Duration Of Exclusive Breastfeeding Research Articles

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among Chinese mothers in the first 6 months

Background/Aims Exclusive breastfeeding duration remains suboptimal among Chinese mothers. Understanding the factors that influence exclusive breastfeeding is essential for developing targeted interventions to promote breastfeeding practices. This study aimed to identify determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months after birth in Xuzhou City, China. Methods This prospective study enrolled 178 mothers, using structured questionnaires for data collection. Subsequent analysis used multiple linear regression to explore factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding duration. Results On average, participants exclusively breastfed for 67 days. Influencing factors included breastfeeding intention, perception of insufficient milk and maternity leave. Conclusions Targeted interventions have the potential to prolong exclusive breastfeeding duration, such as ensuring women develop accurate perceptions of their breast milk supply and extending maternity leave. Implementing these interventions is crucial to achieving the target of 6 months of exclusive breastfeeding, consequently contributing to optimal health benefits for mother–infant dyads in China.

Breastfeeding duration is not associated with offspring inflammatory bowel disease risk in three population-based birth cohorts

Background and aimsBreastfeeding is critical for offspring health and development. While many observational studies report a protective effect between breastfeeding and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the relationship is not well-understood. MethodsWe used prospectively collected data from three population-based birth cohorts (Danish National Birth Cohort, Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort, and All Babies in Southeast Sweden) and cross-linked national registers to ascertain the impact of breastfeeding duration on offspring IBD risk in each country, using adjusted Cox proportional regression analyses. We performed meta-analyses to determine pooled estimates. ResultsWe included 148,737 offspring and 169,510 offspring in analyses of exclusive and any breastfeeding duration, respectively. During median follow-up of 16.3 to 22.3 years, between 1996 and 2021, 543 offspring were diagnosed with IBD. In each country, there was no association between exclusive breastfeeding duration and offspring IBD risk after adjusting for birth year (Denmark), offspring sex, parental IBD status, maternal education, smoking during pregnancy, age at delivery, mode of delivery, preterm birth, and small for gestational age. The pooled adjusted hazard ratio for IBD was 1.24 (95% CI 0.94, 1.62, Q =0.16, I2= 0.0%) and 1.02 (95% CI 0.85, 1.21, Q=1.45, I2= 0.0%) among offspring breastfed exclusively for ≥6 months and <4 months, respectively, compared to 4-5 months. Similarly, we found null associations in pooled analyses of any breastfeeding duration and IBD, subtypes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, as well as in cohort-specific analyses. ConclusionIn prospectively collected data from three population-based birth cohorts, the duration of exclusive or any breastfeeding was not associated with offspring IBD risk.

A Comparative Study of the Breast Feeding Practice of Mothers between Rural Area and Urban Area in Bangladesh

The exclusive breast feeding is ideal nutrition and sufficient to support optimal growth and development for approximately the first 6 months of life and the later age breastfeeding provides complete nutrition for infants and children. But it is not properly maintained in Bangladesh with limited resources, such as Sirajganj, where poverty and illiteracy are prevalent. Poor nutritional status during childhood can have long-lasting consequences in adulthood, including health, mortality, and human capital. It was a community based cross sectional comparative study which was conducted on 500 hundred mothers and their 500 hundred children in which 250 mothers and 250 children from each of Sirajganj and Dhaka City were selected. The target respondents were selecting randomly. χ 2 test, and Pearson’s correlation was performed as P&lt;0.05 level of significance. The study found that there was a higher number of female children and higher birth frequencies in Sirajganj and Dhaka City. The study assessed mothers' breast feeding practices, including knowledge of colostrums, first baby food feeding, initiation, and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Sirajganj city mothers received more breastfeeding attention than Dhaka City mothers, with findings decreasing with child's birth order. Breast feeding privileges in Sirajganj City increase as mothers' education levels rise from low school to a bachelor's degree or higher. Breast-feeding prevalence in infants up to 12 months is influenced by factors like sex, maternal age, birth order, education, employment status, and mother's poverty income ratio. The sickness of children is also influence to stop breast-feeding. The child birth weight was found to comparatively lower in the Sirajganj city than Dhaka City.

