Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool Research Articles

Factors associated with breastfeeding rates at 1 month of age: Focusing on newborn feeding behaviours in a Japanese maternity hospital.

This study investigated the relationship between newborn feeding behaviour and feeding type among month-old babies and explored maternal and neonatal factors associated with breastfeeding rates at 1 month of age. This observational study was conducted in Japan with healthy mothers and full-term newborns. Newborn feeding behaviours were assessed using the Japanese Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) within approximately 1 day of birth. Obstetric and newborn characteristics, including newborn feeding behaviours, were investigated in relation feeding type (breast milk or mixed milk) at 1 month of age. This study included 176 mother-newborn pairs. IBFAT scores were significantly higher in the breast-milk group (Median (M) = 10.5, Interquartile Ranges (IQR): 9.0-11.0) than in the mixed-milk group (M = 10.0, IQR: 7.5-11.0) (P = 0.046). Additionally, the sucking pattern of breastfeeding was showing a greater distribution of higher scores in the breast-milk group (M = 2.0, IQR: 2.0-2.5) than in the mixed-milk group (M = 2.0, IQR: 1.5-2.5) (P = 0.015). Compared to mothers who received epidural analgesia or synthetic oxytocin, primiparas who did not receive them were more likely to breastfeed (epidural analgesia: (33.3% vs. 65.8%, P = 0.004); synthetic oxytocin: (42.0% vs. 78.6%, P = 0.018)). For multiparas, Apgar and IBFAT scores were associated with feeding type at 1 month of age. This study found that newborns' effective and sustained sucking within 1 day of birth is an important factor for breastfeeding at 1 month of age. When assessing feeding type, maternal factors such as epidural analgesia should be the focus for primiparas, while neonatal factors such as feeding behaviour should be prioritised for multiparas.

Longer skin-to-skin contact after birth enhances breastfeeding quality and duration: A cohort study.

Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) immediately after birth may improve breastfeeding outcomes. This study explored the effect of the duration of SSC in the delivery room on breastfeeding quality and duration. In this prospective observational cohort study, mother-infant pairs practising SSC were categorised into two groups based on SSC duration (≤45 or >45 min). Outcomes included breastfeeding quality in the delivery room and at 24 h of age assessed by the Infant-Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) score, and long-term breastfeeding duration up to 6 months while accounting for potential confounding variables. The study included 72 mother-infant pairs. SSC for more than 45 min was significantly correlated with longer immediate breastfeeding (65 vs. 19 min, p < 0.001) and higher breastfeeding quality scores immediately after birth (IBFAT score of 10 vs. 7, p < 0.001). Regarding the long-term effect, infants in the extended SSC group were breastfed longer (5.2 vs. 3.7 months, p = 0.005) and had exclusive breastfeeding (4.7 vs. 2.7 months, p > 0.001). No significant confounding variables were identified. Extended SSC (>45 min) correlated with prolonged, higher-quality breastfeeding after birth and longer successful breastfeeding.

Factors associated with feeding behavior in the early neonatal period focusing on early skin-to-skin contact and epidural analgesia: A prospective observational study at a single hospital in Japan

BackgroundThe feeding behavior of newborns is influenced by the conditions of both the mother and newborn before and after birth. AimsThis study aimed to investigate the factors associated with newborn feeding behavior, focusing on skin-to-skin contact (SSC) as a promoting factor and epidural analgesia as an inhibiting factor, using the Japanese version of the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT). Study DesignProspective observational study conducted in Japan. ParticipantsA total of 176 pairs of healthy mothers and their healthy full-term newborns. Outcome MeasuresThe primary outcome was newborn feeding behaviors measured using the Japanese version of IBFAT within about one day of birth. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to explore the relationship between IBFAT scores and variables that might influence newborn feeding behavior. ResultsMultiple regression analysis revealed that lower IBFAT scores were associated with a higher dose of epidural fentanyl (β = −0.40), and higher IBFAT scores were associated with a longer duration of SSC (β = 0.26), even after adjusting for gestational weeks and Apgar scores. The dose and duration of synthetic oxytocin administration were not associated with IBFAT scores in the multivariate analysis. ConclusionsOur study showed a dose-dependent relationship between fentanyl and SSC, suggesting that consistently implementing SSC for the maximum duration possible may enhance newborn feeding behaviors, which are reduced by fentanyl administration.

