Frequency Of Breastfeeding Research Articles

Maternal Factors, Feeding Practices and Morbidity Status of Children Aged 0-6 Months Attending Kwanza Hospital’s Well-Baby Clinic

Good nutrition in early life is key to building the body’s immunity and good health in later years. For children aged 0-6 months, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is widely advocated as the optimum practice. In Kenya, exclusive breastfeeding rates are still low. The purpose of this study was to determine the maternal factors, feeding practices and morbidity among children aged 0 to 6 months attending well baby clinic at Kwanza Hospital, Trans-Nzoia, Kenya. A cross-sectional analytical design was utilized and systematic sampling used to attain the sample size of 151 children. Questionnaires, focus group discussion and key informant guides were employed in data collection. SPSS version 28 was used for data analysis. To evaluate the results, descriptive statistics, chi-square test, ODDs ratio and logistic regression were employed. Majority (63.5%) of the children were aged 0-3 months. More than half (52%) of the children were on EBF, over a quarter (26.2%) were given prelacteal feeds and nearly half (41.2%) reported sick. The findings revealed associations between mode of delivery with breastfeeding status (p-value 0.0001), marital status with breastfeeding frequency (OR 5.23, 95% CI 1.90-14.36, p-value 0.001), maternal illness with use of prelacteal feeds and morbidity with monthly income. Logistic regression was conducted using the Maximum Likelihood Estimation method (MLE). There was a significant relationship between monthly income and the likelihood of a child being sick (p=0.036). The relationship was a weak positive relationship (r=0.063, r<sup>2</sup>=0.004). The study concludes that feeding practices among children aged 0-6 months were inadequate (use of prelacteals, mixed feeding and replacement feeding) in relation to World Health Organization standards. Nearly half (41.2%) of the children (0-6 months) suffered from childhood morbidities. This study suggests strengthening of exclusive breastfeeding health talks by health institutions, strengthening preventive strategies to reduce childhood illnesses, counseling and support for mothers having children before marriage.

The Fat Level in the Breast Milk and Its Association with Dietary Intake and Body Mass Index of Breastfeeding Mothers in Central Ethiopia, 2017

Human milk is not static; it is an invariant fluid that fluctuates in micro and macronutrient composition during feeding. The fat in human milk contributes above half the energy the infant demands. Moreover, fat is one of the most essential nutrients for brain tissue development during infancy. However, the effect of maternal nutritional status, including dietary intake, on human milk fat levels is not well investigated, particularly in developing nations. This study aimed to assess the level of human milk fat and its association with dietary consumption and BMI of the lactating mother in Burayyu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 206 lactating mothers with infants aged between 2-9 months in Burayu Town, Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Data collection was completed from April 1-April 28, 2017, using the multistage sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and standard measurement procedures, which included, among other things, nutritional status, BMI, and human milk, and repeated multiple pass 24-hour dietary recalls. The human milk sample was transported to the Holeta laboratory center by ice bag and stored at -20°C until Laboratory analysis. EPI data was applied for data entry, and 24-hour food recall was processed using Excel, Nutrition Survey, and IMAPP software. Then, it was exported to STATA version 14 for statistical analysis. A multivariable linear regression model was applied to determine the association between human milk fat level, dietary intake and BMI of lactating mothers by controlling other confounding factors. The mean (±SD) energy intake of lactating mothers was (1820.99 ± 399.98) Kcal, while the mean (±SD) of fat, protein, and carbohydrate intake of lactating mothers was found to be 43.49 ± 18.6 g/day, 89.95 ± 38 g/day and 275.58 ± 62.8 g/day respectively. The lactating mother's mean (±SD) human milk fat level was (3.03 ± 1.03) g/dl. This study did not find any significant association between human milk fat level with energy (β = 0.0002, 95% CI: -0.0004-0.0007), fat (β = -0.004, 95% CI: -0.018-0.009), protein (β = -0.0036, 95% CI: -0.011-0.0037), and carbohydrate intake (β = 0.003, 95% CI: -0.0003-0.006) respectively. Moreover, cesarean section delivery (β = -0.55825, 95% CI: -1.02954 - -0.08696) was inversely associated with human milk fat level. However, human milk fat level was positively associated with breastfeeding frequency (β = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.008-0.139), frequency of meat eating (β = 0.22123, 95% CI: 0.04681-0.39566), and early initiation of human milk (β = 0.19987, 95% CI: 0.03223-0.36751) respectively. Conclusion: Human milk fat content is pretty in the constant range (2-5 g/10 ml) and is not affected by maternal nutrition of energy intake, fat, carbohydrate, or BMI of the mother. It has a significantly positive association with the frequency of eating meat and feeding frequency. The mean human milk fat level is lower than that reported in other countries; however, it would fulfill most infant energy requirements.

