Breast Milk Feeding Research Articles

Midwives’ and mothers’ perspectives on skin-to-skin care of premature and low-birthweight infants in Puntland, Somalia

Background: More than 2.5 million children die yearly due to prematurity and low birthweight. Skin-to-skin care provides a thermal-control environment that offers protection from infection and eases breast milk feeding to the advantage of the new-born. Aim: This study aimed to explore barriers and facilitating factors for introducing skin-to-skin care of premature and low-birthweight infants based on input from mothers and midwives in Puntland, Somalia. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews with four mothers and four midwives were analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results: The findings are presented in four categories: enabled by support and hands-on information to the mother and her family; aided by collaboration with the mother’s family to overcome the mother’s resistance; impeded by limited time, lack of resources and unavailable guidelines; and hindered by traditional and social beliefs. Both mothers and midwives emphasised the importance of information and education concerning skin-to-skin care of premature and low-birthweight infants. Family members and midwives facilitated skin-to-skin contact as the care model. The degree to which the midwives provided information to the mothers and their family members depended on how the two latter groups received and acted on such information and education. Lack of motivation by mothers, their families or midwives were barriers to skin-to-skin contact as a care model. Conclusion: Standardised guidelines, preferably culturally tailored for low socioeconomic groups, for midwives’ use when informing mothers and families on skin-to-skin contact as a care model for premature and low-birthweight infants would empower women, families and midwives to facilitate the practice in Puntland, Somalia.

Associated factors to breast feeding practice in neonatal intensive care unit

Abstract Background Improving breast milk feeding (BF) can avoid globally per year 800000 deaths in children under 5 years old. In Morocco the breast milk feeding rate decreased from 51% to 27,8% between 1992 and 2011, the breast feeding rate in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is lower (12,4%). The objective of this study is to determine the associated factors of BF practice in NICU. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between 04 January and 20 April 2021 in NICU ward of teaching hospital Ibn Roch of Casablanca (Morocco). We included Moroccan couples mother/newborn who can practice the BF presents during the study period. We used face to face interview using questionnaire. Student, Mann-Whitney-Wilcoxon and Khi2 tests were used to test association between BMF and potential associated factors. The potential associated factors with p ≤ 0.05 were considered as associated factors of BF practice. Data were analyzed using R 3.6.3. Results We included 107 couple mother/newborn. Around 77% of mothers practice BF. The mother factors associated with BF practice were: residence (30.5% rural; 69.5% urban; p = 0.007); marital status (2.4% single; 0% divorced; 97.6% married; p = 0.02); getting prior information about BF (6.2% no; 93.8%yes; p = 0.02), mother knowledge score about BF (median score yes = 10, no = 9;p= 0.03). The newborn associated factors were: hospitalization reasons (50.7% respiratory distress; 17.3% infections; 13.3% jaundice; 18.7% others; p = 0.03) and the gender (58.2% male; 41.8% female; p = 0,02) Conclusions The practice rate is lower for rural single mother who don't get any prior information about BF (lower knowledge). These mothers must get more attention from the healthcare staffs and training programs to improve the breast feeding in NICU. Key messages We can do better about the management of newborn hospitalized in NICU with actions like BF practice (promotion of breastfeeding). The benefits of breast feeding practice are significantly greater than his risks about the management of newborn hopitalized in NICU.

Breastfeeding Promotion and Nursing Care for Infants with Cleft Palate and/or Cleft Lip in Northeastern Craniofacial Center, Thailand

