Infants Of Mothers Research Articles

Infant Care: Predictors of Outdoor Walking, Infant Carrying and Infant Outdoor Sleeping.

Although spending time outdoors is beneficial for development, little is known about outdoor time during infancy. The aim of this study was to assess frequencies and durations of (1a) outdoor walking and carrying in mother-infant dyads and (1b) infant outdoor sleeping in a stationary cot or pram. We furthermore aimed to identify associations of (2a) outdoor walking and carrying and (2b) infant outdoor sleeping, with infant, maternal and environmental sample characteristics. An online survey was distributed among mothers of 0- to 12-month-old infants. Initially, 1453 mothers were recruited, of which 1275 were included in the analyses. With respect to (1a) the outcomes of interest were: mother-infant dyads' total weekly duration of walking in minutes, frequency of walking on weekdays, as well as weekends, and the frequency of using an infant carrier during walks, as well as the daily duration of carrying in hours (indoors and outdoors together). With respect to (1b) the outcome variables were: placing the infant outdoors to sleep (yes/no), the total weekly duration of outdoor sleeping and the weekly frequency of outdoor sleeping. For aim 2, associations of the outcome variables with infant (i.e., age), maternal (i.e., working status) and environmental (i.e., house type) sample characteristics were assessed. Mother-infant dyads engaged in walks for a total weekly duration of 201 min, for approximately one to three walks over weekdays (Monday through Friday), as well as one to three walks on the weekend. The infant carrier was used by 22% of mothers at least half of the time during outdoor walks, and 18% reported a daily duration of infant carrying of one hour or more. Among other associations, infant and maternal enjoyment of outdoor walking correlated positively with the duration as well as the frequency of walking during weekdays and during the weekend. Furthermore, employed mothers walked for a shorter duration and less frequently on weekdays as compared to mothers on maternity leave or mothers without a paid job. The availability of nearby recreational areas correlated positively with the weekly duration and frequency of walks. The infant carrier was used more frequently during outdoor walks if more than one child lived in the household. Infant carrying during outdoor walks was also related to infant behavior at night. Roughly a third of the mothers (29%) regularly had their infant sleep outdoors for a weekly duration of four hours and a weekly frequency of approximately one to two times. Younger infants, infants of mothers with higher education and infants living in detached houses were more likely to be placed outdoors to sleep. We identified associations of infant, maternal and environmental characteristics with outdoor time spent during infancy. These results lay the foundation for future research on the effects of the outdoors on child development as well as on facilitators and barriers for caregivers.

Neonatal outcomes in women with diabetes mellitus — analysis of DAPSY data

BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia in pregnancy is associated with short- and long-term implications for children. Nevertheless, the effects of different types of diabetes mellitus and treatment methods on the neonatal outcomes are to be investigated. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of different types of maternal diabetes mellitus to the risk of adverse neonatal outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included women (n = 3261) who delivered at the Research Institute of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductology named after D.O. Ott, Saint Petersburg, Russia in 2008–2017. The following comparison groups were used: type 1 diabetes mellitus (n = 506; 1a, continuous subcutaneous insulin injections; 1b, multiple daily insulin injections), type 2 diabetes mellitus (n = 229; 2a, diet; 2b, insulin therapy), gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 2387; 3a, diet; 3b, insulin therapy), and control (n = 139). The main birth outcomes assessed included weight and length of newborns, Apgar score at birth and at 5 minutes after birth, and pathological conditions such as fetal macrosomia, syndrome of infant of mother with gestational diabetes mellitus or diabetic mother (P70.0–P70.1), light (P05.0) or small for gestational age (P05.1), intrauterine growth restriction, prematurity (P07), neonatal hypoglycemia (P70.4), and neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (P22). The secondary birth outcomes assessed included birth trauma (P10–P15), stillbirth (P95), disturbances of cerebral status of newborn (P91), and congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00–Q99). RESULTS: Pregestational diabetes mellitus is strongly associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Type 1 diabetes mellitus women had the highest risks for fetal macrosomia and diabetic fetopathy, neonatal hypoglycemia, prematurity, and congenital malformations (odds ratio 3.54, 20.2, 5.59, 4.24 and 3.92 respectively). In type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, the risks of low birth weight, intrauterine growth restriction and birth trauma (odds 9.14, 5.42 and 6.3 respectively) were higher. For women with gestational diabetes mellitus, these risks were lower. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the major neonatal pathology in patients with different types of diabetes mellitus, taking into account the treatment method. Preconception care and optimal glycemic control are necessary to reduce the risk of obstetric and perinatal complications in women with pregestational types of diabetes mellitus. Further research into the health status of this cohort of children at a later age is required.