Effects of commonly used antibiotics on children's developing gut microbiomes and resistomes in peri-urban Lima, Peru.

The effects of antibiotic use on children's gut microbiomes and resistomes are not well characterized in middle-income countries, where pediatric antibiotic consumption is exceptionally common. We characterized the effects of antibiotics commonly used by Peruvian children (i.e., amoxicillin, azithromycin, cefalexin, sulfa-trimethoprim) on gut diversity, genera, and antibiotic resistance gene (ARG) abundance from 3-16 months. This study included 54 children from a prospective cohort of enteric infections in peri-urban Lima, 2016-2019. Stool collected at 3, 6, 7, 9, 12, and 16 months underwent DNA extraction and short-read metagenomic sequencing. We profiled the taxonomy of stool metagenomes and assessed ARG abundance by aligning reads to the ResFinder database. We used daily surveillance data (40,662 observations) to tabulate the number of antibiotic courses consumed in the 30 days prior to stool sampling. Using linear mixed models, the association of recent antibiotic use with species richness, diversity, gut genera, and ARG abundance over time was examined. Most children were vaginally delivered (73%), received breastmilk almost daily over the study period, and belonged to socioeconomically diverse households. Amoxicillin, azithromycin, cefalexin, and sulfa-trimethoprim did not impact gut diversity or genera abundance. Azithromycin use significantly impacted ARGs from the macrolide, aminoglycoside, and folate pathway antagonist classes. Amoxicillin use significantly increased total ARGs. Antibiotics' effects on ARGs appeared to be independent of gut microbiome changes. Common antibiotics like amoxicillin and azithromycin may be key drivers of the gut resistome but not the microbiome during early childhood in this setting with frequent breastfeeding.

TRNA-derived RNAs in human milk extracellular vesicles and associations with breastfeeding variables and maternal diet.

To describe tDRs in human milk EVs and their associations with maternal body mass index, age, dietary indices, breastfeeding frequency, season and time of milk collection in a Latina population. We sequenced small RNAs from EVs from 109 mature human milk samples collected at 1 month after delivery in the Southern California Mother's Milk Study. We grouped tDRs using hierarchical clustering and clusters were compared across tDR characteristics. We analyzed associations of tDRs with intrinsic maternal variables (body mass index, age), maternal nutrition (caloric intake, Healthy Eating Index, Dietary Inflammatory Index), and variables related to feeding and milk collection (breastfeeding frequency, season and time of milk collection) using negative binomial models. We identified 338 tDRs expressed in 90% or more of milk EV samples, of which 113 were identified in all samples. tDR-1:26-Gly-CCC-1-M4 accounted for most reads (79%). Pathway analysis revealed a wide array of biological processes and disease mechanisms across the four tDR clusters. tDRs were associated with season of collection, time of collection, breastfeeding frequency, and the dietary inflammatory index. tDRs are abundant in milk EVs and may be sensitive to maternal diet, seasonality, time of day, and breastfeeding frequency.