Effect of Delayed Cord Clamping on Breastfeeding Behaviors During the First Breastfeed: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Objective: Delayed cord clamping (DCC) may increase the success of breastfeeding by improving neurological and cardiovascular function in neonates. In this study, we investigated the impact of DCC on breastfeeding behaviors, neonatal activity status, and maternal satisfaction during the first breastfeeding. Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary hospital in Turkey with 100 term infants delivered by elective cesarean section with spinal anesthesia. The participants were randomly assigned to the early cord clamping (ECC) group or DCC group. The Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) was used to assess infant alertness, breastfeeding behaviors, and maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding within the first 2 hours of life. Results: Scores on the IBFAT were significantly higher in the DCC group compared with the ECC group (p = 0.02). Maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding did not differ between the groups (p = 0.3). Infant alertness tended to be better in the DCC group, but the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.08). Conclusion: The results of this study indicated that DCC was associated with more favorable breastfeeding behaviors compared with ECC.

The Effect of Alternating Application of Cold and Hot Compresses on Reduction of Breast Engorgement Among Lactating Mothers.

Breast engorgement is a common issue that affects breastfeeding initiation and continuation. Engorgement can cause exhaustion, making it difficult to care for and feed the infant, and it can cause a mother to wean her baby before she intends to initiate breastfeeding. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of the alternating application of cold and hot compresses in reducing breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Design, sample size and setting: A quasi-experimental study design is used to conduct this study. A purposeful sample of 100 lactating mothers was screened in the postnatal ward for the presence of breast engorgement. The 100 mothers with engorgement were divided into two equal groups of 50 mothers each - the first group (the intervention) and the second group (the control) - at the postnatal ward of King Abdulaziz Hospital-National Guard in Alahsa City. Sampling and tools: The data collection was conducted over five months, from January 2023 until May 2023. Data collection was done through a structured interview questionnaire sheet. The questionnaire was divided into six parts: socio-demographic data, obstetric and initial women assessment, the six-point engorgement scale (SPES), the visual analog scale (VAS), the LATCH breastfeeding charting scale, and the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT). The present study found no statistically significant difference between the study intervention and control groupsin breast engorgement, LATCH level, or overall level of breastfeeding assessment before the intervention. While, in terms of breast engorgement, pain level, attachment, and LATCH, the overall levels of infant breastfeeding assessment across study time had a statistically significant variance among the study and control groups after the intervention at p values=<0.001. The alternating application of cold and hot compresses can have a significant role in reducing breast engorgement among lactating mothers. Women should be encouraged to use hot compresses and cold gel packs as an alternative treatment to reduce engorgement and promote comfort. In addition, the study results can be utilized to aid Saudi Arabian nurses and midwives in understanding the advantages of applying a cold gel pack and a hot compress and to decrease levels of engorgement, improve latch, and relieve discomfort.

Study of Different Breastfeeding Parameters by Using Breastfeeding Assessment Tools in Urban Tertiary Care Hospital

