mother and/or infant. This study was undertaken to investigate the Lactation suppression effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum Melengueta on female albino rats. Methodology: Thirty (30) adult female albino rats weighing 160 to 200 g were used for the study while eighteen (18) albino mice of body weights (b.w.) range of 25 g to 30 g were used for the preliminary acute toxicity test. Male rats were introduced into the female rat cages of groups II-V within 12h at the expected estrous phase for mating and withdrawn thereafter. Groups I, II and III were orally administered distilled water only, while Groups IV and V received oral doses of 5 µg/kg b.w. Carbagoline and 3,000 mg/kg b.w. aqueous seed extract of Aframomum melegueta respectively 24 hours postpartum once daily by oral gavage for 3 days. Results: LD50 determination revealed no death was recorded among the animals up to 5000 mg extract/kg body weight. Study indicates that Aframomum melengueta extract elicited significant reduction of prolactin with corresponding increase in estrogen and progesterone in postpartum animals. Histological sections of the mammary gland show extensive fibrosis and congested ducts lobular units within the tissue stroma of the mammary gland of Aframomum melengueta treated animals. Conclusion: The results confirms a positive lactation suppression effect of aqueous seed extract of Aframomum Melengueta on postpartum lactating female albino rats

Social predictors of breastfeeding and the impact of interventions on breastfeeding of preterm infants: A longitudinal study.

The multifaceted benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants include enhanced neurodevelopment and immune function in preterm infants. However, more research is needed to understand the unique factors affecting breastfeeding practices in preterm infants. This study aimed to identify key social predictors of breastfeeding in preterm infants and assess the effectiveness of specific interventions on their feeding practices during the first six months postpartum. A prospective, monocentric, longitudinal study involving a cohort of 201 preterm infants was executed at the Neonatology Department, Ceske Budejovice Hospital, Czech Republic, from January 2020 to January 2023. The STROBE guidelines were used. The study results elucidated a transition from breastfeeding to bottle feeding and formula within the infants' first six months. Notable social predictors of breastfeeding encompassed factors such as the number of children in the household, the mother's marital status, and the nature of housing. Certain interventions, including immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and child, and initiation of nutritive feeding within the first half-hour post-birth, significantly influenced the probability of breastfeeding. The data underscored that social predictors and nursing interventions substantially shape the breastfeeding practices of preterm infants during the first six months postpartum. Inequities in health outcomes among premature infants can be effectively curbed through comprehensive care models that account for socioeconomic factors influencing breastfeeding.

Prevalence of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) and its relationship with female reproductive factors in Iranian women: a cross-sectional study from the Persian (Shahedieh) cohort data

BackgroundIn premature ovarian insufficiency, the cessation of menstruation, and cessation of ovarian function occurs before the age of 40, and this phenomenon is associated with many complications and problems for women. Since several factors can affect this situation, this study was conducted to determine the relationship between fertility history, and premature ovarian failure.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted on the data of the first phase of cohort study, which was a sample of 10,000 people from an Iranian adult population (age: 35–70 years). 1276 women were included who naturally experienced menopause from this population. They were separated into three groups based on the age of menopause: premature ovarian failure for those who reached menopause before the age of 40, early menopause for those who reached menopause between the ages of 40 and 45, and natural menopause for those who reached menopause at or after the age of 45. The demographic and fertility characteristics of two groups of women, one with premature ovarian failure and the other with early menopause, were compared with a group of women experiencing normal menopause. The comparison was based on frequency and percentage. Moreover, the odds ratio (OR) of these two groups compared to normal group was crudely calculated, and adjusted based on age at the time of the interview using a logistic regression model. SPSS 23 software was used to fit models and calculations.ResultsThe prevalence of premature ovarian failure was 3%. The likelihood of premature ovarian failure decreases as the number of live births rises. The risk is considerably higher for births ranging from zero to three children compared to those with more than four. Increased duration of breastfeeding is associated to a reduced risk of premature ovarian failure compared to the spontaneous occurrence (OR = 0.98, 95% CI (0.97, 0.99)). This relationship is maintained even after adjusting for age (OR = 0.98, 95% CI (0.97, 0.99).ConclusionBased on the results of present study, it can be concluded that the factor of the number of births, and the duration of breastfeeding affect reducing the occurrence of POI, therefore, in health and treatment programs and policies, encouragement to have children, which is now part of the policies population of Iran, and the importance, and benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby should be emphasized more.