The Effects of a Newborn Care Education Program on Mothers' Self-Confidence, Care Knowledge, and Breastfeeding Behavior: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

To assess the effect of newborn care education programs on mothers' self-confidence, care knowledge, and exclusive breastfeeding behavior and anxiety. We searched for intervention studies comparing newborn care education programs versus standard care for mothers in five comprehensive databases (July 2024).The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration Risk of Bias Tool. The R software version 4.2.2 software was used to perform the meta-analysis on mothers' self-confidence, care knowledge, exclusive breastfeeding behavior, and anxiety, and the GRADE approach was used to evaluate the certainty of evidence. Twenty trials involving 6136 mothers were included. The results of meta-analysis revealed that newborn care education program improved mothers' confidence scores (SMD = 1.25, 95% CI: [0.22, 2.28], p<0.05), care knowledge level scores (SMD = 1.05, 95% CI: [-0.00, 2.09], p < 0.05), the frequency of exclusive breastfeeding (RR = 1.15, 95% CI: [1.10, 1.20], p<0.05), and significantly decreased anxiety scores (SMD = -0.40, 95% CI: [-0.73, -0.07], p<0.05) than standard care programs. Our evidence supports the benefits of newborn care education programs in improving mothers' self-confidence, care knowledge, exclusive breastfeeding behavior (optimal duration of more than 6 months), and reducing anxiety. Newborn care education program is beneficial to mothers both in behaviors and psychology state of taking care of newborn. It is recommended conducting more well-designed intervention with large samples to verify current findings.

Parental participation in newborn care in the view of health care providers in Uganda: a qualitative study

BackgroundEvidence suggests that family-centered care for sick newborns, where parents are co-caregivers in newborn care units, can result in increased breastfeeding frequency, higher weight gain, earlier discharge, and reduced parental anxiety. This study explored healthcare providers' perceptions and experiences of parental participation in care for sick newborns in the newborn care units in two high-volume maternity units in Uganda, with the aim of informing interventions that promote family-centered care for newborns.MethodsAn exploratory qualitative study was conducted between August and December 2023. Sixteen in-depth interviews were held at a regional and general hospital in the rural eastern region of Uganda. The interviews were audio-recorded and then transcribed, followed by a reflexive thematic analysis approach to generate themes.FindingsWe identified four key themes: (1) creating order to ensure the safety of newborns in the newborn care unit; (2) parental participation as a tool for overcoming workload in the Newborn care unit; (3) redirecting parental involvement to focus on medically endorsed newborn care practices; and (4) stress management targeting mothers to ensure newborn survival.ConclusionHealthcare providers encourage parents to participate in caring for their newborns in the newborn care units, mainly to reduce their workload. However, our study highlights the imbalanced nature of parental involvement, where HCPs control the tasks parents can or cannot perform, essentially deploying them as "assistants" rather than equal partners, contrary to the ideals of family-centered care. Transforming the current "healthcare provider-centered" model of caring for sick newborns to one that is family-centered will require training providers on the benefits of family-centered care and developing guidelines for its structured implementation within a resource-limited setting.

Informing the risk assessment related to lactation and drug exposure: A physiologically based pharmacokinetic lactation model for pregabalin.

Breastfeeding is important in childhood development, and medications are often necessary for lactating individuals, yet information on the potential risk of infant drug exposure through human milk is limited. Establishing a lactation modeling framework can advance our understanding of this topic and potentiate clinical decision making. We expanded the modeling framework previously developed for sotalol using pregabalin as a second prototypical probe compound with similar absorption, distribution, metabolism, and elimination (ADME) properties. Adult oral models were developed in PK-Sim® and used to build a lactation model in MoBi® to simulate drug transfer into human milk. The adult model was applied to breastfeeding pediatrics (ages 1 to 23 months) and subsequently integrated with the lactation model to simulate infant drug exposure according to age, size, and breastfeeding frequency. Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model simulations captured the data used for verification both in adults and pediatrics. Lactation simulations captured observed milk and plasma data corresponding to doses of 150 mg administered twice daily to lactating individuals, and estimated a relative infant dose (RID) of approximately 7% of the maternal dose. The infant drug exposure simulations showed peak plasma concentrations of 0.44 μg/mL occurring within the first 2 weeks of life, followed by gradual decline with age after week four. The modeling framework performs well for this second prototypical drug and warrants expansion to other drugs for further validation. PBPK modeling and simulation approaches together with clinical lactation data could ultimately help inform infant drug exposure risk assessments to guide clinical decision making.