Background:The common feeding problems in infants with Cleft Palate (CP) and/or Cleft Lip and Palate (CLP) are the inability to suck and swallow breastmilk. Difficulties in feeding may compromise normal growth and disrupt the bonding process.Objective:To evaluate the treatment and breastfeeding rate in infants with CP and CLP.Methods:A retrospective study of infants with CP and CLP who were admitted to the postpartum ward between July 2017 and June 2019 was conducted. Demographic data, type of feeding, nursing activities, and duration of breastfeeding after discharge were collected.Results:A total of 35 infants were included in the study. Twenty-seven cases were non-syndromic complete CLP (77.2%). On admission only 15 infants (42.8%) received breastmilk and alternative feeding techniques were applied for 26 (74.3%) infants. Breastfeeding promotion and nursing care were provided to mothers and infants by an interdisciplinary team at the Craniofacial Center. The median Length of Stay (LOS) was 8 days (range 5-9 days) and infants born at the affiliated hospital (inborn) had a significantly shorter LOS compared to infants referred from other health centers (p=0.019). None of the inborn groups received infant formula. The breastfeeding rate in all groups was 100% at discharge. Exclusive breastfeeding rates at 2-, 4-, and 6-months follow-up were 82.8%, 42.8%, and 31.4%, respectively.Conclusion:Breastfeeding promotion, education, and nursing care from an interdisciplinary team resulted in an improved ability of mothers to breastfeed infants with CLP, particularly in non-syndromic CLP. The exclusive breastfeeding rate after 6-months in this study was higher than in previous studies.

Проблемы питания и факторы формирования здоровья детей первого года жизни

Evaluation of the type of nutrition, which is one of the important components that ensure the physical growth, development and health of a child in the first year of life, and that forms metabolic processes at an older age, has been the subject of research and discussion of domestic and foreign scientists over the past decades. Purpose — to study the influence of the nature of feeding on the incidence and physical development of infants. Materials and methods. During the year, 250 children (118 girls and 132 boys) of the first year of life were under observation, who received various types of feeding (breast milk and milk formulas, differing in composition). The main (I) group (n=130) included children (62 girls and 68 boys) who were breastfed; and in the comparison group — children receiving artificial feeding: in group II (n=60) (27 girls and 33 boys) received a standard mixture with a prebiotic; in group III (n=60) (29 girls and 31 boys) — a standard mixture without a prebiotic. Physical development was assessed according to the generally accepted measurement technique in terms of absolute values, monthly increases in anthropometric indicators and mass-growth indices. Outpatient records of children, protocols of examination of a 1-year-old child were studied (accounting and reporting documentation was analyzed). The criteria for inclusion in the main group of infants were: breastfeeding for at least 9 months; the age of children from up to 1 year of age. The second comparison group included children who were fed mixed with the addition of probiotic means. Results. In girls of the second group, who were artificially fed with the addition of a probiotic — 7100.0±95.9 g, the weight gain in the first year of life was significantly higher than the weight gain of girls who received breast milk and standard formula — 6671.0±72.6 g and 6733.3±91.8 g, respectively. Despite the fact that there were no significant differences in the medians of body weight and height in children of the main group and the comparison groups, it was found that children in the main group were overweight/obese at 12 months had two or more times less indicators than children who received artificial nutrition. Children who are breastfed began to sit independently much earlier, on average 7.6±0.05 months after birth, and children of the other two groups who are bottle-fed, on average, 8.0±0.13 and 8.1±0.12 months, respectively (p<0.05). When studying the structure of the most common diseases of children in the first year of life, depending on the type of feeding, it was revealed that the greatest percentage both in group I (group) and in group II (claim) are children with acute intestinal infections — in group I (group 1)) group in 7.7±2.34% of children, in subgroup II (claim) in 11.7±2.93% of children (p=0.3905). Conclusions. The results obtained indicate a positive effect of breastfeeding on anthropometric indicators and the formation of basic skills in young children. The incidence of infectious diseases (ARI and OCI) revealed in children who received breast milk, compared with children who are bottle-fed, indicates that breastfeeding has the ability to create conditions for reducing the incidence of diseases in young children. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of the Helsinki declaration. The study protocol was approved by the Local ethics committee of all participating institution. The informed consent of the patient was obtained for conducting the studies. No conflict of interest was declared by the author. Key words: types of feeding, physical development, motor skills, morbidity, children under 1 year old.

Feeding Twins with Human Milk and Factors Associated with Its Duration: A Qualitative and Quantitative Study in Southern Italy.