Bibliometrics and Visual Analysis of the Research Status and Trends of Breastfeeding in Turkey.

The long- and short-term benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants are known, and the number of studies on this subject is increasing daily. This study aimed to reveal current research trends, hotspots, and future frontiers in research on breastfeeding in Turkey. The most productive institutions, influential authors, the journals with the most publications by the authors, core research teams, and keywords in Turkey in the field of breastfeeding were analyzed using bibliometric methods. Additionally, breastfeeding-related articles published in the Web of Science Core Collection between 1980 and 2022 were scanned. The collected data were analyzed with the R Bibliometrix package program and VOSviewer. It was determined that research on breastfeeding has accelerated since 2004, and the number of citations has increased with the number of publications. The fields of most produc- tive writers in the area were found as social pediatrics, and the most influential institutions were İstanbul University and Hacettepe University. It was determined that there was no specializa- tion in research on breastfeeding among authors distributed based on their productivity. The results also revealed the most influential articles and journals. The word analysis revealed that the breastfeeding literature in Turkey is sensitive to current developments, whereas the current status of breastfeeding, the factors affecting breastfeeding, and the effects of breastfeeding are the top areas of research. It was observed that maternal attachment and coronavirus dis- ease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic-related issues have been studied more in recent years. This bibliometric analysis contributes to understanding the current status and development of breastfeeding research in Turkey.

Promotion, Protection, and Support of Breastfeeding as a Human Right: A Narrative Review.

Background: Despite the benefits of breastfeeding, there are significant disparities in rates among various racial, social, and economic groups. Society poses various barriers to breastfeeding, threatening the child's access to a basic human right. Exploring and understanding these issues can ensure that effective interventions are implemented. Objective: To present situations in which the mother's and child's basic human right to breastfeeding is threatened and to highlight opportunities to uphold their rights within social and health care systems. Methods: A literature search of relevant articles was performed via PubMed regarding (1) rights to optimal protections for breastfeeding, (2) situations in which the rights of breastfeeding parents are threatened, and (3) challenges in providing inclusive and equitable breastfeeding care along with strategies to uphold the human right to breastfeed. Results: Maternity leave of at least 12 weeks was associated with higher breastfeeding rates, whereas mandated breaks in the workplace resulted in either positive or inconclusive effects. Peer counseling, institutional initiatives, and mass media campaigns were among the most effective interventions; however, effects on breastfeeding varied among different racial groups. Conclusions: There are clear benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, which highlight the importance of prioritizing breastfeeding as a basic human right. Regardless, there are numerous societal barriers to providing equitable breastfeeding care. Although there are interventions that have proven to be helpful in breastfeeding promotion, protection, and support, further standardized research will be beneficial in identifying effective and inclusive interventions.

Benefits and issues of education program for nurse-midwives on milk expression care for preterm mothers in postpartum period

Background and aimsBreastfeeding is important for preterm mothers and infants. However, evidence-based practice and standardized education remain inadequate. To implement evidence-based practice, continuous education is mandatory for nurse-midwives. We previously implemented our developed education program on early essential milk expression care for preterm mothers among Japanese nurse-midwives. Herein, we aimed to assess the effects of our education program on nurse-midwives'knowledge of milk expression care for preterm mothers in terms of changes in their correct answer rates for 20 specific knowledge items before and after the education program implementation. We also aimed to identify program-related issues from nurse-midwives' comments to improve the program. MethodsWe conducted a secondary analysis of our previous data and surveyed the knowledge of 36 nurse-midwives who received a similar face-to-face education program on milk expression care for mothers three months before (Pre-1), just before (Pre-2), just after (Post-1), and three months after (Post-2) the program. We obtained their comments at Post-2 and identified issues for program improvement. ResultsThe knowledge items, in which the correct answer rates of Post-1 were significantly higher than those of Pre-2, were Verification of the motivation and intent, Benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, Milk volume on the fourth day and at around the second week after birth, Lactogenesis stage 3, Autocrine control, Time between birth and the initiation of milk expression, Early initiation of milk expression, Frequent milk expression, and Duration of pumping. The issues identified were practical training, knowledge retention, and misunderstanding knowledge. ConclusionsNurse-midwives' unacquired knowledge of milk expression care for preterm mothers was effectively supplemented by the education program. Pre-education knowledge items with low correct answer rates must be strengthened during in-service education. Practical training, knowledge retention, and misunderstanding knowledge can be improved.