An extension of the theory of planned behaviour to predict exclusive breastfeeding among Australian mother-father dyads using structural equation modelling.

The objective of this paper was to examine the predictors of breastfeeding exclusivity at two time-points (6 and 26 weeks postpartum) using a dyadic mother-father extended model of the theory of planned behaviour. A sample of 1139 first-time Australian mother-father dyads completed measures of each of the Theory of Planned Behaviour variables (intention, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioural control) and additional psychosocial and behavioural predictors of breastfeeding, including problems with breastfeeding, psychological distress, childcare stress, partner support, and the frequency and time of first public breastfeed. Confirmatory factor analyses were used to determine the factor structures of the latent constructs to be included in the structural model. Structural equation modelling was used to model pathways between variables. Breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 weeks was significantly predicted by breastfeeding self-efficacy at 6 weeks, intention to exclusively breastfeed, and frequency of public breastfeeding over the month prior, whereas childcare stress, partner support, time of first public breastfeed, and fathers' variables (attitudes and subjective norms) had little influence. Self-efficacy mediated the relationship between mothers' attitudes, psychological distress, and breastfeeding problems with breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 weeks. Breastfeeding exclusivity at 26 weeks was significantly predicted by mothers' attitudes, self-efficacy, breastfeeding exclusivity at 6 weeks, and frequency of public breastfeeding in the month prior. The results highlight the importance of breastfeeding self-efficacy and confidence to breastfeed in public as crucial constructs in promoting long-term exclusive breastfeeding and provides support for an extended theory of planned behaviour model in predicting breastfeeding outcomes.

Breastfeeding frequency and incidence of type 2 diabetes among women with previous gestational diabetes compared to those without: a historical cohort study in the UK

BackgroundThere is a growing body of research to suggest that women with gestational diabetes are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding than those who have not had however findings are mixed. There is limited research in the UK assessing the frequency of breastfeeding in women with gestational diabetes, none reporting the association of breastfeeding with incidence of type 2 diabetes and existing research has not adequately adjusted for potential confounders. This study aims to assess frequency of breastfeeding among women with gestational diabetes compared to those without, and to explore how breastfeeding influences risk of future type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes while adjusting for known confounders.MethodsHistorical cohort study using routinely collected health care data from Fife and Tayside Health Boards, Scotland, UK including all women diagnosed with gestational diabetes between 1993 and 2015 and a matched comparator cohort (n = 4,968). Women with gestational diabetes were followed up until a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes, the end of the study, or date of death. Multinomial logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios for breastfeeding for the whole sample and the association between breastfeeding and development of type 2 diabetes in women with gestational diabetes was assessed by Cox regression.ResultsWomen with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, who were younger, overweight/obese or living in the most deprived areas were significantly less likely to exclusively breastfeed for a duration of longer than eight weeks. Risk of developing type 2 diabetes among women with gestational diabetes was significantly higher for those who exclusively breastfed less than 8 weeks, lived in the most deprived areas or had a family history of diabetes.ConclusionsThis study confirms the important role of a short duration of exclusive breastfeeding in protecting women with gestational diabetes against type 2 diabetes but highlights the challenges to breastfeeding in this group. Interventions are needed to support breastfeeding among women with gestational diabetes that are acceptable to younger, overweight/obese women living in deprived areas.