Background: In India, only 56% of mothers breastfeed exclusively for the first six months, as recommended. Given India’s extraordinarily high rates of preterm births, infant mortality, neonatal deaths and maternal fatalities, exclusive breastfeeding becomes even more crucial. There are many advantages of breastfeeding, but there are lots of barriers that need to be addressed. These problems need a proper objective assessment. Aims: To assess optimum positioning and attachment in mother-infant dyads, infant breastfeeding behaviour in the early neonatal period and early breastfeeding skills in mothers. Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in the postnatal ward of a tertiary care hospital. In total, 208 full-term neonates (Age - 24 hours to 7 days) who were admitted to a postnatal ward of a tertiary care hospital and who were on direct breastfeeding were observed for breastfeeding. Objective assessment of breastfeeding was done by using the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, Infant Breast-Feeding Assessment tool and LATCH tool. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version 25 with appropriate statistical tests. Result: For the BBAT tool, 110 (52.9%) infants were well supported while feeding and 118 (56.7%) had proper latching or attachment. For IBFAT Score Analysis, 109 (52.4%) infants were effective vigorous feeders and 95 (45.7%) and 4 (1.9%) were moderately effective feeders and poor feeders, respectively. For LATCH Score Analysis, 173 (83.2%) mother-infant dyads achieved a high score and 35 (16.8%) achieved moderate score. Conclusion: Objective assessment of breastfeeding by using these tools will help to identify the problem related to breastfeeding for both baby and mother. Addressing a particular problem in a timely manner will help the mother and the baby to establish, initiate and sustain exclusive breastfeeding. Caesarean-delivered mothers as well as primiparous mothers both needed more focused counselling for breastfeeding positioning, motivation for early initiation breastfeeding, a strong supportive relationship, adequate assistance during the early neonatal period for breastfeeding and proper guidance to sustain exclusive breastfeeding.

The Impact of Breast Crawl on the Effectiveness of Breastfeeding in the First 48 Hours: A Quasi-experimental Study

Background Breast crawl is known to be the most natural, spontaneous, and logical method of initiating breastfeeding; however, not practiced routinely in many labor rooms. Objective The study’s primary objective was to examine the effect of breast crawl on breastfeeding in the first 48 hours. Method 60 mother-infant dyads were included. Thirty infants were assigned to either Group 1 (breast crawl) or Group 2 (standard care) using a quasi-experimental design. All babies were observed for 1 hour. A blinded investigator did the LATCH (Latch Audible Swallowing Type of Nipple Comfort Hold) score and IBFAT (Infant Breast Feeding Assessment Tool) score at 24 and 48 hours. Result Out of 30 babies in the breast crawl group, 25 (83.3%) successfully completed breast crawl. 20 (80%) of 25 babies completed breast crawl within 45 minutes, and 5 (20%) completed within 60 minutes. LATCH and IBFAT scores were significantly higher in the breast crawl group than in the standard care group at 24 and 48 hours ( p &gt; .01). Scores were significantly higher after 48 hours compared to 24 hours in both groups ( p &gt; .01). Conclusion Most babies in the study successfully crawled the breast and took their first feed within 60 minutes. The breast crawl group had better LATCH and IBFAT scores, indicating a positive impact in the early postnatal period.

Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool

ObjectiveTo translate the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) into Japanese and confirm the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of IBFAT. DesignThe methodological study examining the reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the IBFAT. SettingA maternity hospital in Tokyo. ParticipantsTen mother-newborn pairs were recruited for the reliability analysis. 101 mother-newborn pairs were recruited for the validity analysis. Measurements and findingsReliability was verified by video recording and direct observation. The observers are one researcher, and 11 evaluators consisting of midwives and nurses. Amongst the 11 evaluators, six evaluators directly observed breastfeeding behaviours and five evaluators observed breastfeeding behaviours through video viewing. Regarding the inter-rater agreement, the intraclass correlation (ICC) between the researcher and six direct evaluators was 0.985 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.941–0.996) and that amongst five video viewing evaluators was 0.827 (95% CI: 0.647–0.945). In the intra-rater agreement, the lowest ICC amongst all those investigating IBFAT scores was 0.810 (95% CI: 0.433–0.948). In concurrent validity, the correlation coefficients between the IBFAT and Breastfeeding behaviour Assessment (BBA) scores on the first day after birth and the fourth or fifth day after birth (at discharge) were 0.66 (p < 0.001) and 0.40 (p < 0.001), respectively. In predictive validity, the medians and interquartile ranges (IQRs) of IBFAT scores at discharge were 11.0 (IQR: 11.0–12.0) and 11.0 (IQR: 11.0–12.0) for the breast and mixed milk groups at one-month check-up, respectively. While both median values were the same, the Mann-Whitney U test showed a significant difference. Key conclusionsThe Japanese version of the IBFAT is valid and reliable for measuring feeding behaviour amongst newborns in the first week of life. Implications for practiceThe Japanese version of the IBFAT can be available both in a clinical setting and in research to help support breastfeeding.

