Breastfeeding Difficulties Research Articles

Recognizing Early Regulation Disorders in Pediatric Care: The For Healthy Offspring Project.

BackgroundRegulation disorders are already apparent in infancy. The For Healthy Offspring Project was the first Hungarian study aimed at building an effective model for screening and examining the prevalence and complex (medical and psychosocial) background of classic behavior regulation disorders (excessive crying, feeding, and sleep problems) in infancy.Material/MethodsData were collected from families of 0- to 3-year-old children in a pediatric hospital and its neighboring areas through questionnaires, medical examinations, and individual and small-group consultations.ResultsIn the questionnaire study about their children’s behavior (n=1133), 15% of mothers reported excessive crying, 16% reported feeding problems, and 10% reported sleep problems. In a subsample (n=619) in which medical examinations were also conducted, the prevalence of medical diagnoses was 15.0% for excessive crying, 15.2% for sleep disorders, 10.3% for breastfeeding difficulties, and 14.8% for feeding disorders. Children who were referred to the screening program (n=183) had significantly more behavior regulation disorders than the other children in our study. Regulation disorders were found to be comorbid with other health conditions in some cases.ConclusionsWe developed a complex model to screen for regulatory problems in early childhood. This study adds more information about the relationship between regulation problems and other health conditions. The general incidence (5–15%) of early childhood regulation disorders in other countries is likely similar to that found in Hungary. In order to effectively recognize early regulation disorders, diagnostic instruments widely used in the international field should be adapted in general Hungarian pediatric care.

Three cases of congenital tuberculosis

Three cases of congenital tuberculosis

Infant Sleep Difficulties at the 6th Week and the 12th Month Postpartum: What Is their Relationship with Maternal Mental Health and Other Perinatal Factors?

Introduction:Infant sleep difficulties are often a challenge for new parents and may be related to maternal mood.Aim:The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of reported infant sleep difficulties at the 6th week and at the 12th month postpartum is associated with maternal psychological well-being and the presence of a mental health disorder in the perinatal period or with other perinatal factors.Methods:It is a retrospective longitudinal study, examining a sample of 622 women who attended a 12-month innovative psychosocial intervention. Data were obtained through the EPDS and PHQ-9 psychometric tools, and the completion of a health history. Statistical analyses included Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Chi-square tests.Results:Reported infant sleep difficulties at the 6th week postpartum were associated with a) increased maternal scores on psychometric tools (EPDS and PHQ-9) during pregnancy and at the 6th week postpartum, b) the presence of pathological maternal mental health symptoms in the perinatal period (p =.034), c) high maternal educational level (p <.001), and d) reported maternal breastfeeding difficulties at the 6th week postpartum (p =.031). Reported infant sleep difficulties at the 12th month postpartum were associated with a) increased maternal scores on the EPDS at the 6th week after birth (p =.030), and at the 6th (p =.031) and the 12th month (p =.006) postpartum, b) reported infant sleep difficulties (p <.001) and frequent infant awakenings in the puperperium (p <.001), d) maternal fatigue at the 6th week postpartum (p <.001), e) infant gastro-esophageal reflux problems (p <.001), and f) high maternal educational level (p =.001).Conclusions:This study demonstrates a positive relationship between infant sleep difficulties at the 6th week and at the 12th months postpartum, with poor maternal mental health in the perinatal period.

Breastfeeding Difficulties Predict Mothers' Bonding with Their Infants from Birth to Age Six Months.

We examined the association between breastfeeding difficulties and trajectories of bonding in the first 6 months postpartum. Each month for the first 6 months following birth, 121 mothers of newborn infants (age = 23-45years, M = 32.31 ± 4.79, 57% White, 23% Asian, 11% Hispanic, 9% Multiracial, 1% Black/African American) were invited to complete self-assessments of bonding. At the first postpartum assessment, mothers who intended to breastfeed also reported whether breastfeeding was more difficult than they had anticipated. We conducted linear mixed modelling to test whether early breastfeeding difficulty was associated with bonding trajectories and examined whether effects remained when accounting for postnatal depression symptoms. We found main effects of breastfeeding difficulty (β = -.20, 95% CI [ - .34, -.06]) and postpartum month (β = .13, 95% CI [.07, .20]) on bonding. On average, women who reported breastfeeding difficulty reported lower bonding than women who did not (Cohen's d = -0.44, 95% CI [-0.81, -0.06]). Additional analyses indicated that, independent of breastfeeding difficulties, women who reported higher postnatal depressive symptoms across the first 6 months postpartum reported lower levels of bonding, on average. Further, within-individual decreases in postnatal depressive symptoms across the first six months were associated with relative improvements in bonding across this period. Our findings suggest that mothers who experience breastfeeding difficulties are at risk for reduced bonding with their infants in the first 6 months after birth. Moreover, while postnatal depressive symptoms are also associated with reduced bonding, the effect of breastfeeding difficulties on bonding persists over and above the effect of postnatal depressive symptoms.