Background: Over the past year, there has been a rise in twin births. The current scientific consensus recommended breast-feed milk for all newborns for at least 6 months. They stated that it is possible to meet the nutritional needs of two or more newborns with only one mother’s milk. More information would be desirable about the factors that influence or lead to the initiation and interruption of breastfeeding. The quality of the evidence available from multiple studies has been inconclusive and therefore led to controversial interpretations and practices. Aims: The first aim of this study was to analyze the extent of the feeding of multiples with breast milk in the experience of our clinical unit in terms of incidence and duration. The second objective was to evaluate the correlation between maternal, perinatal and neonatal variables with breast milk feeding rates and duration. Methods: The study was conducted between 2015 and 2020, in a NICU in Southern Italy (San Giovanni Rotondo, Foggia). Sixty-one women who have given birth to multiples were enrolled into the study. Newborn data were retrospectively collected by informatic database and breastfeeding information were collected by a questionnaire. Results: In our centre, the percentage of twins out of the total number of births over the years has almost doubled from 1.28% in 2015 to 2.48% in 2020 and the 88% of twins are premature. 18.1% received breast milk for more than 6 months and 6.3% received it for more than 12 months. Infants of lower gestational age and weight, born to multiparous, more mature and medium-high schooling mothers received breast milk for a longer period. 35% of women explained that the interruption of breastfeeding was due to the insufficient milk production and 41% to the stress and difficulties in managing the twins. Qualitative analysis of maternal narrative revealed, for many of them, the awareness of the importance of breastfeeding and the efforts made to try to give breast milk, but also fears about the quantity of milk and satiety of their children. Conclusions: It is important to identify the factors both favoring and obstructing maternal milk feeding of multiples and it would be desirable the activation of a network of training and support for mothers after discharge, with particular regard to the categories found to be less inclined.

Early Life Factors Associated with Preschool Wheezing in Preterm Infants.

Advanced neonatal care has increased the survival of neonates born prematurely, and prematurity is a well-known risk factor for asthma/wheezing disorders. Thus, this prospective study aimed to determine the early life factors associated with preschool wheezing in premature neonates. Preterm neonates born between 2012 and 2017 were recruited, excluding those with bacterial infection within 7 days of life, maternal sepsis, and maternal chorioamnionitis. Birth and admission history, comorbidities, and maternal history were documented. Respiratory problems were followed-up at the neonatal outpatient department. Patients were divided into wheezing and non-wheezing groups. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test and Fisher’s exact test, and multivariable logistic regression was used to define the risk factors of preschool wheezing/asthma. A total of 125 preterm infants were enrolled, including 19 in the wheezing group and 106 in the non-wheezing group. Patients in the wheezing group had longer duration of intubation (p = 0.025), higher rates for exclusive breast milk feeding (p = 0.012), and higher re-hospitalization rates for respiratory tract infections (p < 0.001), especially for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis (p = 0.045). The incidence of allergic rhinitis was also higher in the wheezing group (p = 0.005). After multivariable logistic regression, allergic rhinitis and re-hospitalization for respiratory tract infections were two significant risk factors for preschool wheezing/asthma in premature neonates. Close follow-up of premature infants at high risk for asthma susceptibility is recommended.

Breastfeeding in Mothers with COVID-19: Insights from Laboratory Tests and Follow-Up from Early Outbreak of the Pandemic in China.

Objective: The outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) threatens a surging number of community groups within society, including women actively breastfeeding. Breastfeeding involves intimate behaviors, a major transmission route of SARS-CoV-2, and is integral to the close mother-baby relationship highly correlated with maternal psychological status. Materials and Methods: Twenty-three pregnant women and puerperae with either confirmed or suspected diagnoses of COVID-19 were enrolled in the study. The clinical characteristics and outcomes of the mothers and neonates were recorded. The presence of SARS-CoV-2, IgG, and IgM in breast milk, maternal blood, and infant blood, together with feeding patterns, was assessed within 1 month after delivery. Feeding patterns and maternal psychological status were also recorded in the second follow-up. Results: No positive detection of SARS-CoV-2 was found in neonates. All breast milk samples were negative for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The presence of IgM for SARS-CoV-2 in breast milk was correlated with IgM presence in the maternal blood. The results of IgG detection for SARS-CoV-2 were negative in all breast milk samples. All infants were in a healthy condition in two follow-ups, and antibody tests for SARS-CoV-2 were negative. The rate of breast milk feeding increased during two follow-ups. All mothers receiving a second follow-up experienced negative psychological factors and status. Conclusions: Our findings support the feasibility of breastfeeding in women infected with SARS-CoV-2. The additional negative psychological status of mothers due to COVID-19 should also be considered during the puerperium period.