Risk of Neonatal Hypoglycemia in Infants of Mothers With Gestational Glucose Intolerance.

To examine the relationship between gestational glucose intolerance (GGI) and neonatal hypoglycemia. This was a secondary analysis of 8,262 mother-infant dyads, with delivery at two hospitals between 2014 and 2023. We categorized maternal glycemic status as normal glucose tolerance (NGT), GGI, or gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). We defined NGT according to a normal glucose load test result, GGI according to an abnormal glucose load test result with zero (GGI-0) or one (GGI-1) abnormal value on the 100-g oral glucose tolerance test, and GDM according to an abnormal glucose load test result with two or more abnormal values on the glucose tolerance test. Neonatal hypoglycemia was defined according to blood glucose <45 mg/dL or ICD-9 or ICD-10 diagnosis of neonatal hypoglycemia. We used logistic regression analysis to determine associations between maternal glucose tolerance category and neonatal hypoglycemia and conducted a sensitivity analysis using Δ-adjusted multiple imputation, assuming for unscreened infants a rate of neonatal hypoglycemia as high as 33%. Of infants, 12% had neonatal hypoglycemia. In adjusted models, infants born to mothers with GGI-0 had 1.28 (95% 1.12, 1.65), GGI-1 1.58 (95% CI 1.11, 2.25), and GDM 4.90 (95% CI 3.81, 6.29) times higher odds of neonatal hypoglycemia in comparison with infants born to mothers with NGT. Associations in sensitivity analyses were consistent with the primary analysis. GGI is associated with increased risk of neonatal hypoglycemia. Future research should include examination of these associations in a cohort with more complete neonatal blood glucose ascertainment and determination of the clinical significance of these findings on long-term child health.

Construct validity of the Coding Interactive Behaviour instrument for fathers of infants

ABSTRACT Observational instruments are proposed as the best method to assess the quality of parent–child interaction. However, the psychometric properties and theoretical foundations of these observational tools have been questioned. Further, very few studies have focussed on the construct validity of these instruments for father–child interaction quality. In this study, we examined the construct validity of the Coding Interactive Behavior (CIB) measure in a sample of 320 father-infant dyads. A four-factor model, previously found to fit mother–infant interactions, failed to demonstrate an acceptable model fit for our father-infant sample. Instead, a data-driven three-factor model was indicated to be a better fit. This model consists of the composites, ‘Paternal Sensitivity’, ‘Paternal Positive Affect’, and ‘Child Engagement’. Interestingly, while these factors bear similarities to those found in maternal interactions, they manifest distinct characteristics for fathers. Our results emphasize the necessity of refining and validating observational tools specifically for diverse parent–child contexts.

Mind-mindedness in mothers of infants with excessive crying/sleeping/eating disorders

IntroductionExcessive crying, sleeping, and eating disorders are among the most prevalent mental health diagnoses in the first 3 years of life and involve significant health service use. Parents of infants with excessive crying/sleeping/eating disorders report high levels of stress, since they feel incapable of soothing and/or nurturing their baby. Infants' distress can lead to a breakdown in parents' mentalizing abilities and, more specifically, parental mind-mindedness in the parent-child interaction. Moreover, the signals of infants with excessive crying/sleeping/eating disorders tend to be equivocal and difficult to read. This also might contribute to lower parent-child interaction quality. Until now, parental mind-mindedness, which is regarded as a prerequisite for sensitivity, has not been investigated in mothers of infants with excessive crying/sleeping/eating disorders. We investigated whether mind-mindedness in mothers of infants with excessive crying, sleeping and/or eating disorders differed from a healthy control group. We supposed that mothers of infants with excessive crying/sleeping/eating disorders would use (1) less appropriate mind-related comments (AMRCs), and (2) more non-attuned mind-related comments (NAMRCs) than mothers in the control group.MethodsOur sample consisted of 44 mothers and their infants who were patients in a socio-paediatric clinic in Germany. The children were diagnosed with excessive crying, sleeping and/or eating disorders according to DC:0-5 (= clinical group). The control group was composed of 64 healthy children and their mothers. Maternal mind-mindedness was coded during a free-play interaction.ResultsResults showed that mothers of infants with excessive crying, sleeping and/or eating disorders used both more AMRCs (p = .029) as well as more NAMRCs (p = .006) than mothers in the control group.DiscussionThe findings are discussed in terms of implications for interventions (e.g., enhancing mind-mindedness trough video-feedback).