Severity and prevalence of ankyloglossia-associated breastfeeding symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To evaluate breastfeeding symptoms associated with ankyloglossia/tongue-tie. Databases included PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Eligible studies reported baseline breastfeeding symptoms/severity from tongue-tied infants. Two reviewers independently screened studies, extracted data, and assessed quality. Low-quality studies were excluded. Main outcomes were weighted mean severity scores for dyads with ankyloglossia relative to reference values for successful breastfeeding. Meta-analyses used inverse-variance-weighted random-effects models. Of 1328 screened studies, 39 were included (5730 infants with ankyloglossia). The mean LATCH score for patients with untreated ankyloglossia, 7.1 (95% CI: 6.7-7.4), was significantly below the good-breastfeeding threshold. The mean Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool score, 10.0 (8.2-11.7), was not significantly below the good-breastfeeding threshold. The mean Infant-Gastroesophageal Reflux Questionnaire-Revised score, 18.2 (10.5-26.0), was consistent with gastroesophageal reflux disease. The mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form score, 43.7 (39.3-48.1), indicated significant risk of cessation of exclusive breastfeeding within 1-3 months. Mean nipple pain was 4.9 (4.1-5.7) on a 0-10 scale, greater than typical scores for breastfeeding mothers without nipple damage. Total prevalence of breastfeeding difficulties was 49.3% (95% CI: 47.3-51.4%). Early, undesired weaning occurred in 20.3% (18.5-22.2%) of cases before intervention. Ankyloglossia is adversely associated with breastfeeding success and maternal well-being.

Comparison of Kangaroo Mother Care with Conventional Care in Newborns in Terms of Frequency of Successful First Breastfeeding and Time to Initiate Breast Feeding

Objective: To compare kangaroo mother care with conventional care in newborns regarding the frequency of successful first breastfeeding and time to initiate breastfeeding.&#x0D; Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Departments of Pediatrics and obstetrics CMH Bahawalpur from Feb 2019 to Jun 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: 120 infant-mother couples were included in the study. Sixty infant-mother couples were randomly allocated to each group (120 infants). Group A was nursed with kangaroo mother care (KMC), and Group B was nursed with conventional care (CC). The frequency of the first successful feed was assessed, and the time taken to initiate breastfeeding was documented.&#x0D; Results: There was no statistically significant difference in weight, gestational age and gender distribution between the two groups. 65 (54.25%) infants had successful first breastfeeding in the study population. 38 (63.3%) of the infants had first successful breastfeeding as per the Infant Breast feeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) in group A (KMC) as compared to 27 (45%) in group B (Conventional Care). The difference between the two groups was statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.044. Mean time for first successful breastfeeding was significantly less for the KMC group as compared to the conventional group with a p-value of &lt;0.001. Kangaroo mother care resulted in a higher frequency of successful first feed, and meantime for initiation of feeding was also less than conventional care.

Relationship Between Antenatal Maternal Anxiety and Feeding Behavior and Physiological Parameters of Neonates in Cesarean Section Mothers: A Cross-sectional Study