\u201cMine did not breastfeed\u201d, mothers\u2019 experiences in breastfeeding children aged 0 to 24\u2009months with oral clefts in Uganda

BackgroundAppropriate breastfeeding is vital for infant and young child nutrition. Annually, oral clefts affect 0.73 per 1000 children in Uganda. Despite this low incidence, children with a cleft face breastfeeding difficulty which affect their nutrition status. In addition, knowledge on maternal experiences with breastfeeding and support is limited. We explored maternal perceptions, experiences with breastfeeding and support received for their children 0 to 24 months with a cleft attending Comprehensive Rehabilitative Services of Uganda (CoRSU) Hospital.MethodsThis cross-sectional study combined quantitative and qualitative methods. We consecutively recruited 32 mothers of children with a cleft aged 0 to 24 months attending CoRSU hospital between April and May 2018. A structured questionnaire collected data on breastfeeding practices and device use (n = 32). To gain a broad understanding of mothers’ perceptions and experiences with breastfeeding and support received, we conducted two Focus Group Discussions (in each, n = 5), and 15 In Depth Interviews. Descriptive statistics were analyzed using SPSS software. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically.ResultsOf the 32 children with a cleft, 23(72%) had ever breastfed, 14(44%) were currently breastfeeding, and among those under 6 months, 7(35%) exclusively breastfed. Of 25 mothers interviewed in IDIs and FGDs, 17(68%; IDIs = 8/15, FGD1 = 5/5 and FGD2 = 4/5) reported the child’s failure to latch and suckle as barriers to breastfeeding. All ten mothers who used the soft squeezable bottle reported improved feeding. Nineteen (76%) mothers experienced anxiety and 14(56%), social stigma. Family members, communities and hospitals supported mothers with feeding guidance, money, child’s feeds and psycho-social counselling. Appropriate feeding and psycho-social support were only available at a specialized hospital which delayed access.ConclusionsBreastfeeding practices were sub-optimal. Mothers experienced breastfeeding difficulties, anxiety and social stigma. Although delayed, feeding, social and psycho-social support helped mothers cope. Routine health care for mothers and their children with a cleft should include timely support.

A Theoretical Model on Caring for Mothers With Initial Breastfeeding Difficulties: The Breastfeeding Story as a Hub for Caring Practice

In the context of breastfeeding care, models are lacking that can guide caring practice. This article examines the prerequisites for care to be caring, based on research about breastfeeding difficulties. These prerequisites are presented as a theoretical model of caring that demonstrates that a genuine caring relationship, embodied wisdom, and an ability to create a space for dwelling, together with cultural awareness, form the prerequisites for the breastfeeding story to be a hub in caring practice. The model contributes to the development of caring practices that embrace the existentiality of each woman's breastfeeding experiences.

Tongue function characteristics in infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and changes in breastfeeding after frenotomy procedures