Administration of breast milk cell fractions to neonates with birthweight equal to or less than 1800\u2009g: a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundMost premature and very low birthweight infants cannot tolerate breast milk feeding in the first few days of life and are deprived of its benefits. This study evaluates the clinical outcomes of administering breast milk cell fractions to neonates with a birthweight of ≤1800 g.MethodsWe conducted a randomized controlled trial on 156 infants in the neonatal intensive care unit of Mahdieh Maternity Hospital in Tehran, Iran, from May 2019 to April 2020. All neonates with a birthweight ≤1800 g were enrolled and divided into intervention and control groups using stratified block randomization. Neonates in the intervention group received the extracted breast milk cell fractions (BMCFs) of their own mother’s milk after being centrifuged in the first 6 to 12 h after birth. The control group received routine care, and breastfeeding was started as soon as tolerated in both groups. Study outcomes were necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), death, and in-hospital complications.ResultsWe divided participants into two groups: 75 neonates in the intervention group and 81 neonates in the control group. The mean birthweight of neonates was 1390.1 ± 314.4 g, and 19 (12.2%) neonates deceased during their in-hospital stay. The incidence of NEC was similar in both groups. After adjustment for possible confounders in the multivariable model, receiving BMCFs were independently associated with lower in-hospital mortality (5 [26.3%] vs. 70 (51.1%]; odds ratio (OR): 0.24; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.07, 0.86). Also, in a subgroup analysis of neonates with birthweight less than 1500 g, in-hospital mortality was significantly lower in the intervention group (4 [9.5%] vs. 13 [30.2%]; OR: 0.24; 95% CI 0.07, 0.82). There were no differences in major complications such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia and retinopathy of prematurity between the two groups. No adverse effects occurred.ConclusionsOur research demonstrated a significantly lower mortality rate in neonates (with a birthweight of ≤1800 g) who received breast milk cell fractions on the first day of life. Since this is a novel method with minimal intervention, we are looking forward to developing and evaluating this method in larger studies.Trial registrationIIranian Registry of Clinical Trials. Registered 25 May 2019, IRCT20190228042868N1.

Early discharge and hospital-assisted home care is associated with better neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants

AimsTo compare hospital-assisted neonatal home care and standard hospital care for preterm newborns on neurodevelopment at 2 years corrected age, as well as duration of hospitalization, breastmilk rates, and readmissions before 1 year. MethodsThis observational study enrolled 415 inborn neonates <34+ 6 weeks that received home care (2008 to 2015) in the French University Hospital of Toulouse and 3186 neonates from the national cohort of infants discharged in 2011 that received standard hospital neonatal care (EPIPAGE 2). Neurodevelopment at 2 years was assessed with the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3 (ASQ-3). ResultsAt two years corrected age, infants in home care had 61% less risk of overall low ASQ ≤220 (OR = 0.4 [0.3–0.5], p < 0.001) and 31–80% less risk of low scores in four out of five domains compared to standard care. Home care was associated with shorter hospital stays (− 9 days; p < 0.001), higher breastmilk rates at final discharge (OR = 3.6 [2.8–4.6], p < 0.001 for singletons and OR = 2.3 [1.6–3.1], p < 0.001 for multiples), and more breastmilk feeding for at least six months (OR = 1.8 [1.3–2.3], p < 0.001 for singletons, OR = 3.6 [2.1–6.3], p < 0.001 for multiples). Readmissions also occurred less frequently with home care than with standard care, except for twins (OR = 0.7 [0.6–0.8], p < 0.001). ConclusionHospital-assisted neonatal home care for preterm infants was associated with better neurodevelopment at 2 years corrected age, shorter duration of hospitalization, and higher rates of breastmilk feeding at 6 months.