Late Preterm Newborns: Breastfeeding and Complementary Feeding Practices.

The aim of this study is to identify factors associated with successful breastfeeding in late preterm infants (LPIs) and explore the initiation of complementary feeding; Methods: Prospective cohort study was conducted of infants born at 34+0 to 36+6 weeks gestational age in the Hospital of the Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kaunas Clinics during 2020-2021. Families were followed up until the infants reached 12 months of age. Average breastfeeding initial time, average breastfeeding duration time, prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and average solid-food feeding initiation time were examined. The correlations among factors that might affect breastfeeding rates were calculated using the chi-square test (p < 0.05); Results: In our study with 222 eligible participants, we observed a statistically significant delay in breastfeeding initiation only in the 34+0+6 gestational age group (p < 0.001). At discharge, the 36+0+6 group exhibited a significantly higher exclusive breastfeeding rate (p < 0.001). Over the first year, breastfeeding rates varied, with no correlation found between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and gestational age. Initial solid-food feeding times were similar across groups, and all infants were introduced to vegetables first; Conclusions: Vaginal delivery, skin-to-skin contact after birth, early rooming-in, and breastfeeding within 2 h after birth statistically significantly causes earlier breastfeeding initiation and longer duration of breastfeeding in LPIs. All infants began solid-food feeding at an average age of 5 months, with vegetables being the primary food choice.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration and Risk of Childhood Cancers

Breastfeeding has been suggested to protect against childhood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the evidence stems from case-control studies alone. To investigate whether longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with decreased risk of childhood ALL and other childhood cancers. This population-based cohort study used administrative data on exclusive breastfeeding duration from the Danish National Child Health Register. All children born in Denmark between January 2005 and December 2018 with available information on duration of exclusive breastfeeding were included. Children were followed up from age 1 year until childhood cancer diagnosis, loss to follow-up or emigration, death, age 15 years, or December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed from March to October 2023. Duration of exclusive breastfeeding in infancy. Associations between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and risk of childhood cancer overall and by subtypes were estimated as adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) with 95% CIs using stratified Cox proportional hazards regression models. A total of 309 473 children were included (51.3% boys). During 1 679 635 person-years of follow-up, 332 children (0.1%) were diagnosed with cancer at ages 1 to 14 years (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 4.24 [2.67] years; 194 boys [58.4%]). Of these, 124 (37.3%) were diagnosed with hematologic cancers (81 [65.3%] were ALL, 74 [91.4%] of which were B-cell precursor [BCP] ALL), 44 (13.3%) with central nervous system tumors, 80 (24.1%) with solid tumors, and 84 (25.3%) with other and unspecified malignant neoplasms. Compared with exclusive breastfeeding duration of less than 3 months, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months or longer was associated with a decreased risk of hematologic cancers (AHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.95), which was largely attributable to decreased risk of BCP-ALL (AHR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.99), but not with risk of central nervous system tumors (AHR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.51-1.88) or solid tumors (AHR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.55-1.41). In this cohort study, longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with reduced risk of childhood BCP-ALL, corroborating results of previous case-control investigations in this field. To inform future preemptive interventions, continued research should focus on the potential biologic mechanisms underlying the observed association.

The Association Between Prenatal Food Insecurity and Breastfeeding Initiation and Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration: A Longitudinal Study Using Oregon PRAMS and PRAMS-2, 2008-2015.

