Breastfeeding Rates Research Articles

Does the 3C (Counselling, Checking and Certification) Initiative Prevent Hypoglycemia Among At-Risk Stable Late Preterm and Term Neonates? - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

To evaluate whether the 3C (Counselling, Checking, Certification) initiative helps in preventing hypoglycemia among at-risk neonates compared to standard care. This randomised controlled trial included 222 mother-newborn dyads with risk factors for neonatal hypoglycemia-Small for gestational age (SGA) babies, infants of diabetic mothers (IDM), large for gestational age (LGA) babies and late preterm infants (LPI). They were randomized to two groups. Group A received standard care while mothers in group B were administered 3C intervention. Early initiation of breastfeeding, incidence of neonatal hypoglycemia within 24h, and exclusive breastfeeding rate at 6 mo were evaluated. Early initiation of breastfeeding was higher in the 3C group compared to standard care group (94.6% vs. 55.9% p <0.001). The incidence of hypoglycemia within 24h was lower in the intervention group compared to standard care (3.6% vs. 15.3%, p <0.05). However, there was no significant difference in exclusive breastfeeding rates at 6 mo between the two groups (61% and 66% in group A and B respectively). The 3C intervention decreases the incidence of hypoglycemia among at-risk neonates. Early initiation of breast-feeding is higher among mothers who receive the 3C intervention.

Maternal and neonatal outcomes associated with illness severity of maternal COVID-19.

Several reports demonstrated that perinatal SARS-CoV-2 has significant impact on maternal and neonatal health outcomes. However, the relationship between severity of maternal illness with outcomes remains less clear. This is a single-center retrospective cohort study of mother/infant dyads with positive maternal test for SARS-CoV-2 between 14 days prior and 3 days after delivery from 3/30/2020 to 12/28/2021. Among 538 mothers, those with moderate/severe/critical illness were more likely to undergo induction, receive oxygen, mechanical ventilation or ECMO. Mortality was significantly higher among the mothers with severe illness than asymptomatic and those with mild illness (6% vs 0% and 0%, respectively, P < 0.05). Neonates born to mothers with moderate/severe/critical illness were more likely to be preterm with lower birth weight, and to be admitted to the NICU (P < 0.05) but not to be small for gestational age. Mild maternal illness was only associated with NICU admission for isolation precaution and decreased rate of breastfeeding. Maternal illness severity was significantly associated with prematurity and several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes.

Effect of One-on-one Structured Counselling of Mothers and Family Members Using GALPAC Technique Compared to Standard Counselling on Post-discharge Kangaroo Mother Care and Related Outcomes in Low-birth-weight Infants: A Quasi-randomised Controlled Trial

Background and Objectives Kangaroo mother care (KMC) improves low-birth-weight neonatal survival. It is recommended for low-birth-weight babies in all settings and should be continued at home as well. Counselling of mothers and family members is necessary for successful initiation and continuation of KMC. This study aims to use the greet, ask, listen, praise, advise, check understanding (GALPAC) method of counselling to improve the outcome of home-based KMC. Methods This quasi-randomised controlled trial was done in 266 stable low-birth-weight neonates born in the hospital. In the intervention group, GALPAC counselling was done by trained nurses and paediatricians during the hospital stay, through telephone after discharge and by local ASHA during home visits. The control group received routine counselling during discharge and on follow-up visits by the treating paediatrician. Both groups were examined on the 15th, 30th and 60th day post-discharge for weight changes and were monitored for morbidity, mortality, breastfeeding and continuation of KMC. Results The neonates were divided randomly in two groups: 132 in the intervention group and 134 in the control group. The basic demographic parameters were comparable in both the groups. On the 15th day of follow-up, breastfeeding rate was 86% in the intervention group and 80% in the control group, morbidity was 13.4% and 15.7%, KMC continuation was 84% and 71.3% and re-admission rate was 6.1% and 7.04%, respectively. By the 60th day, the breastfeeding rate was 67.6% and 55.05%, morbidity 3.8% and 19.1%, KMC continuation 65% and 47% and re-admission rate 1.8% and 20.2% in the intervention and control groups, respectively. Mortality was 11.2% in the control group and 1.8% in the intervention group by the 60th day. Weight gain was more in the intervention group than in the control group (1,055.30 ± 122.46 g and 745.77 ± 99.34 g) by day 60. Interpretation and Conclusion The outcome of KMC in the intervention group was better in comparison to the control group for all parameters studied. Therefore, one-on-one structured counselling with regular communication and follow-up is an effective intervention to improve maintenance of KMC at home.