Breastfeeding knowledge, practices, and their determinants among recently delivered mothers: A cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background: Breastfeeding is an important determinant of child survival. Breastfeeding practices vary throughout the nation. Objectives: To assess the breastfeeding practices and the knowledge of recently delivered mothers regarding breastfeeding practices. Materials and Methods: This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among women who had delivered in the Moradabad region of Uttar Pradesh last year. A total of 423 households was divided between the six community health blocks according to probability sampling. A predesigned and pretested structured questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Knowledge scores were calculated. Results: The majority of respondents had the correct knowledge about breastfeeding immediately after birth (76.6%), prelacteal foods should not be provided (82.2%), colostrum feeding (89.0%), adequate frequency of breastfeeding (99.1%), and exclusively breastfeeding (78.7%). The knowledge scores about breastfeeding were good (64.9%) for mothers. A higher proportion of respondents practiced breastfeeding only, or cup fed with breast milk only their babies for the first 2 days of life (62.3%), and the majority fed their baby with adequate frequency. Only (55.7%) put their baby to breast within an hour after birth. Colostrum was not squeezed and thrown by nearly (59.7%) of mothers. The breastfeeding practices scores were good among one-third of mothers. Age of mother, type of family, mother’s education, socioeconomic status, and type of delivery were significant determinants of good breastfeeding practices (&lt;0.05). Conclusions: The knowledge and practices of infant feeding can be strengthened by further engaging and counseling of mothers, family, and community members by health workers.

Abstract P414: Association between postpartum sleep and blood pressure reduction in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Importance: It is anticipated that many women do not get enough sleep after delivery. However, it is unclear how poor sleep affects postpartum blood pressure. Objective: To investigate the relationship between postpartum blood pressure and sleep habits, we examined women who developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy by using automated blood pressure monitors and accelerometers. Setting: The blood pressure, pulse rate, and sleep were monitored at home. Total sleep time, sleep efficiency, sleep fragmentation coefficient, and wake after sleep onset were measured. Participants completed a behavior chart including breastfeeding frequency. The 24-hour, awake time and sleep time mean blood pressures were calculated for each participant as well as the change in blood pressure between postpartum days 7 and 14. Participants: We recruited 11 women who delivered singletons and developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy at the National Center for Child Health and Development from April to September 2021. Intervention or Exposure: None Main Outcomes: The relationship between the change in blood pressure and sleep measurements and frequency of breastfeeding were analyzed. Results: Seven participants were included in the final analysis. The mean total sleep time was 5.3 hours, and the mean breastfeeding frequency was 6.1 times per day. Mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure and pulse rate during sleep periods tended to be lower than those during awake periods (-8.5±4.5 mmHg, -8.8±2.7 mmHg, -8.7±2.7 bpm, respectively). Lower sleep time was significantly correlated with smaller 24h-systolic and diastolic blood pressure drop (correlation coefficient r=-0.823, p=0.023 and r=-0.812, p=0.026, respectively. No association was found between other sleep measurements and the change in 24h-blood pressure. The blood pressure and pulse rate values in six of the seven participants during the early sleep phase (≤30 min) were similar to those in later sleep phases (&gt;30 min), showing that beneficial effects of sleep on blood pressure were apparent throughout the sleep phases. Conclusions and Relevance: Our results suggest that longer total sleep time, even if sleep is fragmented, is associated with a greater decrease in postpartum blood pressure among women who developed hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

The Stunting Determinants in Toddlers from Landak Regency, West Kalimantan: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Stunting is a nutrition problem that can slow down the growth. With prevalence at 32.5%, Landak Regency in West Kalimantan has been designated as a stunting hotspot. The lack of a maximum penalty for the stunting case in Landak Regency is not based on factors causing the stunting itself, because there is no identifiable factor causing the stunting in certain area due to narrow roads and sharp curves. Objectives: The objective of this study was to identify causes and distribution of the stunting case in Landak Regency. Methods: A total of 330 households in Meranti, Sebangki, and Senakin were included in this cross-sectional study because they were at a risk of the stunting. Toddlers, mothers, health care, and environmental factors were among the found variables. The researchers employed a basic random sampling strategy for the sampling and used the secondary health center data to find out whether or not toddlers were stunted. Researchers in this study collected data on the independent variables by observing and interviewing participants. Using the chi-square test, the data was analyzed. Results: The results showed that determinants of the stunting in Landak Regency were the history of early breastfeeding initiation (p-value=0.032), exclusive breastfeeding (p-value=0.042), frequency of exclusive breastfeeding (p-value=0.040), the continued breastfeeding (p-value=0.024), complementary feeding (p-value=0.042), immunization history (p-value=0.007), infectious disease history (p-value=0.000), maternal height (p-value=0.046), delivery assistance (p-value=0.000), access to health services (p-value=0.004), the role of health workers (p-value=0.002), and family latrine ownership (p-value=0.000). Conclusions: Several factors were found to be associated with incidence of the stunting among toddlers in Landak Regency.