Background: In the United States, 11.1% of households experience food insecurity; however, pregnant women are disproportionately affected. Maternal food insecurity may affect infant feeding practices, for example, through being a source of chronic stress that may alter the decision to initiate and continue breastfeeding. Thus, we sought to determine whether prenatal food insecurity was associated with breastfeeding (versus not) and exclusive breastfeeding duration among Oregon women. Method: The Oregon Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) data of live births from 2008 to 2015 and the Oregon PRAMS-2 follow-up survey were used (n = 3,624) in this study. Associations with breastfeeding initiation and duration were modeled with multivariable logistic regression and accelerated failure time (AFT), respectively. Models were adjusted for maternal sociodemographic and pre-pregnancy health characteristics. Results: Nearly 10% of women experienced prenatal food insecurity. For breastfeeding initiation, unadjusted models suggested non-significant decreased odds (odds ratio (OR) 0.88 [confidence intervals (CI): 0.39, 1.99]), whereas adjusted models revealed a non-significant increased odds (OR 1.41 [CI: 0.58, 3.47]). Unadjusted AFT models suggested that food-insecure mothers had a non-significant decrease in exclusive breastfeeding duration (OR 0.76 [CI: 0.50, 1.17]), but adjustment for covariates attenuated results (OR 0.89 [CI: 0.57, 1.39]). Conclusions: Findings suggest minimal differences in breastfeeding practices when exploring food security status in the prenatal period, though the persistence of food insecurity may affect exclusive breastfeeding duration. Lower breastfeeding initiation may be due to other explanatory factors correlated with food insecurity and breastfeeding, such as education and marital status.

Duration and Sociodemographic Factors Associated with Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Mothers in Urban and Semi-Rural Areas of Libreville and Lambaréné in Gabon

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding from birth to six months of age has an unparalleled benefit on a child's growth and development. This survey aimed to assess the practice of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Libreville and Lambaréné. Method: This is a prospective study, including mother-child pairs of infants taken to vaccination centers in Libreville (urban area) and Lambaréné (semi-rural area). The data collected included sociodemographic aspects of families, the children's characteristics, and the duration of EBF in months. Result: We included 552 mother-child pairs, 58% of whom were recruited (n = 320) in Libreville. The average age of mothers was 26.5 ± 6.4 years, while fathers were 33.3 ± 7.8 years. The mean age of children was 4.2 ± 3.1 months. Male participants were accounted for 52.2% (n = 288), while females 47.8% (n = 264). The mean duration of exclusive breastfeeding in the whole was 0.9 months. Six-month EBF was generally performed at 9.2% (n = 51, 95% CI = 7.1%-11.9%). The factors influencing the EBF were father’s level of education (all classes combined) (p = 0.025), marital status (p = 0.011), and residential area (OR = 3.40, p &lt;0.001) Conclusion: The duration of exclusive breastfeeding in the two studied is lower than the WHO recommendations. The associated factors found are areas of work to be explored to encourage this important practice for our infants.

Growth patterns of children under 5 years old in rural area northern of Abha, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia.

Measuring and monitoring physical growth is a key element in assessing children's health. The physical and mental development of a growing child are indicators of good health and nutrition. This study aimed to explore the patterns of growth parameters among children under 5 years old attending primary health care centres (PHCCs) in rural northern Abha. Feeding habits during the first 2 years of life were also assessed. This study was conducted on 1-5 April 2022 in all (PHCCs) in Billasamr and Ballahmar, two neighbourhoods of northern Abha. The investigator designed a form for collecting each child's age (months), weight (kilograms), gender, birth order, number of family members, type of feeding (exclusive breastfeeding, exclusive bottle feeding, or mixed feeding), and duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Gender affected the body weight of Saudi infants, as boys weighed significantly more than age-matched girls. Birth order also affected body weight. During the first and third years of life, Saudi children's body weight was not significantly affected by feeding type. During the second and fifth years of life, formula-fed children weighed more than breastfed or combination-fed children. However, during the fourth year of life, body weight was highest in combination-fed children. Growth patterns over time, established from multiple data points, must be used in conjunction with other medical and family history to evaluate appropriate growth. Recording and tracking body size, especially recumbent length and weight, as part of well-baby care is critical for any assessment of child wellbeing and health status.

Association between sleep duration and latency, nocturnal awakenings, and body mass index among infants.