Effect of exclusive breastfeeding and other infant and young child feeding practices on childhood morbidity outcomes: associations for infants 0–6 months in 5 South Asian countries using Demographic and Health Survey data

BackgroundDespite growing evidence of the impacts of exclusively breastfeeding infants during the first 6 months of life on preventing childhood infections and ensuring optimal health, only a small number of studies have quantified this association in South Asia.MethodsWe analyzed data from the Demographic and Health Surveys in Afghanistan (2015; n = 3462), Bangladesh (2017–2018; n = 1084), India (2019–2021; n = 26,101), Nepal (2022; n = 581), and Pakistan (2017–2018; n = 1,306), including babies aged 0–6 months. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the association between exclusive breastfeeding in the last 24 h and diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, and fever in the two weeks before the survey. We also examined the association between other infant and young feeding indicators and these outcomes.ResultsInfants who were exclusive breastfed had decreased odds of diarrhoea in Afghanistan (AOR: 0.49, 95% CI 0.35, 0.70), India (AOR: 0.80, 95% CI 0.70, 0.91), and Nepal (AOR: 0.42, 95% CI 0.20, 0.89). Compared with infants who were not exclusive breastfed, infants who were exclusively breastfed were less likely to have fever in Afghanistan (AOR: 0.36, 95% CI 0.26, 0.50) and India (AOR: 0.75, 95% CI 0.67, 0.84). Exclusive breastfeeding was associated with lower odds of acute respiratory infections in Afghanistan (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI 0.39, 0.83). Early initiation of breastfeeding was protective against diarrhoea in India. Bottle feeding was a risk factor for diarrhoea in India and for fever in Afghanistan and India. Bottle feeding was also a risk factor for acute respiratory infection in Afghanistan and India.ConclusionsNot exclusive breastfeeding is a risk factor for diarrhoea, acute respiratory infections, and fever in some South Asian countries. These findings could have substantial implications for global and national efforts to increase exclusive breastfeeding rates. More support, advocacy, and action are required to boost breastfeeding rates as a crucial public health measure.

Knowledge and attitude of spouses of puerperas towards breastfeeding

ObjectiveTo investigate the extent of knowledge about breastfeeding and attitudes towards infant feeding among spouses of puerperas at the time of discharge from hospital, and explore the factors influencing spousal attitudes toward breastfeeding.MethodsWe conducted a questionnaire survey among 204 spouses of puerperas who were admitted in the maternity wards at a tertiary hospital in Shaanxi Province between October 2021 and December 2021. Respondents who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were identified using convenient sampling.Results(1) The score of breastfeeding knowledge among spouses prior to discharge from the hospital was (10.56 ± 3.78), with an accuracy rate of 59.6%, and the lowest accuracy rate was for Item 1 “Newborns should be fed on time, not on demand” (42.6%) and Item 5 “Breastfeeding can prevent infant rickets” (49.5%). (2) The average score of spouses’ infant feeding attitudes was (58.15 ± 5.55), and the lowest scoring was for Item 17 “Daily urine volume of infants is a reliable indicator to judge whether they get enough breast milk” (1.99 ± 1.14). (3) Generalized linear model analysis showed a more positive attitude (higher score) among spousal attitudes towards infant feeding in those who had received breastfeeding education [OR = 4.588, 95% CI (0.160 ∼ 3.598)] and those with a master’s degree or above [OR = 18.278, 95% CI (3.471 ∼ 9.346)].Conclusion(1) Spouses that received breastfeeding education and those that had a Masters Degree and above had more positive attitude towards infant feeding. (2) Medical staff should focus on puerperas’spouses with degrees below master’s level who had not received breastfeeding education. We recommend using a variety of education methods to enable them to acquire more knowledge on breastfeeding and develop a more positive attitude towards breastfeeding, which will further enhance spousal support for breastfeeding, thus positivizing postpartum co-parenting attitudes and improving the rate of exclusive breastfeeding.

Implementation of a clinically integrated breastfeeding peer counselor program.