Technical Report: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk.

Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. The short- and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages of breastfeeding make breastfeeding or the provision of human milk a public health imperative. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond. These recommendations are consistent with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). Medical contraindications to breastfeeding are rare. The AAP recommends that birth hospitals or centers implement maternity care practices shown to improve breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and The Joint Commission monitor breastfeeding practices in United States hospitals. Pediatricians play a critical role in hospitals, their practices, and communities as advocates of breastfeeding and, thus, need to be trained about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children and in managing breastfeeding. Efforts to improve breastfeeding rates must acknowledge existing disparities and the impact of racism in promoting equity in breastfeeding education, support, and services.

RADA’AH PERSPEKTIF AL-QUR’AN SURAT AL-BAQARAH AYAT 233

This study aims to determine the urgency of rada'ah in QS. al-Baqarah: 233 from the point of view of health sciences. Researchers chose to use research methods that are field studies (field research), the type of research used is qualitative. Data collection techniques using observation, interviews and literature searches. The results of this study are that there are two urgencies of breastfeeding, namely for the baby and for the mother. For babies, research by child health experts says that babies who receive breast milk can reduce infant mortality rates caused by digestive disorders such as diarrhea and pneumonia. Meanwhile, babies who do not receive breast milk only drink formula milk very often suffer from stunting, so it is increasingly clear that breast milk is rich in nutrients that are needed by babies. As for mothers, the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers are preventing bleeding, reducing breast cancer, shrinking the uterus as it was before, and helping weight loss more quickly.

Policy Statement: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk.

Breastfeeding and human milk are the normative standards for infant feeding and nutrition. The short- and long-term medical and neurodevelopmental advantages of breastfeeding make breastfeeding, or the provision of human milk, a public health imperative. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately 6 months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding, along with appropriate complementary foods introduced at about 6 months, as long as mutually desired by mother and child for 2 years or beyond. These recommendations are consistent with those of the World Health Organization (WHO). Medical contraindications to breastfeeding are rare. The AAP recommends that birth hospitals or centers implement maternity care practices shown to improve breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Joint Commission monitor breastfeeding practices in US hospitals. Pediatricians play a critical role in hospitals, their practices, and communities as advocates of breastfeeding and, thus, need to be trained about the benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children and in managing breastfeeding.

Overview of Breastfeeding Under COVID-19 Pandemic.

During the global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), pregnant and lactating women are at higher risk of infection. The potential of viral intrauterine transmission and vertical transmission by breastfeeding has raised wide concerns. Breastmilk is rich in nutrients that contribute to infant growth and development, and reduce the incidence rate of infant illness and death, as well as inhibit pathogens significantly, and protect infants from infection. Although it is controversial whether mothers infected with COVID-19 should continue to breastfeed, many countries and international organizations have provided recommendations and guidance for breastfeeding. This review presents the risks and benefits of breastfeeding for mothers infected with COVID-19, and the reasons for the absence of SARS-CoV-2 active virus in human milk. In addition, the antiviral mechanisms of nutrients in breastmilk, the levels of SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies in breastmilk from COVID-19 infected mothers and vaccinated mothers are also summarized and discussed, aiming to provide some support and recommendations for both lactating mothers and infants to better deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

An exploration of pregnant women and mothers\u2019 attitudes, perceptions and experiences of formula feeding and formula marketing, and the factors that influence decision-making about infant feeding in South Africa