To investigate the association between sleep duration, nocturnal awakenings, and sleep latency with body mass index (BMI) at six and 12 months of age. 179 children from a birth cohort were enrolled. At six and 12 months of age, anthropometric data were obtained using standardized techniques and infants' mothers answered the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire for sleep data. The association of BMI with the independent variables (sleep duration, latency, and nocturnal awakenings) was assessed by linear regression models. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders and a p-value<0.05 was adopted to define statistical significance. For each additional hour of sleep duration, BMI was reduced by 0.15 kg/m² (95% confidence interval [CI] -0.28; -0.01; p=0.03) and each additional minute of sleep latency increased BMI by 0.01 kg/m² (95%CI -0.00; 0.03; p=0.02). These associations were independent of gestational age, child sex, birth weight, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, smoking during pregnancy, and mother's BMI, education, and marital status. Nocturnal awakenings showed no association with the outcome. Our findings suggest that sleep duration and sleep latency time are associated with BMI in the first year of life. Insights into the influence of sleep early in life on weight status may be helpful to complement future nutritional recommendations and prevent and treat obesity.

Breastfeeding Experiences of Midwife Mothers and Barriers to Their Breastfeeding

Introduction: Midwives are at the forefront of the breastfeeding success of mothers, but the breastfeeding experiences of midwives who are mothers are unknown. Aim: This study was planned to determine the breastfeeding experiences of midwife mothers and the barriers to their breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: The study used a cross-sectional and descriptive design. A total of 177 midwives who had breastfeeding experience were included in the study. Results: The mean age of the midwife mothers was 39.71 ± 7.17 years and 53.1% had 2 children. The first breastfeeding time was 152.76 ± 471.97 minutes, the duration of breastfeeding was 14.88 ± 9.87 months, the duration of exclusive breastfeeding was 4.43 ± 1.65 months, and the duration of maternity leave was 6.16 ± 6.30 months. It was determined that 38.4% gave pre-lacteal feeding. It was found that some of the participants could not breastfeed because 34.5% of them did not have enough milk, 28.2% took short maternity leave, 26.6% had a busy work schedule, 24.9% had long working hours, 22.6% did not have a suitable place to express milk, 18.6% did not have enough time, and 10.7% were concerned about COVID-19 transmission. A statistically significant correlation was found between exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months and breastfeeding up to the age of 2 and pre-lacteal feeding, time of going back to work after maternity leave, psychological status, and sleep status (p

Bebek Cinsiyetinin Annelerin Emzirme Tutumları ve Süreleri Üzerindeki Etkisinin Araştırılması: Kesitsel bir Çalışma

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of infant gender on mothers' breastfeeding attitudes and duration in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted with women (n:386) each of whom had a child between 1 and 36 months old and applied to family health centers in 2022. Data were collected using the “Information Form”’ and the “Iowa Infant Feeding Scale (IIFAS)”. Data were analyzed by descriptive statistics, t-test. The study was carried out according to STROBE. The mothers' IIFAS mean score was 63.54±7.01. The IIFAS score of mothers with girls was 63.31 (SD: 7.04), with boys were 64.56 (SD: 6.87), and the difference between them was not statistically significant (t: -1.602, p&gt;0.05). The mean duration of breastfeeding for girls was 14.36 + 7.52 months, and for boys were 15.26 + 7.62 months, and the difference between them was not significant (t: -1.215, p&gt;0.05). We concluded that there was no disparity in the duration of exclusive breastfeeding and total breastfeeding for the children of both sexes of the mothers in the study. In addition, it was determined that mothers' attitudes toward breastfeeding were positive.

An Overview of the Influence of Breastfeeding on the Development of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

The first 1000 days of life is a critical period that contributes significantly to the programming of an individual's future health. Among the many changes that occur during this period early in life, there is growing evidence that the establishment of healthy gut microbiota plays an important role in the prevention of both short- and long-term health problems. Numerous publications suggest that the quality of the gut microbiota colonisation depends on several dietary factors, including breastfeeding. In this respect, a relationship between breastfeeding and the risk of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been suggested. IBDs are chronic intestinal diseases, and perinatal factors may be partly responsible for their onset. We review the existence of links between breastfeeding and IBD based on experimental and clinical studies. Overall, despite encouraging experimental data in rodents, the association between breastfeeding and the development of IBD remains controversial in humans, partly due to the considerable heterogeneity between clinical studies. The duration of exclusive breastfeeding is probably decisive for its lasting effect on IBD. Thus, specific improvements in our knowledge could support dietary interventions targeting the gut microbiome, such as the early use of prebiotics, probiotics or postbiotics, in order to prevent the disease.

