Choice Of Feeding Method Research Articles

NURSES' PERCEPTIONS ABOUT THE FEEDING OF PRETERM NEWBORNS

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze nurses' perceptions about the feeding of preterm newborns and their motivations in using feeding methods during hospitalization in the neonatology unit. Method: descriptive study with a qualitative approach. Data collection was carried out between July 2019 and January 2020, using semi-structured interviews with 30 nurses from a neonatology unit. The analysis of interview data was carried out using lexicographical textual analysis, the descending hierarchical classification, and similarity analysis through IRaMuTeQ - R Interface software. Results: 876 text segments were analyzed in the descending hierarchical classification, retaining 86.3% of the total for the creation of five classes that resulted from content participation. The similarity analysis of the words representing the nurses' perception about oral feeding and the choice of feeding method led to three central cores, represented by the words: think, give, bottle. Conclusion: Nurses recognize the importance of continuing education and training in the assessment of oral skills. The reason for choosing the feeding method is often based on criteria such as preference, speed, and ease.

Nutri-Epigenetics and Gut Microbiota: How Birth Care, Bonding and Breastfeeding Can Influence and Be Influenced?

Maternal lifestyle is an important factor in the programming of an infant’s epigenome, in particular when considered alongside the mode of birth and choice of feeding method (i.e., breastfeeding or formula feeding). Beginning in utero, and during the first two years of an infant’s life, cells acquire an epigenetic memory of the neonatal exposome which can be influential across the entire lifespan. Parental lifestyle (e.g., malnutrition, alcohol intake, smoke, stress, exposure to xenobiotics and/or drugs) can modify both the maternal and paternal epigenome, leading to epigenetic inheritance in their offspring. This review aims to outline the origin of early life modulation of the epigenome, and to share this fundamental concept with all the health care professionals involved in the development and provision of care during childbirth in order to inform future parents and clinicians of the importance of the this process and the key role it plays in the programming of a child’s health.

Shared decision-making when choosing the feeding method of patients with severe dementia: a systematic review

Abstract Objectives: To evaluate whether the use of a support tool for shared decision-making in the choice of feeding method for patients with severe dementia can benefit the patient/caregiver dyad, and to evaluate the quality of the decision-making process. Method: A search was performed in the Medline, LILACS, IBECS, SciELO, WHOLIS databases for randomized controlled trials, whether double-blind or otherwise, and quasi-experimental, cohort, case-control, or cross-sectional observational studies in Portuguese, Spanish, English and French. Results: Eight articles were found that showed that the use of a decision support tool, as an aid for the shared decision-making method, is beneficial as it reduces decisional conflict and increases the knowledge of caregivers about the subject. The quality of the decision-making process is unsatisfactory due to the low frequency of discussions between caregivers and the health team and the poor evaluation of caregivers about the participation of the team in the decision-making process. Conclusion: Decision support tools provide benefits for caregivers/patients undergoing the difficult task of deciding about feeding methods. Findings suggest that the current quality of decision-making is inadequate.

‘But is it a normal thing?’ Teenage mothers’ experiences of breastfeeding promotion and support

Aim: To explore teenagers’ experiences of the breastfeeding promotion and support delivered by health professionals. Design: A qualitative study conducted in an English city. Methods: Pregnant teenagers and teenage mothers (n = 29) took part in semi-structured interviews and focus groups between March and July 2009. Results: Breastfeeding is presented by health professionals as incontrovertibly the best choice of feeding method, but teenagers experience an array of conflicting norms which influence their infant feeding choices and behaviours. Conclusions: The social barriers to continuing breastfeeding are insufficiently recognized and addressed by health professionals. It is likely that teenage mothers would breastfeed for longer if they perceived that breastfeeding was a normal way to feed baby in their social milieu.

Validity and reliability of breastfeeding attitude scale in Indonesian population

Lower levels of maternal confidence have been found to be associated with perception of insufficient milk supply and risk for premature discontinuation of breastfeeding. Current WHO/UNICEF recommendations for optimal infant feeding are exclusive breastfeeding for approximately the first 6 months postpartum, after which complementary food should be introduced gradually, with the continuation of breastfeeding until 2 years or beyond; but almost every country in the world fails to meet the WHO recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers’ attitude toward breastfeeding plays a role in the choice of feeding method. A breastfeeding attitude scale is developed based on Imhonde’s breastfeeding attitude scale. The Breastfeeding attitude scale is a suitable instrument for assessing mothers’ breastfeeding attitude among Indonesian mothers.Key words: Breastfeeding, Attitude, Scale, Valid, Reliable