Reflecting disparities across the US, in 2015 publicly insured patients of the NorthShore Community Health Center (NSCHC) in Evanston, Illinois had lower breastfeeding rates than commercially insured patients. We used the Replicating Effective Programs framework to describe the design and implementation of a clinically-integrated breastfeeding peer counseling (ci-BPC) program to address these disparities. Patient focus groups and surveys informed program design, and a multidisciplinary clinical support team developed workflows that integrated the breastfeeding peer counselor (BPC) into the clinic and the postpartum unit. ci-BPC improved breastfeeding intensity and duration by providing every NSCHC patient with (1) prenatal lactation education; (2) hands on lactation care in the hospital; and (3) on-demand postpartum support. Total cost per patient was $297-386. The program was sustained after demonstrating potential cost-savings. An evidence-based, multidisciplinary collaboration resulted in a sustainable clinically integrated breastfeeding peer counseling program that improved breastfeeding outcomes.

Evolution of Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices According to Continuous Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS-C) from 2010-2011 to 2019 and Associated Factors in Senegal

Introduction: The first two years of a child&amp;apos;s life are particularly important. Inadequate breastfeeding practices during this period considerably compromise the health, development and survival of infants, children and mothers. Several studies have assessed the impact of breastfeeding on infant mortality. The objectives of our study were to investigate changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices during the first six months of life according to DHS data from 2010-2011 to 2019 and to identify the various associated factors. Methodology: This is a quantitative analysis of secondary data based on cross-sectional data from the DHS from 2010-2011 to 2019 on changes in exclusive breastfeeding practices for infants under six months of age. Our study focused on women aged 15 to 49 years interviewed during the DHS and residing in Senegal at the time of the various surveys who had children under two years of age. Data were collected on exclusive breastfeeding rates in different years, the socio-demographic and gyneco-obstetric characteristics of mothers, and the characteristics of newborn children. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding. Results: showed that exclusive breastfeeding rates remained below 50% from 2010-11 to 2019. Analysis by region showed a disparity between the different regions. The associated factors were: ethnic group: Wolof are less likely to practice EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.59 with a CI&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;95&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;: [0.38, 0. 90], maternal literacy: mothers who could not read were less likely to perform EBF with an adjusted AOR of 0.71 and a CI&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;95&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;: [0.53-095], birth order: mothers with 6 or more children were more likely to perform EBF, with an AOR of 3.20 and a CI&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;95&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;: [1.68-6.17], maternal occupation: Working mothers were less likely to practice EBF than non-working mothers, with an AOR of 0.60 and a CI&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;95&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt; [0.46-0.79], access to the media: Mothers with access to the media were less likely to practice assisted fertilization, with an AOR of 0.57 and a CI&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;95&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;: [0.37-0.90] and use of modern contraception: Mothers using modern contraception were less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding, with an AOR of 0.53 and a CI&amp;lt;sub&amp;gt;95&amp;lt;/sub&amp;gt;: [0.38-0.72]. Conclusion: Despite all the efforts made by the Senegalese government and its technical and financial partners, rates are still low. To strengthen the practice of exclusive breastfeeding, it is important and urgent to design and implement innovative evidence-based interventions covering the different levels of the socio-ecological model (individuals, families, communities and public policies).

Evaluation of environmental features that support breastfeeding: A photovoice study

The United Kingdom (UK) has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world, and Stoke-on-Trent has some of the lowest breastfeeding rates and highest infant mortality rates in the UK. Vicarious experience of formula feeding, formula feeding culture, and a lack of physical environments to support breastfeeding are known barriers to uptake and maintenance. Improving physical environments and increasing the visibility of breastfeeding in public would help to challenge these barriers. This research employs a participatory approach to understand the facilitators and barriers to breastfeeding in public. Nine breastfeeding peer supporters were recruited as co-researcher for a photovoice study. Co-researchers collated images of features in environments which they felt either supported or acted as a barrier to public breastfeeding. An analysis workshop was held to review the data collected and produce collaboratively agreed findings. Various environmental features were highlighted as facilitators to breastfeeding including family rooms, welcoming signage, supportive staff members, and displays of information about breastfeeding. In addition, poorly designed family rooms, lack of inclusivity within breastfeeding spaces, breastfeeding spaces within toilets and a lack of information were barriers to public breastfeeding. This research illustrates that while some environments are well designed to support breastfeeding many others are not. Environments often lack basic provision and/or make token gestures towards breastfeeding support, such as welcome signage, without providing the infrastructure needed to support breastfeeding. More education about breastfeeding friendly spaces and resources for putting this information into practice are needed for environment owners, managers, and policy makers.