Women's Satisfaction with Breastfeeding and Risk of Exclusive Breastfeeding Interruption.

This prospective cohort study was conducted to evaluate the association between women's satisfaction with breastfeeding at 1 month post-partum and the risk of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) interruption before 6 months. 287 mother-infant dyads randomly selected from two maternity hospitals were followed from birth to 24 months of infant's age. Women's satisfaction with breastfeeding was assessed using the Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale (MBFES) at 1 month. The association between women's satisfaction with breastfeeding and risk of EBF interruption before 6 months was estimated using Cox proportional hazards model. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for EBF were compared between women with lower satisfaction with breastfeeding (MBFES score < median 124) and those with higher satisfaction (MBFES score ≥ 124). Median EBF duration in women with higher satisfaction was 120 days (95%CI 109-131), vs. 26 days (95%CI 19-33) in less satisfied women. Each additional point on MBFES promoted a reduction of 2.0% in the risk of EBF interruption. Among women with satisfaction scores < 124, the risk of EBF interruption was 86% higher when compared with those ≥ 124 (adjusted hazard ratio 1.86; 95%CI 1.41-2.46). Lower maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding in the first month post-partum is associated with a higher risk of EBF interruption before 6 months.

Consumo de alimentos ultra processados e fatores associados em crianças de seis anos de idade

Abstract This article aims to estimate the prevalence and weekly frequency of ultra-processed food consumption in six-year-old children and associated factors in a municipality in southern Brazil. Cross-sectional study with 956 children. Data were collected through interviews with mothers in the households. The outcomes were the consumption of candies, chewing gum, lollipops and chocolates; stuffed cookies; artificial juices; and soft drinks using the Índice de Alimentação Escolar (School Feeding Index). The independent variables were gender, type of school, education and maternal occupation, breastfeeding, duration of exclusive breastfeeding and the use of bottle. Bivariate analysis was performed using the chi-square test and the multivariate analysis using Poisson regression. In the multivariate analysis, the weekly prevalence of stuffed cookies consumption was 14% higher in students from public schools and 8% higher in children of mothers with less than eight years of schooling. Artificial juice and soft drink consumption was 7% and 8% higher in public school students respectively and 6% higher in bottle-fed children. Most schoolchildren consumed the ultra-processed foods assessed once or twice a week. Consumption was associated with the independent variables assessed.

Perception of Infant Feeding among Urban Educated Women

Introduction: Despite of high prevalence of breast feeding practices among mothers, infant feeding pattern is not ideal in our country. Short duration of exclusive breast feeding and inappropriate feeding for newborn and infant are common in both urban and rural areas of Bangladesh. Objectives: To explore the perceptions on breastmilk, pre lacteal feeding, complementary feeding and infant feeding among medical and non-medical female students of urban area and to compare their perceptions. Materials and Methods: This cross sectional study was done at Bangladesh Medical College (BMC), Dhanmondi, Dhaka and Hazrat Shah Ali Women University College (HSAWUC), Mirpur, Dhaka from December 2015 to May 2016 and study populations were 100 of which 50 from female medical students of BMC and 50 from female non-medical students of HSAWUC. Data were collected by random sampling as per inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was compiled manually and analyzed by statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 22. Results: Majority of study population were unmarried (88%), most of them were in 21-25 years age group (77%) and a high number among them had crossed higher secondary school level (84%). Comparison of perceptions between medical and non-medical students students of both institutions regarding knowledge of first feed of a newborn, pre lacteal feeds and its importance; time of initiation of breast feeding and harmful effect of bottle feeding showed differences which were statistically significant (P&lt;0.05). The female medical students had relatively better perceptions regarding infant feeding. Conclusions: Although perceptions on infant feeding were more correct among medical students, incorrect perceptions on infant feeding still present in both medical and nonmedical students which is alarming. Sir Salimullah Med Coll J 2023; 31: 86-93