Breastmilk Feeding during the First 4 to 6 Months of Age and Childhood Disease Burden until 10 Years of Age.

Background: Breastfeeding is recommended due to its beneficial effects on human health. However, the effect of breastfeeding on health differs, resulting in various childhood diseases. Objective: Our purpose was to investigate the association between breastfeeding at least in the first 4 months and the subsequent development of 15 certainly defined childhood diseases until 10 years of age, the all-cause hospitalization rate and growth at 6–7 years of age. Methods: Participants included propensity-score matched 188,052 children born between January 2008 and December 2009, who were followed up till 10 years of age. Data were taken from the National Investigation of birth Cohort in Korea study 2008 database. Risk ratios were obtained using a modified Poisson regression and weighted risk differences using binomial regression. Results: Compared to formula feeding, breastfeeding was associated with decreased risks of febrile convulsion, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder, pneumonia, acute bronchiolitis, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, asthma, all-cause hospitalization, overweight/obesity and short stature. Exclusive breastfeeding at 4 to 6 months of age had similar results to exclusive breastfeeding over 6 months of age. Conclusions: Breastfeeding in early infancy reduces the risk for various childhood diseases, all-cause hospitalization rate, obesity, and short stature during childhood.

Influence of Nutrition and Maternal Bonding on Postnatal Lung Development in the Newborn Pig.

BackgroundMicrobial colonization and immune cell maturation coincide at mucosal sites and are decisive for postnatal lung development. How external factors influence neonatal pulmonary immune development is poorly understood.ObjectiveTo elucidate the impact of key determinants in early life, nutrition, and maternal bonding, on postnatal lung maturation in a human-relevant animal model. To investigate the underlying immunological changes of impaired lung maturation and study the mechanisms of conversion.MethodsNewborn piglets were kept with or without isolation from their mothers and fed bovine milk-based infant formula or received milk of sow. Lung growth, histomorphology, respiratory immune responses, and lung microbiota were analyzed. Mother- and sow-milk-deprived piglets received maternal material or were reintroduced to the maternal environment at varying intervals to study options for reversal.ResultsFormula feeding combined with isolation of newborn piglets resulted in disturbed postnatal lung maturation. Reduced lung growth correlated with dampened IL-33 expression, impaired lung myeloid cell activation, and decreased Th1 differentiation, along with diminished richness and diversity of the lung microbiota. Transfer of bacteria-enriched maternal material reversed the negative effects on pulmonary immune maturation. Early (within 3 days) but not late (within 7 days) reintroduction to the mother allowed restoration of normal lung development.ConclusionOur findings reveal that lung growth, respiratory immunity, and microbial lung colonization in newborns depend on postnatal diet and maternal contact, and targeting these key regulators could promote lung development during this critical life stage.SummaryDisturbances in natural diet and reduced maternal contact during the neonatal period impair postnatal lung maturation. In pediatrics, timely breast milk feeding and intensive maternal bonding represent valuable intervention measures to promote early postnatal lung development.

High levels of breastmilk feeding despite a low rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months in a cohort of vulnerable women in Toronto, Canada.

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) for 6 months is a global public health goal, but measuring its achievement as a marker of population breastmilk feeding practices is insufficient. Additional measures are needed to understand variation in non‐EBF practices and inform intervention priorities. We collected infant feeding data prospectively at seven time points to 6 months post‐partum from a cohort of vulnerable women (n = 151) registered at two Canada Prenatal Nutrition Program sites in Toronto, Canada. Four categories of breastmilk feeding intensity were defined. Descriptive analyses included the (i) proportion of participants in each feeding category by time point, (ii) use of formula and non‐formula supplements to breastmilk, (iii) proportion of participants practising EBF continuously for at least 3 months; and (iv) frequency of transitions between feeding categories. All participants initiated breastmilk feeding with 70% continuing for 6 months. Only 18% practised EBF for 6 months, but 48% did so for at least 3 continuous months. The proportion in the EBF category was highest from 2 to 4 months post‐partum. Supplemental formula use was highest in the first 3 months; early introduction of solids and non‐formula fluids further compromised EBF at 5 and 6 months post‐partum. Most participants (75%) transitioned between categories of breastmilk feeding intensity, with 35% making two or more transitions. Our data show high levels of breastmilk provision despite a low rate of EBF for 6 months. Inclusion of similar analyses in future prospective studies is recommended to provide more nuanced reporting of breastmilk feeding practices and guide intervention designs.