Background: Anxiety is one of the most common psychological disorders in pregnancy. It seems that a pregnant mother’s anxiety has adverse effects on physical growth, motor development, and breastfeeding behavior in her baby. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between feeding behavior and physiological parameters of neonates with antenatal maternal anxiety in cesarean section mothers. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, with a multiple regression analysis method for each variable, 10 samples were selected based on consumptive sampling, and total 101 people were selected. Data were collected using Spielberger’s questionnaire for mothers’ anxiety before delivery, and Standard Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool for nutritional behavior, and physiological parameters of newborns was completed within 48 hours after delivery. Independent and dependent t-test and Pearson correlation coefficient tests were used to analyze the data using SPSS software version 16. Results: The mean total anxiety (state and trait) was 90.02 ± 18. 09. Pearson correlation test showed that there was no significant relationship between the two anxiety variables with the mean nutritional behavior of the neonates and the anxiety with the physiological parameters of the newborn. Conclusions: There was no significant relationship between anxiety and physiological parameters and nutritional behavior of infants. Further studies with a larger sample size are recommended in the area of psychosocial support around delivery and the effect of mothers’ anxiety on the infants’ nutritional behaviors and physiological parameters.

Effects of Immediate Skin-to-Skin Contact on Maternal and Neonatal Physiological Outcomes after Cesarean delivery

Context: Skin-to-Skin Contact (SSC) immediately after cesarean section uncommon in Egypt. It is anticipated that this type of care is a successful approach for both maternal and neonatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of immediate skin to skin contact on maternal and neonatal physiological outcomes after cesarean delivery. Methods: A Quasi-experimental design was utilized at the operative delivery and postpartum unit at El-kasr El-Ainy and El -Manial university hospitals, Egypt. A purposive sample of 100 primiparous women who underwent elective CS and their newborns (100) were included and divided into study and control groups. Six tools were used to collect data of this study, 1) characteristics of the studied mothers. 2) Newborns' medical records, 3) Infant breastfeeding assessment tool, 4) Successful breastfeeding assessment tool, 5) Maternal satisfaction self-report questionnaire and 6) Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Results: 96% of neonates in the study group manifested no signs of hypothermia compared to 58% of the control group. There was highly statistical significant differences between both groups regarding the total mean pain score after 6 hrs. from cesarean delivery. Also, regarding total mean score of successful breastfeeding (11.68 ± 2.19 & 9.62 ± 2.41) in the study and control group respectively. Conclusion: the present study concluded that implementation of an immediate skin to skin contact after cesarean delivery had a significant effect on maternal and newborn physiological outcomes. Recommendations. Skin to skin contact nursing intervention should be importantly applied in all maternity units in each hospital immediately after cesarean deliveries for its great benefits.

Epidural Analgesia With or Without Oxytocin, but Not Oxytocin Alone, Administered During Birth Disturbs Infant Pre-feeding and Sucking Behaviors and Maternal Oxytocin Levels in Connection With a Breastfeed Two Days Later.

Aims This work aimed to study consequences of medical interventions in connection with birth on infant pre-feeding and feeding behaviors and on maternal oxytocin levels in connection with a breastfeed 2 days later.Materials and Methods Mothers and their full-term newborns (n = 41) were videotaped during a breastfeed 2 days after birth. Duration and quality of rooting [Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT)] were assessed. Maternal blood samples were collected, oxytocin levels were analyzed, and mean oxytocin level and variance were calculated. Data on medical interventions during birth, number of breastfeedings, and infant weight loss since birth were recorded. Data were analyzed using logistic regression models.Results The duration of infant rooting was significantly shorter when the mother had received epidural analgesia. The shorter the duration of infant rooting, the more often infants had breastfed and the greater was the infant weight loss since birth. Mothers with epidural analgesia with oxytocin had the lowest oxytocin mean levels in connection with a breastfeed. Oxytocin variance correlated positively with quality of rooting and correlated negatively with infant weight loss. In the control group alone, we found similar patterns of associations with oxytocin levels.Conclusion Epidural analgesia and epidural analgesia with oxytocin infusion in connection with birth negatively influenced infant rooting behavior and maternal mean oxytocin levels, respectively. Oxytocin infusion alone was without effect. The data also suggest that infants who suck well stimulate oxytocin release more efficiently, as expressed by a high oxytocin variance, leading to a better stimulation of milk production and consequently to a reduced infant weight loss 2 days after birth.