The aims of the study were to describe tongue function in infants experiencing breastfeeding difficulties and to examine changes in breastfeeding after frenotomy procedures. Mothers, and their infants, facing difficulties in breastfeeding were referred to the Vilnius University hospital Žalgirio clinic after assessment of breastfeeding quality by a lactation specialist. Anatomy evaluations included the type of ankyloglossia, tongue function, and the need for a frenotomy. All mothers completed the breastfeeding questionnaire twice, once during the referral consultation and 1month later. The total breastfeeding hindrance score was calculated before and after the frenotomy. Fifty infants were included in the study and their mean age was 29.6days (min age 1day and max 78days). The male to female ratio was 1.8:1.0. Of all infants, 70% had severe lingual function alterations and their mothers were facing issues in breastfeeding. After the frenotomy, there was a significant reduction in breastfeeding hindrance in infants who had disturbed function and aberrant anatomic characteristics. It was found that for type II ankyloglossia, the frenotomy procedure was significant more (p = 0.002) beneficial, than for type I ankyloglossia. After the frenotomy, there was a significant improvement in nine out of 14 criteria of breastfeeding (p = 0.001). Frenotomy procedures had a positive effect on improving breastfeeding. Current study analyses issues with breastfeeding. Dental practitioners and pediatricians should be familiar with this topic, as early and timely minimal invasive surgical intervention has a significant impact for better comfort of the mothers and continuation of breastfeeding.

Nipple shield use does not impact sucking dynamics in breastfeeding infants of mothers with nipple pain.

Nipple shields (shield) may reduce pain during breastfeeding, but the impact on infant sucking dynamics is not known. We examined the effects of shield use on sucking dynamics, milk removal and nipple pain in two groups of breastfeeding dyads: pain group (PG): shield used for nipple pain; comparison group (CG): no breastfeeding difficulties. Twenty PG (6 ± 4 weeks postnatal) and 28 CG dyads (8 ± 6 weeks postnatal) attended 2 monitored breastfeeding sessions with shield use randomised. Within-subject outcomes were compared. PG: shield use did not affect intra-oral vacuum (peak p = 0.17, baseline p = 0.59), sucking frequency (p = 0.20) or milk transfer (40 mL vs 48 mL, p = 0.80; percentage of available milk removed (PAMR) 55% vs 57%, p = 0.88), and reduced McGill pain scores (p = 0.012). CG: shield use increased non-nutritive sucking (10% more, p = 0.049), and reduced nutritive sucking (18% less, p = 0.017) and milk transfer (63 mL vs 31 mL p < 0.001, PAMR 65% vs 36% p < 0.001). For both groups, feeding duration increased by 2 min (p < 0.0001) and non-nutritive portions of the feed increased with shield use.Conclusion: Nipple shield use improved maternal comfort and did not impact milk removal or sucking strength in PG, but significantly reduced milk transfer and nutritive sucking in CG. What is Known: • Mothers report that nipple shields reduce nipple pain and enable continued breastfeeding. • Concerns that nipple shield use may reduce milk transfer and alter infant sucking patterns are based on limited published evidence. What is New: • Nipple shield use is associated with a 25% reduction in pain scores in breastfeeding mothers with chronic nipple pain. • Milk transfer is not reduced in dyads that regularly use a shield for chronic nipple pain. • Intra-oral vacuums are not impacted by nipple shield use in mothers experiencing pain.

Postpartum depressive symptoms following implementation of the 10 steps to successful breastfeeding program in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo: A cohort study.