BackgroundDespite strong evidence showing the lifelong benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children, global breastfeeding practices remain poor. The International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes is an internationally agreed code of practice, adopted by the World Health Assembly in 1981, to regulate promotion of commercial formula, and is supported by legislation in many countries. However, marketing of formula remains widespread and contributes to mother’s decisions to formula feed. We present South African data from a multi-country, mixed-methods study exploring women’s decision-making about infant feeding and how this was influenced by exposure to formula marketing.MethodsUsing a consumer-based marketing approach, focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with pregnant women and mothers of children aged between 0 and 18 months in two urban sites in South Africa. Participants were purposively selected according to their child’s age, infant feeding practices and socioeconomic status. Ten FGDs were conducted during February 2020 with a total of 69 participants. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data with NVivo v.12 software.ResultsDespite being encouraged by health professionals to breastfeed and intending to do so, many mothers chose to give formula in the early weeks and months of their child’s life. Mothers reported breastfeeding challenges as the most frequent reason for initiating infant formula, stating that family members and health professionals recommended formula to solve these challenges. Although participants described few advertisements for infant formula, advertisements for ‘growing-up’ formulas for older children were widespread and promoted brand recognition. Mothers experienced other marketing approaches including attractive packaging and shop displays of infant formula, and obtained information from social media and online mothers’ groups, which influenced their choice of formula brand. Mothers reported strong brand loyalty derived from previous experiences and recommendations. Health professionals frequently recommended formula, including recommending specific formula brands and specialist formulas.ConclusionGlobal formula companies use multifaceted marketing methods to promote a strong narrative portraying formula feeding as a positive lifestyle choice. Positive, coordinated efforts are required to counter pro-formula messaging and change the narrative to support breastfeeding as an aspirational choice. In particular, health professionals must stop supporting the formula industry.

Sostegno all’allattamento nei primi giorni di vita: lo strumento del “semaforo”

Breastfeeding is the safest, most effective and economical method for nourishing the newborn from birth to six months of life and beyond. The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and babies have long been known, as well as the primary role that exclusive breastfeeding plays as a determinant of short and long-term health. For these reasons, since the 1980s, international and national institutions, together with those responsible for providing care in the maternal and child environment, have collaborated through implementation strategies in the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding. For this reason, starting from 2012, at the Castelli Hospital of the ASL VCO (BFHI certified since 2010), we worked on the development of a tool for the qualitative assessment of breastfeeding that can be used at the discharge of the mother-newborn dyad, with the goal of identifying mothers in need of greater support and therefore of a clinical re-evaluation.

Investigating the Relationship between Childbirth Type and Breastfeeding Pattern Based on the LATCH Scoring System in Breastfeeding Mothers.

The role of breast milk in the physical and mental health of infants and in the prevention of infant death is widely known. The benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants have been proven, but several factors can affect breastfeeding. Childbirth is one of the most influential factors. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the type of delivery (natural childbirth and cesarean section) on breastfeeding based on the latch, audible swallowing, type of nipple, comfort, hold (LATCH) scoring system. The present cross-sectional observational study was performed using the census method among women who referred to Afzalipour Hospital for delivery in May 2020; the breastfeeding pattern was completed by observation and the in-case information, by LATCH checklist. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, United States) software, version 19.0, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and the Chi-squared statistical test. Out of a total of 254 deliveries (127 natural childbirths and 127 cesarean deliveries), there was no statistically significant difference between the 2 study groups in terms of age, maternal employment status, and infant weight, but there was a statistically significant relationship between the type of delivery, the maternal level of schooling, and the appearance, pulse, grimace, activity, and respiration (Apgar) score in the first minute. The mean score of breastfeeding patterns among the natural childbirth group (9.33) was higher than that of the cesarean section group (7.21). The type of delivery affects the mother's performance during breastfeeding, and mothers submitted to cesarean sections need more support and help in breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding, maternal psychopathological symptoms, and infant problem behaviors among low-income mothers returning to work