Modifiable and Non-Modifiable Factors That Affect Human Milk Oligosaccharides Composition.

Human milk, the gold standard in infant nutrition, is a unique fluid that provides essential nutrients such as lactose, lipids, proteins, and free oligosaccharides. While its primary role is nutritional, it also protects against pathogens. This protection mainly comes from immunoglobulins, with human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) providing additional support by inhibiting pathogen binding to host cell ligands. The prebiotic and immune-modulatory activity of HMOs strongly depends on their structure. Over 200 individual structures have been identified so far, with the composition varying significantly among women. The structure and composition of HMOs are influenced by factors such as the Lewis blood group, secretor status, and the duration of nursing. HMO profiles are heavily influenced by maternal phenotypes, which are defined based on the expression of two specific fucosyltransferases. However, recent data have shown that HMO content can be modified by various factors, both changeable and unchangeable, including diet, maternal age, gestational age, mode of delivery, breastfeeding frequency, and race. The first part of this overview presents the historical background of these sugars and the efforts by scientists to extract them using the latest chromatography methods. The second part is divided into subchapters that examine modifiable and non-modifiable factors, reviewing the most recent articles on HMO composition variations due to specific reasons and summarizing potential future challenges in conducting these types of studies.

Vibration Stimulation to Increase Milk Production in Puerperal Mothers

Breast milk is the best food for babies, but insufficient production can hinder breastfeeding. Many mothers face challenges with milk production, preventing optimal breastfeeding. This study aims to innovate and develop a vibration-based electric massage device to enhance breast milk production and analyze its effectiveness based on baby weight indicators. The research employs a quantitative method with a Quasi-Experimental design, divided into an intervention group and a control group. A random sampling technique selected 46 respondents, split evenly between the two groups. The intervention group received breast care using the vibration-based device, while the control group received standard breast care for 14 days. Breast care was administered twice daily for 2-3 minutes. Baby weight was measured at 14, 21, and 28 days. Tools to measure energy intake, protein intake, and fluid intake utilized food recall, and breastfeeding frequency was measured by a scale. Psychological status was assessed using the DASS questionnaire. Data analysis included Repeated Measure ANOVA and Independent Simple T-Test. Results indicated a significant difference in breast milk production based on baby weight between the intervention and control groups (p=0.000). The mean weight difference between the groups was 200.21 grams, favoring the intervention group. Increased breast milk production was not influenced by confounding variables such as energy intake, protein intake, fluid intake, breastfeeding frequency, and psychological status. In conclusion, the developed vibration-based electric massage device effectively increased breast milk production, evidenced by significant weight gain in babies within the intervention group compared to the control group (p=0.000).

Effectiveness of Basil Leaf Nanoparticle Supplementation on Stress Levels and Breast Milk Adequacy in Postpartum

The prevalence of stress events in postpartum increases every year, the result can inhibit the adequacy of breastfeeding in postpartum. To overcome the problem of stress and adequacy of breast milk, basil leaves are an alternative plant that can function as a lactagogue and prevent stress complications is the supplementation of basil leaf nanoparticles. increase the absorption of drugs by the body. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of basil leaf nanoparticles on stress levels and adequacy of breast milk in post-partum. The research method uses quantitative research with quasi-experimental methods with probability sampling, design pre and post-test with control group. The results showed that the stress level in the intervention group was proven to reduce stress levels with an average of 18.50 before being given treatment and an average of 11.18 after treatment. Administration of basil leaf nanoparticles showed a significant difference in reducing stress levels. In the indicator of adequacy of breastfeeding in the form of baby's weight (p&lt;0.005) frequency of bowel movements (p&lt;0.005) frequency of bowel movements (p&lt;0.005) and frequency of breastfeeding (0.369&lt;0.005) means that there are differences in baby's weight, frequency of bowel movements, frequency of urination, and the frequency of breastfeeding in the intervention group and the control group

Brief communication: New method for measuring nitrogen isotopes in tooth dentine at high temporal resolution.