Social support and relevant skills training can reduce the risk of postpartum depression (PPD) by reducing the impact of stressors. The 10-step program to encourage exclusive breastfeeding that forms the basis of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) provides both, suggesting it may lessen depressive symptoms directly or by reducing difficulties associated with infant feeding. Our objective was to quantify the association of implementing Steps 1-9 or Steps 1-10 on postpartum depressive symptoms and test whether this association was mediated by breastfeeding difficulties. We used data from a breastfeeding promotion trial of all women who gave birth to a healthy singleton between May 24 and August 25, 2012 in 1 of the 6 facilities comparing different BFHI implementations (Steps 1-9, Steps 1-10) to the standard of care (SOC) randomized by facility in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo. Depressive symptoms, a non-registered trial outcome, was assessed at 14 weeks via the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Inverse probability weighting (IPW) was used to estimate the association of BFHI implementations on depressive symptoms and the controlled direct association through breastfeeding difficulties at 10 weeks postpartum. A total of 903 mother-infant pairs were included in the analysis. Most women enrolled had previously given birth (76%) and exclusively breastfed at 10 weeks (55%). The median age was 27 (interquartile range (IQR): 23, 32 years). The proportion of women reporting breastfeeding difficulties at week 10 was higher in both Steps 1-9 (75%) and Steps 1-10 (91%) relative to the SOC (67%). However, the number of reported difficulties was similar between Steps 1-9 (median: 2; IQR: 0, 3) and SOC (2; IQR: 0, 3), with slightly more in Steps 1-10 (2; IQR: 1, 3). The prevalence of symptoms consistent with probable depression (EPDS score >13) was 18% for SOC, 11% for Steps 1-9 (prevalence difference [PD] = -0.08; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.14 to -0.01, p = 0.019), and 8% for Steps 1-10 (PD = -0.11, -0.16 to -0.05; p < 0.001). We found mediation by breastfeeding difficulties. In the presence of any difficulties, the PD was reduced for both Steps 1-9 (-0.15; 95% confidence level (CL): -0.25, -0.06; p < 0.01) and Steps 1-10 (-0.16; 95% CL: -0.25, -0.06; p < 0.01). If no breastfeeding difficulties occurred in the population, there was no difference in the prevalence of probable depression for Steps 1-9 (0.21; 95% CL: -0.24, 0.66; p = 0.365) and Steps 1-10 (-0.03; 95% CL: -0.19, 0.13; p = 0.735). However, a limitation of the study is that the results are based on 2 hospitals randomized to each group. In conclusion, in this cohort, the implementation of the BFHI steps was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms in the groups implementing BFHI Steps 1-9 or 1-10 relative to the SOC, with the implementation of Steps 1-10 associated with the largest decrease. Specifically, the reduction in depressive symptoms was observed for women reporting breastfeeding difficulties. PPD has a negative impact on the mother, her partner, and the baby, with long-lasting consequences. This additional benefit of BFHI steps suggests that renewed effort to scale its implementation globally may be beneficial to mitigate the negative impacts of PPD on the mother, her partner, and the baby. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01428232.

A woman with disseminated tuberculosis experienced preterm delivery, fallopian tube pregnancy, and delivered successfully following in vitro fertilization: a case report

BackgroundDisseminated tuberculosis (TB) is a fatal disease resulting from hematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Spontaneous pregnancy rate of women with TB is low; furthermore, live birth, spontaneous abortion or ectopic pregnancy may be the outcomes even if pregnancy occurs.Case presentationWe report a case of a woman with disseminated TB who had a series of complications including preterm delivery with congenital TB and infant death of pulmonary TB, fallopian tube pregnancy. She was treated by in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer (IVF-ET), and gave birth to a healthy baby.ConclusionDisseminated TB has a significant impact on female fertility. We should take more active efforts to diagnose and treat this disease in a timely fashion. Moreover, IVF treatment is a feasible approach for an infertile woman after TB.

Comparing breastfeeding experiences between mothers spending the traditional Chinese confinement period in a confinement centre and those staying at home: a cohort study

BackgroundEthnic Chinese mothers in Malaysia adhere to 30 days of traditional postpartum practices (the “confinement period”) aimed at recuperation after delivery. Recently there has been an emergence of confinement centres (CCs) where mothers stay and receive traditional confinement care. Ethnic Chinese mothers have low breastfeeding rates. There are concerns that practices in CCs could contribute to this but no data exists. We described mothers’ breastfeeding experiences at CCs and identified areas for potential improvement in breastfeeding support.MethodsEthnic Chinese mothers intending to breastfeed their healthy infants were recruited post-delivery between August and October 2017 then, at 1 and 6 months, they were telephone interviewed about their experience. For every participant going to a CC after the birth, another mother going home (“home”) for her confinement was recruited. Chi-square test was used to compare groups and multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of confinement place on exclusive breastfeeding.ResultsOf 187 mothers, 88 (47%) went to CCs. Significantly more were primipara and fewer had previous breastfeeding experience. Response rates for the 1- and 6- month interviews were 88% (CC) versus 97% (home); and 77% (CC) versus 87% (home) respectively.Exclusive breastfeeding rates were similar between the groups: 62% (CC) versus 56% (home) at 1 month (p = 0.4); and 37% (CC) versus 42% (home) at 6 months (p = 0.5). Multiple logistic regression did not show that CCs were a factor affecting exclusive breastfeeding rates at 1 month, (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.9, 3.3), or 6 months (aOR 0.9, 95% CI 0.4, 1.7). However, significantly more CC participants only fed expressed breast milk. Despite 66% of CC participants reporting that their centre supported breastfeeding, only 6 (8%) CC participants compared to 66 (69%) of home participants roomed-in with their baby (p < 0.001). The proportion encountering breastfeeding difficulties were similar between groups. CC participants sought help for breastfeeding problems mainly from CC staff and support groups while home participants obtained help from friends and healthcare professionals.ConclusionsBreastfeeding rates appeared to be similar at CCs and at home during the confinement period, but there were gaps in how CCs supported breastfeeding. Targeted training to CC staff to support breastfeeding may result in better outcomes for mothers staying in CCs.