Experience of Breastfeeding And Exclusive Breastfeeding For Women With Physical Disabilities: Scoping Review

The study aims to investigate the scientific evidence concerning breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding experiences among women with physical disabilities. Exclusive breastfeeding entails providing only breast milk to infants from birth to 6 months old, excluding any other food or drinks except medications and vitamins. However, breastfeeding is not halted after exclusive breastfeeding; it continues until the child is two years old. Utilising the scoping review method, the research employed the Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework. Six articles meeting the inclusion criteria were identified from a pool of 1,553 articles from PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, and Research Rabbit databases. These articles shed light on the challenges, experiences, barriers, and support systems related to breastfeeding and childcare encountered by women with physical disabilities. The research on breastfeeding experiences among women with physical disabilities reveals both facilitators and barriers. Facilitators include adaptations, peer support, and necessary equipment, while barriers encompass insufficient support, health considerations, and milk production and latching challenges. These findings underscore the importance of tailored support and access to information for women with physical disabilities who aim to breastfeed effectively. Implementing such support mechanisms can contribute to improving breastfeeding rates among this demographic, thus promoting the health and well-being of both mothers and infants while addressing societal attitudes toward disability issues.

Client-centered flexible planning of home-based postpartum care: A randomized controlled trial on the quality of care.

Standardization of health systems often hinders client-centered care. This study investigates whether allowing more flexibility in the planning range of the Dutch home-based postpartum care service improves its quality of care, as innovative approach to client-centered care. A randomized controlled trial was conducted (2017-2019), in which pregnant women who intended to breastfeed were assigned into two groups (1:1). The intervention group was allowed to receive care up to the 14th-day postpartum, instead of the first 8-10 consecutive days ("usual care"). Primary outcome measure was the proportion of newborns still receiving exclusively breastmilk on final caring day of the service. This so-called successful breastfeeding rate is currently used by the Dutch health sector to measure the quality of care. Secondary outcome measures were self-care experience, overall care experience, and exclusive breastfeeding duration rate. Based on data from 1275 participants, there was no difference in exclusive breastfeeding on final caring day (86,7% intervention group vs. 88,9% control group, RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.98-1.07). Both groups showed similar self-care experiences. Women in the intervention group had slightly poorer overall care experience and lower exclusive breastfeeding duration rates. This study found no effect on the quality of care when allowing more flexibility in the planning range of home-based postpartum care. Women can, therefore, be offered more flexibility to suit them. Given the confusion in interpreting the sector's current main quality indicator, we call for an inclusive dialogue on how to best measure the quality of home-based postpartum care.

HUBUNGAN POLA ASUH DAN PEMBERIAN ASI EKSKLUSIF DENGAN STATUS GIZI BAYI DI KLINIK SARGIATI Amd.Keb TAHUN 2023

The focus on improving public nutrition in Indonesia remains centered on addressing the nutritional status of Indonesian children. According to the 2014 Global Nutrition Report (GNR), Indonesia is one of 17 out of 117 countries facing the triple burden of stunting, wasting, and overweight among infants or toddlers within the first days of life. Despite efforts, exclusive breastfeeding rates in Indonesia have not met the targeted 80%. In 2016, exclusive breastfeeding rates for infants aged 0-5 months were at 54.0%, while only 29.5% were exclusively breastfed up to 6 months. Although South Sumatra province has surpassed the national average with a rate of 60.4%, it still falls short of the desired 80%. Researchers focused on the Sargiati Amd clinic, particularly exploring the correlation between parenting styles, exclusive breastfeeding, and infant nutritional status. Among the 19 respondents, the majority exhibited a certain parenting style. Among them, 11 individuals had good nutritional status (36.7%), while 8 had poor nutritional status (36.7%). Only a minority (6.7%) had poor nutritional status. Surprisingly, among those with good parenting habits, the majority had poor nutritional status (23.3%), while the minority had good nutritional status (13.3%). Statistical analysis using a chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05 yielded a p-value of 0.256 (P &gt; 0.05), indicating acceptance of the null hypothesis (Ho) and rejection of the alternative hypothesis (Ha). Thus, no significant relationship was found between parenting style and nutritional status. However, there was a significant relationship between parents' eating habits and healthy habits with nutritional status (p = 0.014; p = 0.006).