MFGM components promote gut Bifidobacterium growth in infant and in vitro.

Infant gut microbiota which plays an important role in long-term health is mainly shaped by early life nutrition. However, the effect of nutrients on infants gut microbiota is less researched. Here, we present a study aiming to investigate in vitro a modified formula that is supplemented with milk fat globule membrane (MFGM) that were missing in common formulas when compared with human milk and to assess the impact of feeding scheme on microbiota and metabolism. A total of 44 infants including 16 from breast milk feeding, 13 from common formula feeding and 15 from modified formula feeding were analyzed, and A cross-sectional sampling of fecal and urine was done at 1month-of-age. Stool microbiota composition was characterized using high-throughput DNA sequencing, and urinary metabolome was profiled by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). In vitro growth experiment of Bifidobacterium with key components from MFGM was performed and analyzed by both DNA and RNA. Stool samples from the infants who were breastfed had a higher relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and a lower relative abundance of Escherichia than the formula-fed infants. The stool microbiome shifts were associated with urine metabolites changes. Three substances including lactadherin, sialic acid and phospholipid, key components of MFGM were significantly positively correlated to Bifidobacterium of stool samples from infants, and stimulated the growth rate of Bifidobacterium significantly by provided energy in vitro growth experiment with RNA analysis. These findings suggest that the key components from MFGM could improve infants' health by modulating the gut microbiome, and possibly supporting the growth of Bifidobacterium. Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02658500 (registered on January 20, 2016).

EFEKTIVITAS PEPAYA (Carica Papaya L) TERHADAP KELANCARAN PRODUKSI ASI PADA IBU MENYUSUI

Breast milk is breast milk that contains optimal nutrition, both in quantity and quality, however, in fact, the coverage of breast milk in Indonesia is not in accordance with the expected target, namely 80%, like in 2011 the coverage of breast milk in Indonesia was 61.50%. Young papaya is a natural plant acts as a lactogum because it can increase and facilitate the production of breast milk. The purpose of this research is to determine the effectiveness of young papaya (carica papaya L) on the smooth production of mother's milk breastfeeding. This type of research used quantitative with quasi experiments. This research conducted in The working area of ​​Puskesmas Sentajo Raya Teluk Kuantan in 2020. The population in this study were all mothers 81 breastfeeding children under 6 months of age who are in the Work Area Sentajo Raya Puskesmas and a sample of 15 people. The sampling technique used consecutive sampling. Univariate and bivariate data analysis Bivariate analysis was performed using thetest Wilcoxon. Research result It was found that the effectiveness of young papaya on the smooth production of breast milk, with a p value &lt;α, namely 0.001 &lt;(0.05). It is recommended to health workers at the Sentajo Raya puskesmas to increase knowledge regarding non-pharmacological therapy in increasing breast milk production, especially the effectiveness of young papaya against smoothness of breast milk in nursing mothers.

Effectiveness of an information booklet on knowledge regarding breastfeeding among mothers of under two-years children