Nitrogen isotopes (δ15N) are widely used to study human nursing and weaning ages. Conventional methods involve sampling 1-mm thick sections of tooth dentine-producing an averaging effect that integrates months of formation. We introduce a novel protocol for measuring δ15N by multicollector secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). We sampled dentine δ15N on a weekly to monthly basis along the developmental axis in two first molars of healthy children from Australia and New Zealand (n = 217 measurements). Nitrogen isotope ratios were determined from measurements of CN- secondary molecular ions in ~35 μm spots. By relating spot position to enamel formation, we identified prenatal dentine, as well as sampling ages over more than 3 years. We also created calcium-normalized barium and strontium maps with laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. We found rapid postnatal δ15N increases of ~2‰-3‰, during which time the children were exclusively breastfed, followed by declines as the breastfeeding frequency decreased. After weaning, δ15N values remained stable for several months, coinciding with diets that did not include meat or cow's milk; values then varied by ~2‰ starting in the third year of life. Barium did not show an immediate postnatal increase, rising after a few months until ~1-1.5 years of age, and falling until or shortly after the cessation of suckling. Initial strontium trends varied but both individuals peaked months after weaning. Developmentally informed SIMS measurements of δ15N minimize time averaging and can be precisely related to an individual's early dietary history.

The relationship between mothers' body composition and anthropometric characteristics of baby and breast milk nutrient content: A cross-sectional study.

The composition and amount of breast milk is affected by factors such as the duration and frequency of breastfeeding, the time between two breastfeeding sessions, the effectiveness of breastfeeding, breastfeeding technique, genetic characteristics of the mother and diet. Breast milk macronutrients are provided by milk synthesized in lactocytes, mother's diet and maternal stores. This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the body composition of mothers and the anthropometric characteristics of the baby and the nutritional content of breast milk. The descriptive study was conducted between March and November 2023 in a hospital in a low socioeconomic neighbourhood in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 96 mothers and ibabies. Anthropometric measurements of mothers and babies and the nutrient content of breast milk were evaluated on the first postpartum day, Days 5 and 15. Breast milk macronutrient content was analyzed by Miris milk analyzer and body composition of mothers was analyzed by TANITA BC 730. From the weight and body composition of the mothers in the study group; a positive correlation was found between body fat, muscle and water ratio, and breast milk carnonhydrate and protein (p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the gestational age of the baby and the content of breast milk (p > 0.05). A positive correlation was found between the weight and height of the babies and the macronutrients of breast milk (p < 0.05). As the weight of mothers increases, breast milk protein and carbohydrate levels increase. As breast milk macronutrients increase, babies' weight and height increase.

A survey of breastfeeding among women with previous surgery for benign breast disease: a descriptive exploratory study

BackgroundSurgery is the primary treatment for benign breast disease and causes some disruption to the normal physiology of the breast, even when this disruption is localised, it remains unclear whether it affects women’s ability to breastfeed. There are only a few studies describing the experience of breastfeeding in women who have undergone benign breast disease (BBD) surgery.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed data from patients aged 20–40 years in Guangdong, China, who underwent breast lumpectomy for BBD in our department between 01 January 2013 and 30 June 2019, with a follow-up date of 01 February 2022. Patients were included who had a history of childbirth between the time of surgery and the follow-up date. By collecting general information about this group of patients and information about breastfeeding after surgery, we described the breastfeeding outcomes of women of a fertile age who had previously undergone surgery for benign breast disease.ResultsWith a median follow-up of 5.9 years, a total of 333 patients met the inclusion criteria. From the breastfeeding data of the first child born postoperatively, the mean duration of ‘exclusive breastfeeding’ was 5.1 months, and the mean duration of ‘any breastfeeding’ was 8.8 months. The rate of ‘ever breastfeeding’ is 91.0%, which is lower than the national average of 93.7%, while the exclusive breastfeeding rate at six months was 40.8%, was higher than the 29.2% national average. The any breastfeeding rate at 12 months was 30.0%, which was well below the 66.5% national average. The common reason for early breastfeeding cessation was insufficient breast milk. A total of 29.0% of patients who had ever breastfed after surgery voluntarily reduced the frequency and duration of breastfeeding on the operated breast because of the surgery.ConclusionsThere are some impacts of BBD surgery on breastfeeding and some may be psychological. Institutions should provide more facilities for mothers who have undergone breast surgery to help them breastfeed, such as conducting community education on breastfeeding after breast surgery, training professional postoperative lactation consultants in hospitals, and extending maternity leave. Families should encourage mothers to breastfeed with both breasts instead of only the non-operated breast.