Assessment of Erythrocyte Transketolase, Whole Blood Thiamine Diphosphate, and Human Milk Thiamine Concentrations to Identify Infants and Young Children Responding Favorably to Therapeutic Thiamine Administration: Findings from the Lao Thiamine Study, a Prospective Cohort Study

BackgroundThere is limited information on relationships among biomarkers of thiamine status (whole blood thiamine diphosphate [ThDP], erythrocyte transketolase activity coefficient [ETKac], and human milk thiamine [MTh]) and clinical manifestations of thiamine deficiency. ObjectivesThis study aimed to explore correlations among these biomarkers and thiamine responsive disorders (TRDs), a diagnosis based on favorable clinical response to thiamine. MethodsHospitalized infants and young children (aged 21 d to <18 mo) with respiratory, cardiac, and/or neurological symptoms suggestive of thiamine deficiency were treated with parenteral thiamine (100 mg daily) for ≥3 d alongside other treatments and re-examined systematically. Clinical case reports were reviewed by 3 pediatricians, who determined TRD or non-TRD status. Children in a community comparison group were matched by age, sex, and residence. Venous whole blood ThDP and MTh were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography fluorescence detection and ETKac in washed erythrocytes by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. Associations between biomarkers were assessed using Spearman correlations, and biomarker cutoffs predictive of TRD and ETKac >1.25 were explored using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve framework. ResultsThiamine biomarkers were available for 287 hospitalized children and 228 community children (mean age 4.7 mo; 59.4% male). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) ThDP and ETKac were 66.9 nmol/L (IQR: 41.4, 96.9 nmol/L) and 1.25 nmol/L (IQR: 1.11, 1.48 nmol/L), respectively, among hospitalized children, and 64.1 nmol/L (IQR: 50.0, 85.3 nmol/L) and 1.22 nmol/L (IQR: 1.12, 1.37 nmol/L) among 228 community children (P > 0.05 for both). Forty-five percent of breastfeeding mothers of infants <6 mo had MTh <90 μg/L. ThDP and ETKac, but not MTh, were significantly different between 152 children with TRD and 122 without TRD, but overlapping distributions undermined prediction of individual responses to thiamine. ConclusionsAlthough ETKac, ThDP, and MTh are useful biomarkers of population thiamine status, none of the biomarkers reliably identified individual children with TRD. ThDP is more practical for population assessment because preparing washed erythrocytes is not required.This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03626337.

Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation may benefit from the addition of N-acetylcysteine to facilitate motor learning in infants of diabetic mothers failing oral feeds.

This study aims to determine if pretreating with enteral N-acetylcysteine (NAC) improves CNS oxidative stress and facilitates improvement in oromotor skills during transcutaneous auricular nerve stimulation (taVNS) paired with oral feedings in infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) who are failing oral feeds. We treated 10 IDMs who were gastrostomy tube candidates in an open-label trial of NAC and taVNS paired with oral feeding. NAC (75 or 100 mg/kg/dose) was given by nasogastric (NG) administration every 6 h for 4 days, then combined with taVNS paired with 2 daily feeds for another 14 days. NAC pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters were determined from plasma concentrations at baseline and at steady state on day 4 of treatment in conjunction with magnetic resonance spectroscopic (MRS) quantification of CNS glutathione (GSH) as a marker of oxidative stress. We compared increases in oral feeding volumes before and during taVNS treatment and with a prior cohort of 12 IDMs who largely failed to achieve full oral feeds with taVNS alone. NAC 100 mg/kg/dose every 6 h NG resulted in plasma [NAC] that increased [GSH] in the basal ganglia with a mean of 0.13 ± 0.08 mM (p = 0.01, compared to baseline). Mean daily feeding volumes increased over 14 days of NAC + taVNS compared to the 14 days before treatment and compared to the prior cohort of 12 IDMs treated with taVNS alone. Seven IDMs reached full oral feeds sufficient for discharge, while three continued to have inadequate intake. In IDM failing oral feeds, NAC 100 mg/kg/dose every 6 h NG for 4 days before and during taVNS paired with oral feeding increased CNS GSH, potentially mitigating oxidative stress, and was associated with improving functional feeding outcomes compared to taVNS alone in a prior cohort. This represents a novel approach to neuromodulation and supports the concept that mitigation of ongoing oxidative stress may increase response to taVNS paired with a motor task.