Background: The basic food of infant is mother’s milk. Breastfeeding is the most effective way to provide a baby with a caring environment and complete food. It meets the nutritional as well as emotional and psychological needs of the infant. But there is tendency to replace the natural means of infant feeding and introduction of breast milk substitutes. So, breastfeeding deserves encouragement from all concerned in the welfare of children.Methods: A quantitative evaluative research approach and Quasi experimental one group pre-test post-test design was used. By using purposive sampling technique total 65 mothers of under two years children admitted in selected wards i.e.; pediatric and maternity ward at V.P.I.M.S., Lucknow, were selected to assess the effectiveness of an information booklet on knowledge regarding breastfeeding. Written permission was obtained from the authorities of Vivekananda Polyclinic and Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, where the study was conducted.Results: In pre-test the majority of mothers, 50.80% had moderate knowledge, 40.00% of mothers had inadequate knowledge whereas 9.20% of mothers had adequate knowledge. In post-test majority 92.30% mothers had adequate knowledge, 7.70% mothers had moderate knowledge whereas none of the mothers had inadequate knowledge.Conclusions: The study concluded that after the distribution of information booklet on knowledge regarding breastfeeding mothers of under two-years children have gained their knowledge.

Recommendations to promote breast milk feeding and enhance nutritional care for preterm infants in the Asia-Pacific region: highlights from a roundtable discussion of key opinion leaders

Introduction: Preterm infants are vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies, thus optimal nutrition is crucial in promoting growth among these infants. However, socio-cultural complexities and limited resources in the Asia-Pacific demands a judicious approach in implementing nutritional care that is pragmatic to align with current evidence-based recommendations. Methods: A roundtable meeting was held in Jakarta in 2017 for key opinion leaders in neonatology from the AsiaPacific to discuss issues when delivering nutritional care in this region and the unique circumstances encountered. Results: Priority areas discussed include: (i) breast milk feeding, (ii) donor milk bank/sharing, (iii) human milk fortification, and (iv) nutrient-enriched breast milk substitutes. Socio-cultural practices impeding breastfeeding, insufficient maternity leave, the religious issue of milk kinship, and limited availability of specialty nutritional care products were among the most challenging factors. Conclusion: The group proposed recommendations to enhance breastfeeding uptake, accessibility to a complete portfolio of specialty nutritional care products, and encouraging more active collaborations to engage policy makers in addressing these contemporary issues.

Association between expressed breast milk feeding and breastfeeding duration in Hong Kong mothers

BackgroundExpressed breast milk feeding has increased substantially in the past two decades. Once used primarily for preterm infants, feeding expressed breast milk is now more common in mothers giving birth to healthy term infants. However, the effect of expressed breast milk feeding on breastfeeding duration is unclear. ObjectivesTo assess the association between breast milk expression practices and breastfeeding duration in women giving birth to healthy infants. MethodsFrom 2017 to 2018, we recruited 821 new mothers from two public hospitals in Hong Kong. Participants were followed up at 1.5, 3, and 6 months postpartum or until they stopped breastfeeding. The proportion, type, and mode of all milk feeding were assessed at each follow-up. ResultsAt 1.5 months postpartum, 47.9%, 37.7%, and 14.4% of participants were feeding by direct breastfeeding only, mixed-mode feeding, and expressed breast milk only, respectively. Participants feeding expressed breast milk only were more likely to be supplementing with infant formula. When compared with participants who provided only direct breastfeeding, participants who gave only expressed breast milk at 1.5 months had 57% lower odds of breastfeeding continuation at three months postpartum. After stratification by infant formula supplementation, expressed breast milk feeding only at 1.5 months was associated with an increased risk of breastfeeding cessation in participants supplementing with infant formula (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.17–2.95). ConclusionIn the first six months postpartum, giving only expressed breast milk is associated with early breastfeeding cessation, especially in participants who are also supplementing with infant formula.