The Effect of Oketani Breast Massage on Successful Breastfeeding, Mothers' Need for Breastfeeding Support, and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy: an Experimental Study.

BackgroundThe negative effects of cesarean section on breastfeeding are a major global concern.PurposeThis study aimed to determine the effect of Oketani breast massage on the maternal need for support during breastfeeding, breastfeeding success, and breastfeeding self-efficacy.SettingThree hospitals affiliated to Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences in Tehran, Iran, from April to July 2019.Study DesignThe participants in this experimental study were 113 pregnant women who were candidates for cesarean section. The mothers were selected using convenience sampling and randomly assigned. In addition to routine care, the mothers in the intervention group received Oketani breast massages twice. However, the mothers in the control group received routine care. The data were collected using the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT), LATCH Assessment Score, and the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale (BSES). The data were analyzed with SPSS 20 software via the independent samples t test, the Mann–Whitney U test, and the chi-square test.ResultsThe results of the study suggested that the breastfeeding success rate, which was evaluated with IBFAT in both the first two breastfeeding stages and the last pre-discharge breastfeeding, was significantly higher for the mothers in the intervention group (p < .001). In addition, the mother’s need for support, which was evaluated with LATCH in the first two breastfeeding stages (p = .044) and the last pre-discharge breastfeeding (p < .001) in the intervention group, was less. The total number of breastfeeding sessions from birth to discharge was higher in the intervention group (p = .002). Furthermore, the mothers in the intervention group breastfed their infants in a significantly shorter time interval (p = .002). Breastfeeding self-efficacy, according to the BSES, was significantly higher in the mothers of the intervention group (p < .001).ConclusionOketani massage can be used as a care intervention by nurses to improve breastfeeding in mothers who undergo cesarean sections.

Duration of Breastfeeding in Late Preterm Infants: Maternal and Infant Factors.

More than 550,000 late preterm infants are born each year in Indonesia. These infants, born between 340/7-366/7 weeks, have more complications than term infants. Breastfeeding is considered the most optimal nutrition for newborn infants. Two groups of factors are important for successful breastfeeding: infant and maternal factors. The infant factors can be evaluated using the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool and the maternal aspects with the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form. To determine whether the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool or the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form was more predictive of successful breastfeeding among late preterm infants. This study was conducted in the Academic Teaching Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia in March-July 2017. Mothers who delivered their infant between a gestational age of 340/7 and 366/7 weeks were included. Fifty-four single born participant mother-infant pairs were included. The mean total Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form score was 57.8 (SD = 8.9). The mean Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool score was 8.3 (SD = 1.8). There was a significant correlation between the total Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form score and the Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool score (p = .020, r = 0.316). The Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form was significantly higher in the participant (mothers) of the infants breastfed ≥ 4 months, compared to < 4 months, 61.59 (SD = 5.78) versus 51.78 (SD = 11.64; p = .001). No correlation was found between the duration of breastfeeding and Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool score (p = .087). Maternal factors were more important for successful breastfeeding in these late preterm infants than infant factors in our sample.

Upper Lip Tie: Anatomy, Effect on Breastfeeding, and Correlation With Ankyloglossia.

There is debate among otolaryngologists and other practitioners about whether upper lip tie contributes to difficulty with breastfeeding and whether upper lip tie and ankyloglossia are linked. Our objectives were to evaluate the anatomy of the upper lip (maxillary) frenulum, to determine if the visual anatomy of the upper lip has an effect on breastfeeding, and to determine whether the occurrence of lip tie and tongue tie are correlated. A prospective cohort study of 100 healthy newborns was examined between day of life 3-7. Surveys were completed by the mother at the time of the initial exam and 2 weeks later. The maxillary frenulum was graded based on the Stanford and Kotlow classifications by two independent reviewers. Inter-rater reliability and relationships between tongue tie, lip tie, and the infant breastfeeding assessment tool (IBFAT) were calculated. Inter-rater reliability showed fair agreement (κ = 0.302) using the Kotlow scale and better agreement using the Stanford classification (κ = 0.458). There was no correlation between the upper lip tie classification and breastfeeding success score. Lastly, there was a modest inverse correlation in the degree of tethering for the tongue and lip. There was no correlation between maxillary frenulum grade and comfort with breastfeeding, pain scores, or latch. There was also no relationship between tip to frenulum length (tongue tie) and visualized lip anatomy, suggesting that tongue tie and lip tie may not cluster together in infants. 2 Laryngoscope, 131:E1701-E1706, 2021.