Human milk proteins differentiate over the sex of newborns and across stages of lactation

Background & AimsHuman milk (HM) is a complete food that meets the nutritional and energy demands of the newborns. It contains numerous bioactive components, including functional proteins. Variations in HM energy and lipid content have already been reported related to the newborn's sex, but differences between protein profiles are still scarce. This work aimed to identify differences between HM proteins produced by mothers of female and male newborns, in the lactation stages of colostrum and mature milk, and the metabolic pathways involved. MethodsA total of 98 HM samples were collected from 39 lactating women and classified according to the newborn's sex, stages of lactation, and three mothers' age groups, and evaluated about protein concentration and one-dimensional electrophoretic profile. Next, to assess samples with the greatest differences, the HM proteins regarding the newborn's sex and the stages of lactation were compared using nano-LC-MS/MS, in 24 HM samples randomly rearranged into four groups: female and male infants, and colostrum and mature milk. Functional classification, metabolic pathways, and protein interaction networks were analyzed by Gene Ontology, KEGG, and STRING, respectively. ResultsThe soluble protein content of HM decreased throughout lactation, with differences regarding isolated factors, such as mothers' age group, child's sex and stages of lactation, and also in terms of their interactions. A total of 146 proteins were identified, 42 of which showed different abundances over the sexes of newborns and 53 between the stages of lactation. In general, proteins related to metabolic processes were up-regulated for mothers of male infants and in the mature stage of lactation, while proteins related to defense were up-regulated in mothers of female infants and in the colostrum phase. ConclusionThis study indicated that there are differentiated and specific nutritional and defense needs of newborns, by sex and by lactation phase, which is highly relevant for a more appropriate supply of food to infants receiving HM from donor mothers.

'We did everything by phone': a qualitative study of mothers' experience of smartphone-aided screening of cerebral palsy in Kathmandu, Nepal.

International guidelines recommend early intervention to all children at risk of cerebral palsy, but targeted screening programs are often lacking in low- and middle-income settings with the highest burden of disease. Smartphone applications have the potential to improve access to early diagnostics by empowering parents to film their children at home followed by centralized evaluation of videos with General Movements Assessment. We explored mothers' perceptions about participating in a smartphone aided cerebral palsy screening program in Kathmandu, Nepal. This is an explorative qualitative study that used focus group discussions (n = 2) and individual interviews (n = 4) with mothers of term-born infants surviving birth asphyxia or neonatal seizures. Parents used the NeuroMotion™ smartphone app to film their children at home and the videos were analysed using Precthl's General Movements Assessment. Sekhon et al.'s framework on the acceptability of health care interventions guided the design of the group discussions and interviews, and the deductive qualitative content analysis. Mothers were interested in engaging with the programme and expressed hope it would benefit their children. Most felt using the app was intuitive. They were, however, unclear about the way the analysis was performed. Support from the research team was often needed to overcome an initial lack of self-confidence in using the technology, and to reduce anxiety related to the follow-up. The intervention was overall perceived as recommendable but should be supplemented by a face-to-face consultation. Smartphone aided remote screening of cerebral palsy is acceptable in a lower middle-income population but requires additional technical support.