Awareness and Knowledge Level of Puerperal Mothers on Neonatal Jaundice: A Qualitative Study in Northern Ghana

Background: Neonatal Jaundice is a major contributing cause of newborn hospitalizations and a major cause of newborn mortality. It should not be a major cause of mortality even in developing countries Inadequate knowledge of mothers about NNJ results in delayed decision-making to seek timely medical interventions. Methods: Using an exploratory design, a semi-structured interview guide was used to assess puerperal mothers' knowledge of NNJ. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 mothers Too small size attend health services at the Tamale West Hospital with newborns sick of NNJ. An interview guide through an in-depth interview process was used to gather data. Interviews were recorded and transcribed before analyzing thematically to organize the data into major and sub-themes. Results: Awareness of NNJ was above average, the majority of mothers had knowledge of NNJ. Reported signs and symptoms of NNJ include yellowish eyes, palms, and skin. Treatment of jaundice was cited to include the use of phototherapy, and frequent breastfeeding. Causes and risk factors associated were; infections, G6PD defects, and consumption of herbal concoctions. Conclusions: Health education should be intensified at the various units of the hospital to correct cultural and religious practices and improve caregivers' and mothers understanding of NNJ.

How did the use of the social marketing approach in Egyptian communities succeed in improving breastfeeding practices and infants’ growth?

IntroductionImproving breastfeeding practices does not always link to interventions relying only on improving nutrition awareness and education but needs cultural and behavioral insights. AimThis study aimed to evaluate the changes in core breastfeeding indicators as a result of the use of social marketing (SM) approach for improving breastfeeding practices of Egyptian women and the physical growth of infants aged 6 to 12 months. The core breastfeeding indicators were: Early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth, Predominant and exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months (EBF), Bottle feeding with formula, continued breastfeeding to 1 and 2 years, and responsiveness to cues of hunger and satiety.MethodsA quasi-experimental longitudinal study with a posttest-only control design was done over 3 years in three phases; the first was in-depth interviews and formative research followed by health education and counseling interventions and ended by measuring the outcome. Motivating mothers’ voluntary behaviors toward breastfeeding promotion “feeding your baby like a baby” was done using SM principles: product, price, place, and promotion. The interventions targeted 646 pregnant women in their last trimester and delivered mothers and 1454 women in their childbearing period. The statistical analysis was done by using SPSS program, version 26.ResultsMost mothers showed significantly increased awareness about the benefits of breastfeeding and became interested in breastfeeding their children outside the house using the breastfeeding cover (Gawn) (p < 0.05). Breastfeeding initiation, exclusive breastfeeding under 6 months, frequency of breastfeeding per day, and percentage of children who continued breastfeeding till 2 years, were significantly increased (from 30%, 23%, 56%, and 32% to 62%, 47.3%, 69%, and 43.5% respectively). The girls who recorded underweight results over boys during the first year of life were significantly improved (p < 0.01) after the intervention (from 52.1% to 18.8% respectively). At the same time, girls found to be obese before the intervention (15.6%) became no longer obese.ConclusionsImprovement for the majority of the key breastfeeding indicators and physical growth of infants indicates that raising a healthy generation should start by promoting breastfeeding practices that are respectable to societal norms.