Impact of cesarean section on timely initiation of breastfeeding in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundTimely initiation of breastfeeding is feeding of breast milk within one hour of birth, however, three in five babies were not breastfed in the first hour of birth globally. There is evidence that cesarean section is the major constraint for this low prevalence, but the impact of cesarean section on timely initiation of breastfeeding in Ethiopia is limited. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to provide evidence for policy makers, health professionals and program implementers.MethodsThis systematic review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Electronic bibliographic databases such as PubMed/Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINHAL, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct and Cochrane Library were used to search relevant studies and was conducted up to February 2021. Random effects model meta-analysis was applied to estimate the pooled impact of cesarean section on timely initiation of breastfeeding with 95% confidence intervals (CI). I2 statistical test and, funnel plot and Egger’s test were used to check heterogeneity and publication bias across included studies respectively.ResultsAccording to meta-analysis of 17 studies, the pooled estimate of timely initiation of breastfeeding among women who had cesarean section in Ethiopia was 40.1% (95% CI 33.29, 46.92). The meta-analysis of 29,919 study participants showed that cesarean section was associated with a 79% lower odds of timely initiation of breastfeeding compared with vaginal birth (OR 0.21; 95% CI 0.16, 0.28).ConclusionsIn Ethiopia, almost only one-third of mothers who gave birth by cesarean section initiate breastfeeding within one hour of birth, much lower than the pooled prevalence among general population. Special health promotion, intervention and healthcare provider support during immediate or early skin to skin contact, and having focused breastfeeding guidelines for post-operative patient and trained health professionals should be considered for mothers who give birth through cesarean section.

SARS-CoV-2 Transmission Risk through Expressed Breast Milk Feeding in Neonates Born to COVID 19 Positive Mothers: A Prospective Observational Study

Background: Mother-to-child transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a matter of great concern in post-partum wards and neonatal units. With little prior experience of this novel infection, there are contradictory findings in the literature regarding breastfeeding androoming-in for newborns of mothers with COVID-19 disease. To assess the transmission risk of SARS-CoV- 2 in neonates who were fed expressed breast milk of COVID-19 positive mothers. Methods: This prospective study included 16 neonates born to COVID-19 positive mothers. The neonates were nursed in a neonatal unit separate from their mother. Expressed breast milk was fed by health care givers ensuring proper safety measures. Nasal and throat swabs of neonates were tested twice for SARS CoV-2, firstly, at 48 h of life and secondly, before discharge. Results: Pneumonia was present in 3 (20%) mothers, and C- reactive protein was raised in 9 (60 %) mothers. Birth weight was low in 8 (50%) neonates. Respiratory distress syndrome and meconium aspiration syndrome were present in two and one newborns, respectively. Nasal and throat swabs of all 16 newborns tested negative for SARS-CoV- 2 infection twice, at 48 h of life and before discharge. Conclusion: Expressed breast milk feeding can be considered safe in neonates born to COVID-19 positive mothers. Even sick mothers with COVID-19 can continue to express breast milk after ensuring proper safety measures.

The effect of hospital phototherapy on early breastmilk feeding.

The effect of phototherapy on breastmilk feeding is unclear. To estimate the effect of inpatient phototherapy on breastmilk feeding at 2-month well-child visits. We performed a retrospective cohort study using electronic health record data. From births at 16Kaiser Permanente Northern California hospitals (2013-2017), we identified a cohort of infants≥35weeks' gestation with total serum bilirubin levels close to the American Academy of Pediatrics 2004 phototherapy threshold during their birth hospitalisation. We compared self-reported breastmilk feeding at 2-month well-child visits among those who had and had not received birth hospitalisation phototherapy, adjusting for bilirubin levels and other confounding variables. We used multiple imputation (K=200) to address missing data. Approximately a quarter of infants in the cohort (24.5%) received phototherapy during their birth hospitalisation. At the 2-month visit, exclusive breastmilk feeding was less common (RR 0.91, 95% interval [CI] 0.88, 0.95) among those who received phototherapy (41.3%) than those who did not (45.2%). However, no association remained after adjusting for potential confounders (RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.95, 1.04; average treatment effect on the treated [ATET] -0.2%, 95% CI -2.0%, 1.5%). In contrast, any breastmilk feeding was similar between infants who did (76.8%) and did not get phototherapy (77.9%). After adjusting for confounders, phototherapy had a slightly positive association with any breastmilk feeding at 2months (RR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00, 1.04). Among infants who received phototherapy, the proportion being fed any breastmilk at the 2-month visit was an estimated 1.6 percentage points higher than it would have been if they had not received phototherapy (ATET 1.6%, 95% CI 0.1%, 3.1%). Multiple imputation results were similar. Birth hospitalisation phototherapy can be delivered in a way that does not adversely affect breastmilk feeding at 2months.