Maternal Characteristics and Rates of Unexpected Complications in Term Newborns by Hospital

The Joint Commission Unexpected Complications in Term Newborns measure characterizes newborn morbidity potentially associated with quality of labor and delivery care. Infant exclusions isolate relatively low-risk births, but unexpected newborn complications (UNCs) are not adjusted for maternal factors that may be associated with outcomes independently of hospital quality. To investigate the association between maternal characteristics and hospital UNC rates. This cohort study was conducted using linked 2016 to 2018 New York City birth and hospital discharge datasets among 254 259 neonates at low risk (singleton, ≥37 weeks, birthweight ≥2500 g, and without preexisting fetal conditions) at 39 hospitals. Logistic regression was used to calculate unadjusted hospital-specific UNC rates and replicated analyses adjusting for maternal covariates. Hospitals were categorized into UNC quintiles; changes in quintile ranking with maternal adjustment were examined. Data analyses were performed from December 2022 to July 2023. UNCs were classified according to Joint Commission International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) criteria. Maternal preadmission comorbidities, obstetric factors, social characteristics, and hospital characteristics were ascertained. Among 254 259 singleton births at 37 weeks or later who were at low risk (125 245 female [49.3%] and 129 014 male [50.7%]; 71 768 births [28.2%] to Hispanic, 47 226 births [18.7%] to non-Hispanic Asian, 42 682 births [16.8%] to non-Hispanic Black, and 89 845 births [35.3%] to non-Hispanic White mothers and 2738 births [1.0%] to mothers with another race or ethnicity), 148 393 births (58.4%) were covered by Medicaid and 101 633 births (40.0%) were covered by commercial insurance. The 2016 to 2018 cumulative UNC incidence in New York City hospitals was 37.1 UNCs per 1000 births. Infants of mothers with preadmission risk factors had increased UNC risk; for example, among mothers with vs without preeclampsia, there were 104.4 and 35.8 UNCs per 1000 births, respectively. Among hospitals, unadjusted UNC rates ranged from 15.6 to 215.5 UNCs per 1000 births and adjusted UNC rates ranged from 15.6 to 194.0 UNCs per 1000 births (median [IQR] change from adjustment, 1.4 [-4.7 to 1.0] UNCs/1000 births). The median (IQR) change per 1000 births for adjusted vs unadjusted rates showed that hospitals with low (<601 deliveries/year; -2.8 [-7.0 to -1.6] UNCs) to medium (601 to <954 deliveries/year; -3.9 [-7.1 to -1.9] UNCs) delivery volume, public ownership (-3.6 [-6.2 to -2.3] UNCs), or high proportions of Medicaid-insured (eg, ≥90.72%; -3.7 [-5.3 to -1.9] UNCs), Black (eg, ≥32.83%; -5.3 [-9.1 to -2.2] UNCs), or Hispanic (eg, ≥6.25%; -3.7 [-5.3 to -1.9] UNCs) patients had significantly decreased UNC rates after adjustment, while rates increased or did not change in hospitals with the highest delivery volume, private ownership, or births to predominantly White or privately insured individuals. Among all 39 hospitals, 7 hospitals (17.9%) shifted 1 quintile comparing risk-adjusted with unadjusted quintile rankings. In this study, adjustment for maternal case mix was associated with small overall changes in hospital UNC rates. These changes were associated with performance assessment for some hospitals, and these results suggest that profiling on this measure should consider the implications of small changes in rates for hospitals with higher-risk obstetric populations.

Maternal Sleep Quality and Executive Function are Associated with Perceptions of Infant Sleep

ABSTRACT Objectives This study examined the associations among maternal sleep quality, executive function, and perceptions of infant sleep in a sample of families recruited from human service and public health systems. Methods Seventy-three mothers of infants 5–14 months old were included in the study. Mothers racially and ethnically identified as American Indian/Alaskan Native (4.1%), Asian (4.1%), Black/African American (12.3%), Latina (23.3%), more than one race (12.3%), Pacific Islander (1.4%), and White (42.5%). Mothers completed questionnaires assessing their own sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and executive function (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) as well as their perceptions about their infant’s sleep (Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire). Results Results of the path analysis indicated significant direct effects among maternal sleep quality, executive function, and perceptions of infant sleep. Significant indirect effects were found such that poor maternal sleep quality was linked to poorer perceptions of infant sleep through maternal executive dysfunction, adjusting for infant sleep patterns, infant age, and maternal race and ethnicity. Conclusions The current study highlights the potential role of maternal behavioral and cognitive factors in shaping mothers’ perceptions about infant sleep. These findings support the need for health professionals and researchers to consider maternal sleep quality and executive function when addressing mothers’ concerns about infant sleep.