Effectiveness of skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes among parturients

Third stage of labour is very crucial period in a women’s life. Previously uneventful first and second stage can become abnormal within a minute with disastrous consequences. In the third stage, the mothers face many problems like haemorrhage, retained placenta and inversion of the uterus. Early skin to skin contact at birth along with the breastfeeding process is protective against the incidence and severity of PPH. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth on maternal and neonatal outcomes among parturients.The objectives were to determine the effectiveness of skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth on maternal outcomes among parturients and to determine the effectiveness of skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth on neonatal outcomes among parturients. A quasi experimental research approach was used for the study. After obtaining permission from institutional ethical committee a total of 70 parturients admitted at labour room, Medical college hospital, Kottayam (35 each in control and experimental group) were selected for the study by purposive sampling technique. The data collection instruments were socio – personal and clinical data sheet, APGAR newborn scoring chart, observation checklist during third stage of labour, infant breastfeeding assessment tool (IBFAT), LATCH scale and modified maternal breastfeeding satisfaction evaluation scale (MBFES). Skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth implemented in experimental group immediately after normal vaginal delivery for 30 minutes. Post-test for duration of third stage of labour, blood loss during third stage of labour, initiation of breast feeding, quality of first breast feeding and maternal satisfaction were performed within 80 minutes after normal vaginal delivery in control and experimental group. The data were tabulated and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.The results of the study revealed that skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth had statistically significant effect on maternal outcomes (duration of third stage of labour, blood loss during third stage of labour and maternal satisfaction) and neonatal outcomes (initiation of breastfeeding, quality of first breastfeeding and time of initiation of first breastfeeding) (p &amp;#60; 0.05).The result revealed that skin to skin contact between mother and baby at birth had effect on reducing duration of third stage of labour and blood loss during third stage of labour, improving maternal satisfaction, initiation of breastfeeding, quality of first breastfeeding and time of initiation of first breastfeeding.

Effect of oromotor stimulation on feeding performance and weight gain of preterm babies in selected hospital, Kolkata

Assessment of effect of oromotor stimulation on feeding performance and weight gain in selected hospitals, Kolkata. Introduction: According to WHO, every year about 15 million babies are born prematurely around the world. Almost 1 million children die each year due to complication of preterm birth (2013). In India, out of 27 million babies born every year (2010 data), 3.5 million babies are premature. Oral feeding difficulties are almost common in preterm neonates. Coordinated suck-swallow-breath pattern is not developed under 34 weeks of gestational age. So most of the preterm neonates are not able to have an independent feeding in that due time. Aims: 1. To assess the effect of oromotor stimulation in the interventional group. 2. To compare the effect of oromotor stimulation between interventional group and the control group. Design: Non probability purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from sixty preterm babies (30 in interventional group and 30 in control group) with the help of standardized IBFAT ( Infant Breast Feeding assessment tool) & weight checking proforma. Inter rater reliability for IBFAT (r = 0.92) & Weighing machine used for weight checking (r = 0.93) was done. Pretest posttest time series design was adopted. Demographic data (gestational age , birth weight , age of day of 1st intervention) was collected from each baby. Results: Results revealed the significant difference in pre and post interventional breast feeding performance and weight of preterm babies between day 1 and day 7 in the experimental group as computed ‘t’ value 30.91[ (df 29) =2.71, p Conclusion: Oromotor stimulation is effective in improving feeding performance and weight gain of preterm baby. Implication: In practice, oromotor stimulation can be practiced by nurse. The mothers of those preterm babies also can be taught this oromotor stimulation for practicing this method. In education, students may be provided with learning experiences in neonatal units and prac

Is There Any Effect of Hyperbilirubinemia on Breastfeeding? If Any, at Which Level?