An Exploration of the Attitudes and Experiences of Mothers in the United Kingdom Who Chose to Breastfeed Exclusively for 6 Months Postpartum

Levels of exclusive breastfeeding are negligible in the United Kingdom despite World Health Organization recommendations to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months postpartum. Although numerous studies have explored the reasons behind low levels of breastfeeding, few have examined the behaviors of women who do breastfeed successfully. However, understanding the influences upon the decision to breastfeed exclusively is important in supporting women to continue breastfeeding. In the current study, 33 women with an infant 6-12 months old who exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months postpartum took part in an interview to explore their motivation and experiences while breastfeeding. The interview explored issues such as sources of support, difficulties, and familial and peer behavior. Mothers reported high levels of confidence and determination in their decision despite difficulties in reaching their goal and discussed a range of techniques they adopted to overcome issues faced. Ingrained and strong beliefs that their choice of feeding method was the normal and healthiest way to feed an infant enabled mothers to overcome problems and continue breastfeeding.

Intended use of controlling child-feeding practices is related to maternal weight status and planned choice of feeding method

Intended use of controlling child-feeding practices is related to maternal weight status and planned choice of feeding method

Culture and Caregivers: Factors Influencing Breastfeeding among Mothers in West Belfast, Northern Ireland

Breastfeeding is a key public health measure to protect and promote the health of one of the most vulnerable groups of the population—infants and children. Northern Ireland, however, has one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in the world. This paper reports the results of a questionnaire survey of 120 mothers attending mother and toddler groups in a socio-economically deprived area of Belfast Northern Ireland. Mothers’ attitudes to breastfeeding were measured by the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS). In line with previous research, mothers who were older, had a husband or partner, who were of higher social class and who had themselves been breastfed as a child were more likely to breastfeed their own children. It was found that high scores on the IIFAS were significantly associated with breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. However, of the 57% of study participants who reported that they had initiated breastfeeding, the majority (85.4%) reported that they had breastfed for less than the six months recommended by the World Health Organisation. Breastfeeding mothers reported that health benefits and information were the main reasons for their choice of feeding method and were more likely to rate information received from health professionals positively. Bottlefeeding mothers rated convenience, experience and “the norm” as the main reasons for choice of feeding and were more likely to rate information from health professionals negatively. The authors conclude that Northern Irish society needs to proactively encourage a positive breastfeeding culture and that the IIFAS may be useful in targeting interventions.

Experiences of infant‐feeding decision‐making among urban economically disadvantaged pregnant adolescents

The aim of this paper is to report a pilot study of influencing factors in disadvantaged urban pregnant adolescents' decision-making about infant-feeding choices. Research related to decision-making among adolescents indicates that attitudinal, social, perceived control, and commitment factors are influential in choosing and initiating breast- or bottle-feeding. However, there is a need for further description of decision-making processes in disadvantaged teenagers before intervention research is done. Focus group interviews with the Theory of Planned Behavior guiding the questioning were used with 14 pregnant adolescents between 18 and 39 weeks of gestation and between the ages of 14 and 18 in two obstetric clinics in Midwestern USA urban teaching hospitals. The majority of adolescents were African-American and primiparae. The experiences of infant-feeding decision-making among pregnant adolescents were captured by two major themes: benefits vs. barriers of breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, and independent choice vs. social influences. A common thread in these themes was ambivalence and uncertainty. The adolescents had both positive and negative attitudes toward methods, with many expressing their desire to combine breast- and bottle-feeding. Many reported the health benefits of breastfeeding, yet identified barriers of pain, public exposure, and the complexity of breastfeeding. They viewed bottle-feeding as automatic and simple, allowing freedom to leave the infant with others. Although adolescents were adamant that choice of feeding method was their independent decision, social and family influences were evident. Consistent with the Theory of Planned Behaviour and other research, attitudes, perceived social influences, and perceived control factors were influential to adolescents when choosing infant feeding methods. The findings suggest that adolescents need education on decision-making, and are being used to fine-tune the interventions of a randomized clinical trial to investigate promoting and supporting breastfeeding among adolescent mothers.

Breast-feeding in Norway: Where did they go right?

It is well recognized that breast-feeding declined in most European countries during the 1960s. How some countries, such as Norway subsequently increased the breast-feeding rates is less known. This comparative paper between Scotland and Norway, analyses the historical, social and cultural factors that influence the prevalence of breast-feeding. It is argued that the choice of feeding method is based on the dominant cultural norms which exist in each society. In comparison to Scotland, there is a strong cultural norm to breast-feed in Norway. This is partly because of a more relaxed attitude towards the naked human body, a healthier lifestyle in general and that the practical barriers that deter women from breast-feeding have been removed. In addition, strategies to reverse the effects of commercial promotion of formula milk, and inconsistent advice by health professionals were implemented at an early stage of the declining trends.