Does ankyloglossia interfere with breastfeeding in newborns? - a cross-sectional study

Ankyloglossia is a congenital anomaly that can affect breastfeeding. The aim was to evaluate the prevalence of ankyloglossia in newborns and breastfeeding difficulties reported by mothers; assess possible factors that may interfere with breastfeeding. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 391 pairs of mothers/newborns at a university hospital. A pediatric dentist examined the oral cavity of the newborns for the occurrence of ankyloglossia. We analyzed medical records and the mothers answered a self-administered questionnaire to assess birth variables, breastfeeding difficulties, and sociodemographic factors. We calculated prevalence ratios (PRs) of breastfeeding difficulties according to the independent variables. The mean age of the newborns was 2.5±2.9 days and 52% were male. The prevalence of ankyloglossia was 15% and 91.4% of mothers reported not having breastfeeding difficulties. Ankyloglossia was not associated with breastfeeding difficulties (PR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.2-1.4). Mothers with a low income (PR: 0.5; 95% CI: 0.3-0.8), those who received instructions on breastfeeding (PR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9), and those who breastfed exclusively (PR: 0.3; 95% CI: 0.1-0.8) had fewer breastfeeding difficulties. Successful breastfeeding was more dependent on being born at full term, the family income, receiving guidance with regard to breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding. Although ankyloglossia was not associated with breastfeeding, future prospective studies should evaluate the long-term factors that may interfere with breastfeeding. This study brings a new perspective on the importance of assessing ankyloglossia and breastfeeding difficulties, reinforces the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and the need for breastfeeding instructions, as well as the need to evaluate breastfeeding before making a decision regarding frenectomy.

The Association of Breastfeeding Difficulties at the 6th week Postpartum with Maternal Psychological Well-being and Other Perinatal Factors: a Greek Retrospective Longitudinal Study.

Background:The difficulties a woman faces with breastfeeding are among the factors that can lead to its early cessation.Objective:The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of maternal breastfeeding difficulties at the 6th week postpartum is associated either with maternal psychological well-being and the presence of a mental health disorder in the perinatal period or with other perinatal factors.Methods:This study was conducted at a primary mental health facility in Athens (Greece), the “Day Center for the Care of the Mental Health of Women (Perinatal Mental Health Disorders)”. It is a retrospective longitudinal study, examining a sample of 622 women who used the Day Center’s services from January 2015 to May 2018. Statistical analyses included the Spearman rank correlation coefficients and multiple univariate analyses of variance.Results:Increased scores on psychometric tools (EPDS, PHQ-9) during pregnancy or postpartum are associated with increased maternal breastfeeding difficulties at the 6th week postpartum. Other factors such as an unplanned conception (p=.016), maternal dissatisfaction with labor (p=.038) and formula feeding in the hospital (p<.001) or at the end of the 1st month postpartum (p<.001) are associated with the occurrence of breastfeeding difficulties. Also, the mothers who experienced lactation mastitis (p=.009), had sleep difficulties (p=.013), woke up fatigued (p<.001) during the first 6 weeks postpartum, and the mothers whose infants experienced colic (p=.009) were more likely to complain about breastfeeding difficulties at the 6th week postpartum.Conclusion:This study demonstrates a relationship between increased scores on maternal psychometric tools in the perinatal period and other perinatal factors with increased breastfeeding difficulties at the 6th weeks postpartum.