RationaleOne of the biggest challenges for mothers returning to work after childbirth is breastfeeding. Studies documented the physical health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and children. However, research findings concerning the longitudinal effects of breastfeeding on maternal and children's mental health are mixed. ObjectiveThe current study investigated the longitudinal effects of the length of breastfeeding on maternal psychopathological symptoms and infants’ problem behaviors, among a sample of low-income working mothers. MethodsThe sample included 285 infants and their mothers (primarily minority, low-income, and single) who returned to work 3-month postpartum, recruited from an ethnically diverse and economically disadvantaged area in a southern U.S. state. Mothers' breastfeeding behaviors were assessed four times in the first year postpartum, and mothers' psychopathological symptoms and their infants’ problem behaviors were reported by mothers two times, at 12-month and 24-month postpartum. ResultsPath models revealed that high maternal psychopathological symptoms in infancy worsened the effect of breastfeeding on child externalizing behaviors in toddlerhood. Likewise, very high infant externalizing behaviors worsened the effect of breastfeeding on maternal hostility one year later. ConclusionsThis study suggests the need for implementing prevention interventions with a lifecycle approach and continued, tailored professional breastfeeding support after hospital discharge among at-risk working mothers. Findings of this study can inform public policy by highlighting the importance of considering joint breastfeeding support and mental health counseling in the delivery of services to mothers and their infants who live in under-resourced environments and struggle with maternal psychopathology.

OS BENEFÍCIOS DO ALEITAMENTO MATERNO PARA A SAÚDE DA CRIANÇA: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA

The benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child have wide scientific recognition due to numerous positive aspects for the child's health in the short and long term. Thus, the present research has as main objective to carry out a bibliographic survey on the benefits of breastfeeding for the health of the child in the scientific literature of the last six years. the studies were found in the Scielo, Lilacs and PubMed databases, the following descriptors were used: Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding benefits, breastfeeding and child health. The analyzed literature indicates benefits for the child's oral health, favoring the healthy development of the stomatognathic and bone system in addition to preventing malocclusion, also promoting protection against infections and strengthening of the immune system and the development of the cognitive system, influencing intelligence and IQ, as well as acting in the prevention of diabetes and obesity. There is a gap in studies on the benefits in the psycho-emotional field, since only one analyzed study associates breastfeeding with the benefit of emotional strengthening between mother and child, this being a topic for future studies.

Intervention Strategies and Lessons Learned From a Student-Led Initiative to Support Lactating Women in the University Setting.

The benefits of breastfeeding for mother and baby are strongly supported by research. However, lactating parents who return to school or work soon after delivery face many barriers to continued breastfeeding. This article presents a student-led initiative to support lactation at a large public university that emerged from advocacy efforts of student mothers of color. The socioecological model was used as a framework to understand and address the multifaceted influences on breastfeeding practices. Project activities included providing breastfeeding education to lactating parents and their partners, measuring availability and accessibility of lactation spaces, improving lactation spaces, connecting university stakeholders, and strengthening university lactation policies. The project achieved the following outcomes: formation of a stakeholder group with members across campus departments, improvement in accessibility and appropriateness of lactation spaces, provision of breastfeeding services through workshops and one-on-one appointments with lactation educators, and creation and dissemination of an online toolkit outlining parents' lactation rights and support available on campus. Comprehensive lactation support at universities is essential to enhance educational and professional equity for women and to promote postpartum and infant health. Throughout the project implementation, the team learned many lessons that can help guide similar university initiatives.

Breastfeeding and Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome among Perimenopausal Women.

Little is known about the long-term benefits of breastfeeding for mother’s metabolic health. This study aimed to investigate the links between breastfeeding duration and the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in perimenopausal women. The analysis included a group of 7621 women aged 55.4 ± 5.4 years. MetS and its components were defined according to the International Diabetes Federation guidelines. Women who breastfed for 13–18 months and beyond 18 months were at lower risk of MetS (odds ratio OR) = 0.76, 95% CI 0.60–0.95; p = 0.017 and OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.64–0.98; p = 0.030, respectively) than those who never breastfed. Meanwhile, women who breastfed for 7–12 months showed increased glucose concentration (OR = 0.77, 95% CI 0.63–0.94; p = 0.012) compared with those who had never breastfed. The additional analysis involving parity showed that women who had given birth to two babies and breastfed them had lower odds of MetS than those who never breastfed (p < 0.05), although there was no significant difference among women who breastfed for >18 months. Women who had given birth to at least three children and breastfed for 1–6 and 13–18 months had lower odds of MetS and increased triglyceride concentration (p < 0.05). Moreover, participants having breastfed for 1–6 months were found to have a reduced risk of abdominal obesity compared with those who had not breastfed (p < 0.05). Breastfeeding is associated with lower prevalence of MetS in perimenopausal women and can be recommended as a way of reducing the risk of MetS and its components.