The Choice of Feeding Method of Adolescent Mothers: Does Ego Development Play a Role?

The Choice of Feeding Method of Adolescent Mothers: Does Ego Development Play a Role?

The Effects of Support Networks on the Choice of Infant Feeding Method

Breastfeeding is a desirable behavior promoted by Healthy People 2000 objectives. While the health benefits to both mother and infant are widely recognized, breastfeeding goals have not been met. The purpose of this research was to examine the influence of social networks on feeding choice. A 12-item questionnaire adapted from an existing instrument was administered to women during their hospital stay after childbirth. Questions included demographic information, feeding method choice, and a five-point Likert scale for evaluating the level of support for breastfeeding and formula. Sixty women ranging in age from 18–41 years (mean=25.9 years) responded to the survey. Descriptive statistics and tests for significance were generated by SPSS. Breastfeeding rates did not differ based on age, marital status or education level. Primaparous women were more likely (p=.02) to choose breastfeeding than multiparous women. Women who chose breastfeeding had higher mean scores (p=.001) for support of breastfeeding than women who chose formula; women who chose formula had higher mean scores (p=.000) for support of formula feeding than women who chose breastfeeding. Women who were visited by lactation consultants were more likely (p=.02) to breastfeed than women who were not. Formula use, at 62%, was common among participants of the Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Male figures strongly influenced method of choice. Support networks appear to be strongly associated with choice of feeding method. Dietitians have the opportunity to be strong supporters of breastfeeding and positively influence the incidence of breastfeeding. WIC clinics and lactation consults are two pathways of access to women who are making decisions about how to feed their infants.

Impact of Infant Feeding Method on The Perceived Timing of Milk Arrival Among Women From Hartford, CT

LEARNING OUTCOME: To learn the difference in the timing of milk arrival in breast-feeding versus formula-feeding women The role of infant sucking on the timing of milk arrival has not been clearly identified One hundred twenty six healthy women who had delivered healthy, term singleton infants were interviewed daily from day 1 postpartum (pp) until they perceived milk arrival. Subjects included in the analysis were classified as exclusively breastfeeding (n=93) or exclusively bottle feeding (n=33) based on their choice of feeding method on day 2 postpartum. Women displayed a high level of consistency in infant feeding method during the study period Maternal perception was corroborated with a check list of symptoms that typically indicate milk arrival. The main symptoms which characterized milk arrival were: breast fullness, milk leakage, and milk in the baby's mouth (only applies to breastfeeding women). Median time for milk arrival was 63 hours. Choice of feeding method on day 2 pp had a significant effect on the timing of milk arrival, with 72% of breastfeeding mothers reporting milk arrival by 72 hours versus 53% of their bottle feeding counterparts (p=0.039, χ 2=4.212). These data suggest that infant feeding method influences the timing of milk arrival.

The Effect of Discharge Pack Formula and Breast Pumps on Breastfeeding Duration and Choice of Infant Feeding Method

A study of breastfeeding mothers was conducted from October 1993 through July 1994 in the western United States to determine the influence of components of hospital discharge packs on the duration of breastfeeding. On discharge from the hospital, over 1600 breastfeeding mothers were given one of four free discharge packs, identical in all ways except that one contained a can of powdered formula, one a manual breast pump, one both formula and pump, and one neither. During the following 6 months, mothers were interviewed by telephone three times by an independent research firm to determine how and what they were feeding their infants. Analysis of the independent and interactive effects of both formula and pump was performed, and the moderating effects of age, ethnicity, marital and insurance status, prebirth feeding plan, and the effect of returning to outside employment or school were examined. Across the entire sample, the contents of the discharge packs had a negligible effect on feeding method and breastfeeding duration. Examination of select subgroups revealed modest discharge pack effects, wherein the presence of discharge pack formula increased the likelihoof2p4 introducing supplementation during the first 6 weeks whereas receipt of pumps prolonged full breastfeeding. Even in these select groups, however, no effect was observed on the overall duration of breastfeeding. Relative to other known influences on the choice of feeding method and on breastfeeding duration, discharge pack contents do not merit great concern.