Riga-Fede Disease and Natal Tooth Extraction: A Case Report

Introduction: Occurrence of natal teeth are extremely rare and the commonly seen teeth are lower primary incisors, which generally occurs in pairs. The natal tooth seen is early eruption of deciduous incisors. The prevalence of natal and neonatal teeth reported ranges from 1:2,000 to 1:3,500. Case Report: A 32-day-old male infant was referred to the OPD of DY Patil Dental College and Hospital with a complaint of one tooth in the lower jaw at birth. Clinical evaluation showed presence of one tooth in the mandibular anterior region with Grade I mobility. Moons probe was used to relieve the gingival margin. Primary anterior mandibular forceps was used to extract the tooth. Patient was evaluated after one week, healing was uneventful. No difficulty in breast feeding was reported by the mother. No history of fever was reported by the mother one week after the day of extraction. Complete resolution of Riga-Fede on the ventral aspect of the tongue observed one week after the day of extraction. Conclusion: Follow-up is essential for treatment of natal teeth along with parent counselling to bring about awareness eliminating misconceptions surrounding natal teeth.

Infective endocarditis due to Acinetobacter baumannii in an infant with complex congenital heart disease

Infective endocarditis (IE) due to Acinetobacter baumannii is rare in children, however associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Congenital heart diseases are among the major risk factors for IE. We report a case of IE in an infant caused by A. baumannii. The patient is a 2-month-old infant with complaints of recurrent cough and breathlessness since birth which worsened 2 days before admission, associated with fever. There is difficulty in breastfeeding and occasional forehead sweating with associated darkening of the lips, palms and soles. She has been failing to thrive since birth. Significant findings on physical examination include respiratory distress with hypoxia, pyrexia, severe wasting, tachycardia, tachypnea, tender hepatomegaly, widespread coarse crepitation, displaced apex beat and a pan-systolic murmur. Full blood count was suggestive of sepsis, blood culture yielded A. baumannii, chest X-ray revealed dextrocardia with cardiomegaly and increased vascular markings while transthoracic echocardiography showed complex congenital heart disease with vegetation. The patient was commenced on intravenous antibiotics and supportive managements, however died while on admission.

Ellis-Van Creveld Syndrome, neonatal teeth and breastfeeding impairment: a case report

ABSTRACT Because of multisystemic impairment in patients with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome, multidisciplinary care may be demanded since birth to assure breastfeeding. This report presents a case of an Ellis-van Creveld infant that was facing breastfeeding difficulties because of maxillary neonatal teeth. A 3 months old male infant with Ellis-van Creveld syndrome was referred to Pediatric Dentistry Department because of two upper neonatal teeth causing breastfeeding difficulties. Clinical examination revealed that teeth position was compatible to 51 and 61, and both presented uncommon ectopic soft tissue placement, conical crown and hypoplastic enamel covered by a large amount of dental biofilm. Radiography indicated they were of normal series and had 2/3 of crown completion. Due to teeth mobility that impaired breastfeeding, treatment option was exodontia. Early tooth eruption, such as in natal and neonatal teeth, by itself can’t be considered a reason for exodontia. But exodontia must be considered when an early erupted tooth(s) impairs breastfeeding, especially in systemically compromised infants. In this present case report, after teeth extraction, the infant was able to breastfeed and gain weight properly.

Effects of the intake of non-live Bifidobacterium bifidum on the faecal IgA of full-term infants: a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study.

Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 (OLB6378) was selected as a strain that enhances the production of secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA) in vitro. This ability of non-live OLB6378 has been shown by a clinical trial in preterm infants. In the present study, we examined whether non-live OLB6378 also enhances the production of secretory IgA, even in full-term infants. One hundred full-term infants were allocated to receive formula with (BbF group, 49 infants) or without non-live OLB6378 (PF group, 51 infants). Breastfeeding was prioritised, so infant formula was used for infants with breastfeeding difficulties. The intervention was initiated by five days of age. The faecal IgA concentration and OLB6378 level were determined at one, two, four, and eight weeks of age. Faecal IgA in the BbF group (1.04 ± 0.47 mg/g of faeces, n=45) was significantly higher than that in the PF group (0.85 ± 0.42 mg/g of faeces, n=49) at four weeks of age (p=0.047). OLB6378 was not detected in faeces at any age. This indicated that production of secretory IgA in full-term infants may also be enhanced by non-live OLB6378 intake.