Implementation of early essential neonatal care for newborns delivered by cesarean section in Jiaxing: a single-center prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundAs an essential part of Early Essential Newborn Care, 90 minutes of mother-infant skin-to-skin contact is significant in improving maternal and infant outcomes. However, due to human resource constraints and the consideration of maternal and infant safety, it is difficult to achieve continuous uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least 90 minutes during and after cesarean delivery. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of the continuous uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for at least 90 minutes during and after cesarean section for exclusive breastfeeding rate during hospitalization and maternal and infant health indicators during and after cesarean delivery.MethodsThis is a single-center, prospective randomized controlled trial conducted in one tertiary care hospital in China. We selected 280 cases of elective cesarean delivery in a tertiary maternal and child specialty hospital in Zhejiang Province from September 2018 to August 2022, which were randomly divided into two groups: in the conventional group, doulas performed at least 30 minutes for early continuous SSC within 10–30 minutes during and after cesarean delivery. In the EENC group, with immediate continuous SSC within 5–10 minutes of neonatal delivery until surgery is completed and continued SSC after returning to the ward. Exclusive breastfeeding rate during hospitalization and maternal and infant health indicators were compared between the groups.ResultsA total of 258 cases were analyzed. Compared with the control group, the EENC group had earlier first breastfeeding initiation (13.7 ± 3.6 vs 62.8 ± 6.5 minutes, P < 0.001), longer duration of first breastfeeding (42.6 ± 9.0 vs 17.9 ± 7.5 minutes, P < 0.001), earlier onset of lactogenesis II (73.7 ± 3.6 vs 82.5 ± 7.4 hours, P < 0.001), higher breastfeeding self-efficacy score (128.6 ± 8.9 vs 104.4 ± 8.5, P < 0.001), higher Exclusive breastfeeding rate during hospitalization (88% vs 81%, P = 0.018), higher maternal satisfaction scores (18.9 ± 1.1 vs 14.0 ± 2.7, P < 0.001). Meanwhile the EENC group showed lower incidence of neonatal hypothermia (0% vs 4.6%, P = 0.014), lower neonatal hypoglycemia (0% vs 5.4%, P = 0.007) and less cumulative blood loss within 24 hours postpartum (254.2 ± 43.6 vs 282.8 ± 63.8 ml, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe implementation of EENC up to 90 minutes by caesarean doula company nurses is feasible and beneficial to maternal and infant health.Trial RegistrationChiCTR1800018195(2018-09-04).

How Did the Recent Infant Formula Shortage Affect Breastfeeding Rates in Northeast New York [ID 2683397

INTRODUCTION: To determine the effect of the recent infant formula shortage on breastfeeding rates in the northeast New York area. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of the Northeast New York (NENY) Regional Birth Registry database from January 2021 to June 2022. Breastfeeding rates of patients in the first 6 months of 2022 were compared to those from 2021. Maternal demographics, obstetrical history, breastfeeding, and delivery information were collected. We wanted to determine whether the recent infant formula shortage in the United States affected the breastfeeding rates. Statistical analyses were performed using STATA software (Stata/SE 12.1). A P value of &lt;.05 was considered statistically significant. This study was approved by the IRB at Albany Medical Center. We controlled for maternal marital status, education level, ethnicity, and employment status during pregnancy in our statistical analysis. RESULTS: We identified 19,610 patients in the NENY database from January 2021 to June 2022. 170 (0.87%) were excluded from our study due to breastfeeding data not being available. The exclusive breastfeeding rate increased from 55.97% to 57.25%. However, this was not statistically significant (P&lt;.104). The formula-only rates essentially stayed the same, 17.94% versus 17.54%. The rates of the infants who were supplemented with formula had a nonsignificant decrease from 25.23% to 24.33% (P&lt;.185). We did a secondary analysis in which the data were excluded for those infants who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and the differences were even smaller with an overall P value of 0.949. CONCLUSION: Although the recent infant formula shortage in the United States led to a slight increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates and decrease in formula feeding in a first 6 months of 2022, none of these were statistically significant. These differences were not statistically significant even after controlling for demographic factors such as marital status, race, and education level and BMI.