Appetitive traits as predictors of exclusive breastfeeding in infants for the first six months

ABSTRACT This study aimed to identify whether appetitive traits predict exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) duration for the first 6 months of life and to assess other predictors of its duration. 186 six- month-old term infants were included. Appetitive traits were assessed at 3–4 months of age. EBF duration, feeding practices, sex, maternal age and education, socioeconomic level, mode of delivery and gestational age were also evaluated. Risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated through generalized linear regression models to identify predictors of EBF for the first 6 months of life. Only 32.9% of infants achieved 6-month EBF. Vaginal birth, not using formula the first 3 days, maternal education ≥ university and slowness in eating significantly increased the probability of EBF for 6 months. Slowness in eating was the only appetitive trait related to EBF for the first 6 months and was the most significant predictor in the multivariate model.

The relationship between sleeping place, duration of breastfeeding and weaning time in children aged 2-3 years

Background and aims: Due to the importance of breastfeeding and the necessity of identifying the factors affecting the creation and promotion of this behavior, this study aims to determine the relationship between sleeping place, duration of weaning time, and breastfeeding in Children aged 2-3 years. Methods: This study was descriptive and analytical-correlational research in 2021. The participants were 214 children aged 2-3 years old from the health centers of Ramsar city, Iran. The sampling method of the present study was convenient. The tool of the study was a researcher-made questionnaire on infant sleeping places and breastfeeding. The data were entered into SPSS 16 and analyzed using the univariate chi-square test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and analysis of variance(P=0.05). Results: Exclusive feeding 69.2% (148 people) of children who were exclusively breastfed and in the usual place of sleep, 36.4% (78 people) of children slept in a shared bed with adults, and 57.5% (123 people) shared a room. However, in a separate bed, 1.6% (13 people) slept in a separate room. The average age of weaning in children sleeping in a shared room in the mother’s bed and next to the mother is 1.27 times and 1.30 times that of children sleeping in a separate room, respectively. The relationship between Infant’s sleeping place and the duration of exclusive breastfeeding (P=0.005), age of weaning onset (P=0.007), length of weaning (P=0.018), and definite age of weaning (P=0.014) was significant. 56.5% of infants (n=121) were female, and 56.1% (n=120) had the first birth rank. Breast milk exclusively fed 69.2% (n=148) of infants. Conclusion: The results showed that the place of sleep has a significant relationship with the exclusive feeding of milk and the age at which the child is weaned. The results of this study can be useful in planning interventions to promote exclusive breastfeeding and increase the duration of feeding infants with breast milk.

Do Stressful Events and Racial Discrimination Explain Racial Gaps in Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration? A Qualitative Interview Study with Black, Hispanic, and White Mothers Living in Ohio.

This study aimed to understand why breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding rates substantially decrease shortly after birth among mothers in the USA. Specifically, we aimed to illuminate the impact of stressful life events and racial discrimination on mothers' breastfeeding behaviors and duration. We conducted a qualitative analysis of semi-structured telephone interviews with women (N = 66; 47 White, 16 Black, and 3 Hispanic) who gave birth between 2019 and 2021 in Ohio. Interviews were conducted between March 2022 and May 2022. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed verbatim, analyzed, coded, and organized into themes. After thematic analysis of the data, five key themes were identified: (1) stress, (2) breastfeeding barriers, (3) policy and system change to support breastfeeding mothers, (4) racial discrimination, and (5) breastfeeding motivators. Our study found that the breastfeeding experience was both a positive bonding experience and a challenging practice, characterized by physical, mental, and sociocultural struggles. Addressing stress during pregnancy, equitable access to culturally sensitive lactation support, improved parental leave, and enhanced workplace breastfeeding regulations are essential to increasing breastfeeding duration among racially marginalized women.

Maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers and associations with birth and breastfeeding outcomes.

Conditions in utero influence intrauterine and postnatal infant growth and a few studies indicate that maternal inflammation and insulin resistance might affect birth and breastfeeding outcomes. Furthermore, hormones in human milk (HM) may influence infant appetite-regulation and thereby milk intake, but the associations are less understood. (1) To investigate associations between maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers and birth and breastfeeding outcomes, and (2) to assess predictors of maternal inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers in pregnancy. Seventy-one mother-infant dyads participating in the Mothers, Infants and Lactation Quality (MILQ) study were included in the present study. Fasting blood samples were collected around 28th gestational week, and HM samples at three time points from 1.0 to 8.5 months, where milk intake was assessed using 24-h test weighing. Maternal plasma inflammatory, lipid and metabolic markers included high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), tumor-necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interferon-γ (IFNγ), Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, high-, low-, and very-low-density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL, VLDL), total-cholesterol, triglycerides, leptin, adiponectin, insulin, C-peptide, the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and glucose concentration at t = 120 min following an oral glucose tolerance test. Of these, TNFα, IFNγ, IL-6, IL-8, leptin, adiponectin and insulin were also measured in HM samples. HDL in pregnancy was inversely associated with gestational age (GA) at birth and GA-adjusted birthweight z-score, whereas triglycerides and glucose (t = 120) were positively associated with GA-adjusted birthweight z-score. Higher hs-CRP, VLDL and triglycerides were associated with a higher placental weight. Furthermore, higher HDL, insulin, leptin and HOMA-IR were associated with longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). Higher pre-pregnancy BMI was the main predictor of higher levels of hs-CRP, log-TNFα, leptin, insulin, C-peptide, and HOMA-IR. Maternal lipid and metabolic markers influenced birthweight z-score and placental weight as well as duration of EBF. Furthermore, pre-pregnancy BMI and maternal age predicted levels of several inflammatory and metabolic markers during pregnancy. Our findings indicate that maternal lipid and metabolic profiles in pregnancy may influence fetal growth and breastfeeding, possibly explained by overweight and/or higher placental weight. https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier NCT03254329.

Complementary Feeding and Child Appetitive Traits in a Sample of Hispanic Mother-Child Dyads.

Complementary feeding practices may contribute to toddler eating practices that affect weight outcomes. Studies are needed to understand the relationship between complementary feeding practices and toddler dietary self-regulation. This study tests the hypothesis that earlier complementary food introduction predicts toddler food responsiveness and emotional overeating (ie, tendency to overeat in response to food cues and emotions, respectively), and considers whether introduction of certain foods better predict toddler dietary self-regulation. This study is a secondary analysis of data from a parent longitudinal birth cohort study on early growth/development among Hispanic mother-infant dyads. The analytic sample included 174 mother-child dyads recruited from maternity clinics affiliated with the University of Southern California in Los Angeles County. Recruitment and data collection were ongoing from July 2016 to April 2020. At 1-, 6-, 12-, and 24-months postpartum, mothers reported exclusive breastfeeding duration and age of complementary food introduction via questionnaire. Child food responsiveness and emotional overeating scores calculated from the Child Eating Behavior Questionnaire at 12 and 24 months of age. Separate linear mixed models with repeated measures were used to examine associations between age of complementary food introduction as a predictor of child food responsiveness or emotional overeating, controlling for infant sex, birth body mass index z score, duration of exclusive breastfeeding, and mother's body mass index. In separate models, delaying complementary food introduction by 1 month was associated with a 6% reduction in food responsiveness (P= 0.007) and a 5% reduction in emotional overeating scores (P= 0.013). Fifty-eight unique combinations of complementary foods introduced first were found, precluding analyses to examine whether specific combinations were related to eating behavior outcomes due to sample size limitations. Earlier complementary feeding was associated with higher food responsiveness and emotional overeating scores among Hispanic children. Future studies in larger samples are needed to characterize patterns of complementary food introduction and their influence on child self-regulation.