Field and laboratory experiments on interactions among an infaunal polychaete, Nereis diversicolor, and two amphipods, Corophium volutator & C. arenarium: effects on survival, recruitment and migration

The purpose of this study was to examine if a soft-bottom polychaete ( Nereis diversicolor) affected two congeneric amphipods ( Corophium volutator and C. arenarium) differentially and thereby contributed to their co-occurrence on intertidal mudflats. The influence of N. diversicolor on the two Corophium species was studied in field and laboratory experiments. Neither of the experiments corroborated earlier findings of N. diversicolor as an important predator on C. volutator. However, enclosed populations of C. arenarium exhibited enhanced mortality in the presence of N. diversicolor. In short-term laboratory experiments N. diversicolor caused an increased migration rate in both Corophium species. Recruitment patterns of N. diversicolor and Corophium during the field experiment suggest that high densities of juvenile N. diversicolor impair the recruitment of Corophium. Although the actual mechanisms causing these varied effects of Nereis diversicolor on the two Corophium species are largely unknown, some evidence suggest that under field conditions N. diversicolor alters the substratum by its mucuous production, and thereby creates a more silty environment which favors C. volutator but not C. arenarium. Under the present laboratory conditions, where suspension feeding in N. diversicolor was an insufficient method to provide food, disturbance caused by surface active N. diversicolor specimens is a likely explanation of the negative impact of N. diversicolor on both Corophium species. In conclusion, the effects that N. diversicolor might have on co-occurring species is probably dependent on its choice of feeding method, which in turn is supposed to be a result of the availability of food both on the bottom and in the water. Distributional consequences for the Corophium species of these interactions are discussed.

Infant feeding decisions among pregnant women from a WIC population in Georgia

A survey comparing the anticipated choice of feeding method with attitudinal, social influence, and psychological variables was conducted in a WIC population (no. = 120) in the East Central Health District of Georgia. Attitudinal variables had a stronger relationship with the choice of feeding method than either the social influence or psychological variables. When all the variables that were associated with choice of feeding method were analyzed with multiple regression analysis, the positive attitudes toward breast feeding scale had the strongest impact on choice of method, followed in order by method preferred by the father, the positive attitudes toward formula scale, and the knowledge about breast feeding scale. The regression model consisting of those four variables explained 64% of the variation in choice of feeding method and correctly classified the women's feeding method choice in 82% of the cases. These findings suggest that breast-feeding promotion interventions should be provided by health care professionals at critical times during the prepartum period and that fathers should be included in the discussion of the infant feeding decision.

Factors associated with maternal choice to provide breast milk for low birthweight infants.

Factors associated with maternal choice to provide milk for premature infants were investigated in 925 mother/infant pairs in five hospitals. A well educated, married, primiparous mother aged 20 or over who delivered a baby boy by caesarean section was nearly 1000 times more likely to choose to express her milk than a mother who was poorly educated, single, multiparous, and aged under 20, delivering a female infant vaginally. Evidence from the five centres suggested that hospital staff have little influence on a mother's choice of feeding method. The major differences between the populations of babies whose mothers do or do not choose to provide milk, raise important issues concerning the interpretation of data from non-randomised clinical trials of feeding premature infants.

The relationship between infant feeding method and maternal role adjustment

The benefits of breastfeeding for the infant are well known. Much less is known, however, about how the woman's choice of feeding method is related to her maternal role adjustment during the initial weeks postpartum. Mother-infant mutuality and maternal anxiety scores of 60 first time mothers were examined using analysis of variance techniques. Method of infant feeding (breast, bottle, or combination) was found to be responsible for a significant amount of the variance in both scores. At one month postpartum, women who breastfed their infants had scores indicating less anxiety and more mutuality than the women bottle feeding their infants. An interpretation of the results using role theory concepts provides a possible explanation of the relationships found. Differences in the character of interactions involved with breast and bottle feeding may influence other aspects of maternal role transitions.

Barriers to breast feeding: Choice of feeding method in a sample of working class primiparae

The feeding practices of 80 first-time mothers were examined as part of a larger prospective study of motherhood and infant care. This paper reports on the womens' decisions in relation to feeding methods and the factors which influenced them. Only 42% breast fed their babies and the great majority of those discontinued early. It is argued that the relatively low incidence and early discontinuation of breast feeding in this group of mothers is not so much a product of negative attitudes than of practical constraints and inadequate support. The implications of this conclusion are discussed.

Pediatricians and Lactation Management

To the Editor.— The important contribution of pediatricians in the promotion of breast-feeding has been noted.1-4 In these discussions, the pediatrician's instrumental activities have been described primarily in terms of influence on the choice of feeding method, intervention in hospital postpartum routine, communication of support for the lactating mother, and provision of advice regarding the introduction of other infant foods. Little attention has been given to the role of pediatricians in the practical and maternal aspects of lactation management.