Frenotomy: from assessment to surgical intervention

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to demonstrate that frenotomy can help improve breastfeeding, tongue movement, and the mother’s comfort, if the assessment criteria are respected and the infant’s function and age are observed. Frenotomy was performed on two babies with breastfeeding difficulties who came to CEPAE - Center for Research and Dental Care, in 2018, as part of the course on Early Childhood Interdisciplinary Preventive Care at a Dental School. After anamnesis and clinical examination, the lingual frenulum assessment protocol for babies was applied. The necessary frenotomies were performed with topical anesthesia, scissors, and groove director. The babies were reassessed in follow-up visits 7 days after the procedure. The babies had gained weight and the mothers had found greater comfort and easiness when breastfeeding, after the procedure. It is concluded that the less time it takes from ankyloglossia diagnosis to intervention, the easier it is to resume breastfeeding. Also, the identification of ankyloglossia is more effective, and its intervention more efficient, through an interdisciplinary assessment.

How to Treat a Tongue-tie: An Evidence-based Algorithm of Care.

Background:Ankyloglossia, or tongue-tie, is characterized by a short or thickened lingual frenulum; this can be associated with impaired breastfeeding, speech, and dentofacial growth. The indications for performing frenotomy, frenuloplasty, or other operative interventions are unclear.Methods:A meta-analysis was performed to identify the extent of the benefit from frenotomy in breastfeeding measures, degree of tongue-tie, and maternal pain during feeding in randomized controlled trials. A structured literature review analyzed the optimal type and timing of repair. An algorithm was developed to incorporate this evidence into a management pathway.Results:Among 424 studies reviewed, 5 randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Frenotomy significantly improved the degree of tongue-tie, with a 4.5-point decrease in Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function score compared with a decrease of 0 in those who did not undergo frenotomy (P < 0.00001). This was associated with improved self-reported breastfeeding (relative risk [RR] = 3.48, P < 0.00001) and decreased pain (Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire, P < 0.00001); however, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy–Short Form and Latch, Audible Swallowing, Type of Nipple, Comfort, Hold scores did not significantly improve. Multiple studies demonstrated significant improvements following frenuloplasty when compared with frenotomy but demonstrated mixed results as to the effect of timing of tongue-tie division.Conclusions:Frenotomy is associated with breastfeeding improvements that vary individually but trend toward significance collectively during a critical time in infant development. Among patients with a severe Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function score or difficulty breastfeeding, we conclude that simple frenotomy without anesthetic is generally indicated in infancy and frenuloplasty under general anesthesia for older children.

Infant Sleep Difficulties at the 6th Week and the 12th Month Postpartum: What Is their Relationship with Maternal Mental Health and Other Perinatal Factors?

Introduction Infant sleep difficulties are often a challenge for new parents and may be related to maternal mood. Aim The aim of this study was to investigate whether the presence of reported infant sleep difficulties at the 6th week and at the 12th month postpartum is associated with maternal psychological well-being and the presence of a mental health disorder in the perinatal period or with other perinatal factors. Methods It is a retrospective longitudinal study, examining a sample of 622 women who attended a 12-month innovative psychosocial intervention. Data were obtained through the EPDS and PHQ-9 psychometric tools, and the completion of a health history. Statistical analyses included Spearman rank correlation coefficients and Chi-square tests. Results Reported infant sleep difficulties at the 6th week postpartum were associated with a) increased maternal scores on psychometric tools (EPDS and PHQ-9) during pregnancy and at the 6th week postpartum, b) the presence of pathological maternal mental health symptoms in the perinatal period (p =.034), c) high maternal educational level (p <.001), and d) reported maternal breastfeeding difficulties at the 6th week postpartum (p =.031). Reported infant sleep difficulties at the 12th month postpartum were associated with a) increased maternal scores on the EPDS at the 6th week after birth (p =.030), and at the 6th (p =.031) and the 12th month (p =.006) postpartum, b) reported infant sleep difficulties (p <.001) and frequent infant awakenings in the puperperium (p <.001), d) maternal fatigue at the 6th week postpartum (p <.001), e) infant gastro-esophageal reflux problems (p <.001), and f) high maternal educational level (p =.001). Conclusions This study demonstrates a positive relationship between infant sleep difficulties at the 6th week and at the 12th months postpartum, with poor maternal mental health in the perinatal period.