Innovative continuum of care to promote exclusive breast feeding in Pakistan: protocol of a pilot randomised controlled trial

BackgroundBreastmilk being the ideal nutrition from birth to 2 years and beyond has many health benefits for both newborn and mothers. This study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of...

Factors Influencing Delayed Onset of Lactogenesis: A Scoping Review.

Delayed onset of lactogenesis is a significant barrier to achieving the WHO-recommended 50% exclusive breastfeeding rate in the first six months. This study maps the main factors influencing this condition, addressing gaps in the current research landscape. Following Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework, databases such as PubMed, Web of Science (WOS), Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL plus with full text, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNIK), Weipu Chinese Journal Service Platform (VIP), Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) were searched on February 1, 2023. Studies in Chinese and English involving pregnant and postpartum women, focusing on delayed onset of lactogenesis, were included without restrictions on publication date or geography. Forty-six studies published between 2002 and 2022 met the inclusion criteria, revealing variable incidences of delayed lactogenesis among different groups. Thirty-four influencing factors were identified and organized into five themes: maternal-infant characteristics, perinatal mental state, physical activity participation during pregnancy, breastfeeding behaviors, and medical staff interventions. Within eighteen major factors highlighted, factors such as age, pre-pregnancy BMI, gestational weight gain, average LATCH score within 24 hours postpartum, labor analgesia, sleep, frequency of postpartum breastfeeding, and timing of initial breast suckling/pumping showed inconsistent or conflicting conclusions. High and variable incidences of delayed lactogenesis underline its multifactorial nature. Effective interventions require strong advocacy from healthcare professionals and adherence by pregnant women. Further research using standardized methods is essential to clarify inconsistent or conflicting findings on the influencing factors.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates Upon Hospital Discharge at a Tertiary Centre Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates Upon Hospital Discharge at a Tertiary Centre Prior to and During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Feeding Practices of Stable Term and Late Preterm Neonates Born at a Tertiary Hospital in the Philippines during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

We aimed to evaluate the impact of maternal COVID-19 infection and separation of the mother-baby dyad on feeding practices by determining modes of feeding upon discharge and following up at 2-3 days, 14 days, and 1 month post-discharge. This was a prospective observational cohort study conducted at the Philippine General Hospital, a tertiary government COVID-19 referral center in Manila. Mothers who delivered between the months of July and August 2021, and whose COVID-19 status was known were followed up on their baby's mode of feeding at 2-3 days, 14 days, and 1 month post-discharge via phone call. For babies of COVID-19 positive mothers, presence of any symptoms (up to the 14-day time point only) as well as adherence to infection prevention and control practices were also identified. For all time points post-discharge, breastfeeding rates were higher in babies born to COVID-19-negative mothers and in those who were roomed in. However, the differences were not statistically significant. Of the 108 infants, 72.90% remained exclusively breastfed by 1 month of age, with 4.67% formula-fed and 22.43% on mixed feeding. Perception of insufficient milk supply was the most common reason for shifting to formula or mixed feeding. We found a significantly higher direct breastfeeding rate upon discharge in the roomed-in population compared to those admitted to the NICU. Risk factors affecting breastfeeding at 1 month of age was the presence of COVID-19 infection in the mother and mother-baby separation due to NICU admissionCOVID-19-positive mothers were 66.02% less likely (p=0.016, 95% CI 0.1411 to 0.8183) to still be breastfeeding at 1 month, and separation was not found to be a significant risk factor. Feeding practices can be affected not only by COVID-19 infection in the mother and its attendant difficulties such as prolonged hospital stay and physical and social isolation, but also by limitations in the hospital environment that can have an impact on breastfeeding education, support, and opportunities for mother-child bonding.

The Impact of Religious Beliefs on Early Lactation in Israeli Mothers.