Objectives: We wanted to investigate whether hyperbilirubinemia (significant or physiological) has an effect on breastfeeding, milk intake, infant's wakefulness, and if any, which level of bilirubin affects breastfeeding. Materials and Methods: Healthy, term, and breastfed babies with significant hyperbilirubinemia who required phototherapy were included in the study (group 1, n = 71). In the neonatal outpatient clinic, a control group was formed from babies with physiological jaundice (group 2, n = 90). All infants were monitored during breastfeeding and breastfeeding was evaluated with breastfeeding assessment tools (IBFAT and LATCH) and milk intake was assessed by test scale. The same examinations were repeated after phototherapy when normal bilirubin levels were reached. Results: Milk intake, Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) (IBFAT total score [IBFATT], IBFAT first item score [IBFAT1], IBFAT sixth item score [IBFAT6]), and LATCH scores were significantly lower in group 1 than the control group (p = 0.001). In group 1, the amount of milk intake, IBFAT and LATCH scores after phototherapy increased significantly compared to prephototherapy values (p = 0.001). Looking at the correlation matrix in the whole study group (groups 1 and 2) there were moderate but very significant negative correlations between bilirubin and milk intake (r = 0.32, p = 0.001), IBFATT (r = 0.47, p = 0.001), IBFAT1 (r = 0.57, p = 0.001), IBFAT6 (r = 0.65, p = 0.001), and LATCH scores (r = 0.49, p = 0.001). In the receiving operating characteristics analysis, the cutoff bilirubin value was found to be 12 mg/dL. Conclusion: Hyperbilirubinemia may have a negative effect on breastfeeding and milk intake. It appears that bilirubin levels above 12, including in babies with physiological jaundice, adversely affect breastfeeding.

Effect of Early Maternal and Newborn Skin to Skin Contact after Birth on the Duration of Third Stage of Labor and Initiation of Breastfeeding

Background: - Early skin to skin contact between mother and newborn after labor makes an ideal environment for the adaptation of the newborn to extra uterine life. This simple procedure is recommended as an important enhancement in care directly after delivery. The aim of this study: was to evaluate the effect of early maternal and newborn skin to skin contact after birth on the duration of third stage of labor and initiation of breastfeeding. Subjects and Method: The study was conducted at Tanta University and El- Menshawy hospitals. A convenient sample of 100 parturient women was recruited. The study included a study group (50) who considered skin to skin contact and a control group (50) who received routine hospital care. Five tools were used for the collection of data: Tool (I): A structure interview schedule included the basic data related to a. socio demographic characteristics, b. Reproductive history. Tool (II): Assessment of the third stage of labor. Tool (III): Mother’s breastfeeding knowledge Assessment tool. Tool (IV): Breastfeeding Assessment Tool: It included three parts: Part a: The Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT), Part b: Assessment of initial breastfeeding outcome, Part c: Assessment of successful latch on. Tool (V): Exclusive breastfeeding: Follow- up assessment tool. The results of the present study shown that the skin to skin contact group had well contracted uterus, less need for uterotonic drugs and no uterine atony or excessive blood loss have been recorded compared to the control group. Accordingly, the mean duration of third stage of labor was shorter (6.48 ± 1.25) among the skin to skin contact group than among the control group (14.87± 3.88). It also revealed that success in first breastfeeding was higher among study group compared to control group. Conclusion and Recommendation: The study concluded that there is a positive effect of early maternal newborn skin to skin contact after birth on the duration of third stage of labor and initiation of breastfeeding.Therefore, it is recommended that refreshing courses, pre-service and in-service training programs especially for newly appointed nurses working in the delivery room about the implementation of skin to skin contact technique for all mothers and newborns.