Breastfeeding self-efficacy as a dominant factor affecting maternal breastfeeding satisfaction

BackgroundOne of the psychological benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants is to get the satisfaction of breastfeeding. Maternal breastfeeding satisfaction derives from the interaction and cooperation between mothers and their babies. This research aims to identify the maternal breastfeeding satisfaction and its influential factors.MethodsThis study applied a cross-sectional design. Two hundred four breastfeeding mothers after four until 8 months postpartum were recruited using cluster sampling methods. Respondents completed the questionnaire of Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale (MBES) to identify maternal breastfeeding satisfaction. Factors affecting maternal breastfeeding satisfaction were identified using the following instruments: Breastfeeding Knowledge Questionnaire was used to identify knowledge on lactation, Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS) to identify attitude toward lactation, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) to identify breastfeeding self-efficacy.ResultWe identified that 53.4% of the breastfeeding mothers had a high level of satisfaction. The results indicate that the household income, type of delivery, and breastfeeding self-efficacy was associated with breastfeeding satisfaction (p < 0.05). Breastfeeding self-efficacy is the most influential factors in maternal breastfeeding satisfaction (OR=16.64; CI 95% 7.65–35.94).ConclusionBreastfeeding satisfaction is the satisfying feeling obtained during breastfeeding resulting from cooperation between the mother and the infant to fullfil desires or needs. Education and promotion of breast milk and breastfeeding provided by professional healthcare providers encouraged the successful of breastfeeding programs. Assistance by a health care provider or breastfeeding counselor during the seven contacts breastfeeding initiated during pregnancy until after delivery should be applied so that the mother is informed about breastfeeding. Breastfeeding satisfaction can keep the mother from continuing to breastfeed her baby for up to 2 years or more.

A Pilot Study to Assess Breastfeeding Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions of Individuals Who Work in Perinatal Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Settings

Background: Although current evidence suggests that there are unique benefits of breastfeeding for mothers receiving comprehensive treatment, including counseling and pharmacotherapy, for opioid use disorder (OUD) and their infants, breastfeeding rates in this population are low. Support and counseling about breastfeeding are key predictors of infant feeding behaviors. Thus, identifying knowledge and attitudes regarding breastfeeding of individuals who work in OUD treatment facilities could offer insight into targets for breastfeeding-promotion interventions in such settings. Materials and Methods: Individuals who work at two urban perinatal OUD treatment centers were e-mailed a link to complete a questionnaire electronically. Breastfeeding knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of those who completed the questionnaire were described using descriptive statistics. Results: Among the 24 survey respondents, most correctly identified the health benefits of breastfeeding for infants with neonatal abstinence syndrome, whereas less than half correctly identified the health benefits of breastfeeding for all infants. Only 16% reported receiving work-related breastfeeding education. The leading perceived breastfeeding challenges for women in treatment for OUD were (1) concern with transfer of medication (e.g., methadone) through breast milk, (2) daily commutes for treatment, and (3) beliefs that formula is better than breastfeeding. Conclusions: Professionals who work in perinatal OUD treatment centers could benefit from education regarding breastfeeding in mothers in treatment for OUD.

Reconfiguring the breastfeeding body in urban public spaces

The breastfeeding body is subject to overt and subversive forms of regulation and control in contemporary society, where it is sexualized and naturalized, rendered both visible and invisible, revered and found disruptive. Despite health policy espousing the benefits of breastfeeding for mother and child, duration rates in Canada remain relatively low. In this paper, I explore the spatial practices of the breastfeeding body in public, using feminist work on the body and theorizations of built form, urban space and embodied practice. Drawing on a series of feminist autoethnographic vignettes, I write my breastfeeding body into a diversity of routine urban spaces – a car, grocery store, mall, bookstore, highway, alleyway – and narrate my experiences negotiating social responses and spatial arrangements. I argue that the breastfeeding body challenges normative understandings of gender, motherhood and sexuality through its participation and presence in public space. The breastfeeding body transgresses the meaning of space and the performance of identity as it claims space for private use.