Objective: To explore the influence of religious beliefs and faith on breastfeeding initiation among mothers in Israel. Materials and Methods: The study, conducted from February 2022 to July 2023 at Bnai Zion Medical Center (located in Haifa district) and Laniado hospital (located in Netanya, Sharon plain), included mothers and their partners who voluntarily completed questionnaires. The survey, comprising 26 questions, delves into religion, faith, religiosity, and infant feeding approaches, while considering various socioeconomic and health-related factors. Results: Religious and secular mothers exhibited a higher inclination toward exclusive breastfeeding compared with the traditional mothers (p < 0.001). Notably, more maternal education years were associated with more exclusive breastfeeding (odds ratio [OR] 1.59; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09-2.32; p = 0.017). However, older age of youngest sibling (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.32-0.98; p = 0.041), cesarean delivery (OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.44-0.94; p = 0.023), and no desire to breastfeed during pregnancy (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.57-0.80; p < 0.001) emerged as significant factors decreasing exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusion: The study indicates that the level of religiosity and prenatal intention to breastfeed impact breastfeeding practices, along with maternal education, age of the youngest sibling, and delivery mode. These insights provide valuable guidance for initiatives aimed at boosting breastfeeding rates, particularly in sectors where rates are comparatively low.

Resistance Mutation Patterns among HIV-1-Infected Children and Features of the Program for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission in Vietnam's Central Highlands and Southern Regions, 2017-2021.

The Vietnam Ministry of Health (MOH) has intensified efforts in its aim to eliminate AIDS by 2030. Expanding the program for prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) is a significant step towards achieving this goal. However, there are still HIV-exposed children who do not have access to PMTCT services, and some who have participated in the program but still contracted HIV. This study focused on assessing the prevalence and profile of HIV mutations among children under 18 months of age who had recently tested positive for HIV, while gaining insights into the implementation of early infant diagnostic (EID) tests. Between 2017 and 2021, 3.43% of 5854 collected dry blood spot (DBS) specimens from Vietnam's Central and Southern regions showed positive EID results. This study identified a high prevalence of resistance mutations in children, totaling 62.9% (95% CI: 53.5-72.3). The highest prevalence of mutations was observed for NNRTIs, with 57.1% (95% CI: 47.5-66.8). Common mutations included Y181C and K103N (NNRTI resistance), M184I/V (NRTI resistance), and no major mutations for PI. The percentage of children with any resistance mutation was significantly higher among those who received PMTCT interventions (69.2%; 95% CI: 50.5-92.6%) compared with those without PMTCT (45.0%; 95% CI: 26.7-71.1%) with χ2 = 6.06, p = 0.0138, and OR = 2.75 (95% CI: 1.13-6.74). Mutation profiles revealed that polymorphic mutations could be present regardless of whether PMTCT interventions were implemented or not. However, non-polymorphic drug resistance mutations were predominantly observed in children who received PMTCT measures. Regarding PMTCT program characteristics, this study highlights the issue of late access to HIV testing for both mothers and their infected children. Statistical differences were observed between PMTCT and non-PMTCT children. The proportion of late detection of HIV infection and breastfeeding rates were significantly higher among non-PMTCT children (p < 0.05). Comparative analysis between children with low viral load (≤200 copies/mL) and high viral load (>200 copies/mL) showed significant differences between the mothers' current ART regimens (p = 0.029) and the ARV prophylaxis regimen for children (p = 0.016). These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive surveillance to assess the effectiveness of the PMTCT program, including potential transmission of HIV drug-resistance mutations from mothers to children in Vietnam.

Breastfeeding Barriers for Preterm Infants in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Environments: A Systematic Assessment and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Breast milk is vital for the growth and development of preterm infants. However, in Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), mothers often encounter significant challenges in breastfeeding. Objective: This study aims to systematically evaluate the barriers to breastfeeding in NICUs, thereby providing evidence-based support for clinical practices. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases, up to September 2023. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 15.0, applying fixed or random effects models to calculate odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI). Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cases and cohorts and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality standards for cross-sectional studies. Heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's chi-squared test (Cochran's Q) and I2 statistics, and publication bias was assessed through funnel plots and symmetry tests. Results: A total of 32 studies were included, encompassing 96,053 preterm infants. The main barriers to breastfeeding in preterm infants included: low gestational age (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.06-1.75), lower maternal education (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.39-1.93), insufficient breast milk (OR = 2.09, 95% CI: 1.39-1.93), multiple births (OR = 1.615, 95% CI: 1.18-2.210), smoking (OR = 2.906, 95% CI: 2.239-3.771), and single motherhood (OR = 1.439, 95% CI: 1.251-1.654). Conclusion: This study underscores the need for individualized breastfeeding support strategies in NICUs, taking into account the diverse backgrounds of mothers. Future research should focus on unraveling the underlying mechanisms affecting breastfeeding in preterm infants, with the goal of enhancing breastfeeding rates and improving developmental outcomes.