Cyclic Formula Feeding Among Infants Participating in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children

BackgroundLow-income households often experience a cyclic pattern in food availability, with acute food shortages at month end. Variations in the monthly feeding of infant formula are understudied. ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare the amount and frequency of formula consumed at the beginning and end of the monthly Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance cycle and test associations with total energy intake and other feeding practices among infants aged 7–11 mo. MethodsThis study was conducted between May 2020 and April 2021 in the southeastern United States and involved mothers of infants participating in WIC’s fully formula package. Mothers were interviewed and 24-h feeding recalls were conducted at the beginning and end of the month. We defined month beginning as 5 d following the first WIC formula purchase and month end as 5 d before the next monthly cycle. Fifty mother-infant dyads participated in single or multiple monthly cycles, totaling 98 monthly cycles. Generalized linear mixed-effects modeling was used to test differences in formula feeding at month beginning and end. ResultsMost participants (84%) were African American or Latino and >90% purchased all formula within 2–3 d of the WIC issuance. The energy intake from formula at month beginning was significantly higher than at month end (67.63% and 57.85%, respectively; P = 0.002), with no differences in total energy intake. The odds of infants being fed cow milk and fruit juices/drinks increased from month beginning to end (P < 0.05). ConclusionsInfants in low-income households are at risk of experiencing a cyclic feeding pattern characterized by higher formula feeding at month beginning and an increase in feeding of nonrecommended drinks at month end. The WIC program policy could review educational and distribution options to reduce cyclic formula feeding and clarify caregivers’ understanding of infants’ formula needs. Household-level investigations into formula management and determinants of cyclic feeding are warranted.

Maternal and Infant Dietary Patterns Are Not Related to Food Allergy Risk in Singapore Children: GUSTO Cohort Study

BackgroundWe previously reported that delayed allergenic food introduction in infancy did not increase food allergy risk until age 4 y within our prospective cohort. However, it remains unclear whether other aspects of maternal or infant diet play roles in the development of childhood food allergy. ObjectivesWe examined the relationship between maternal pregnancy and infant dietary patterns and the development of food allergies until age 8 y. MethodsAmong 1152 Singapore Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes study mother–infant dyads, the infant’s diet was ascertained using food frequency questionnaires at 18 mo. Maternal dietary patterns during pregnancy were derived from 24-h diet recalls. Food allergy was determined through interviewer-administered questionnaires at regular time points from infancy to age 8 y and defined as a positive history of allergic reactions, alongside skin prick tests at 18 mo, 3, 5, and 8 y. ResultsFood allergy prevalence was 2.5% (22/883) at 12 mo and generally decreased over time by 8 y (1.9%; 14/736). Higher maternal dietary quality was associated with increased risk of food allergy (P ≤ 0.016); however, odds ratios were modest. Offspring food allergy risk ≤8 y showed no associations with measures of infant diet including timing of solids/food introduction (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.42, 1.92), infant’s diet quality (aOR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.88, 0.99) or diet diversity (aOR: 0.84; 95% CI: 0.6, 1.19). Most infants (89%) were first introduced to cow milk protein within the first month of life, while egg and peanut introduction were delayed (58.3% introduced by mean age 8.8 mo and 59.8% by mean age 18.1 mo, respectively). ConclusionsApart from maternal diet quality showing a modest association, infant’s allergenic food introduction, diet quality, and dietary diversity were not associated with food allergy development in this Asian pediatric population. Interventional studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of these approaches to food allergy prevention across different populations.

Identifying and comparing types of social comparisons on social networking sites among mothers with infants: Differences in maternal loneliness by types.

Loneliness among mothers of infants is a serious problem that leads to increased stress and depression. Social networking sites (SNS) are platforms commonly used by mothers to gain information and socialize; however, the sites can also lead to social comparison. This study aimed to identify and compare the types of parentalsocial comparisons on SNS among mothers with infants and examine their differences regarding maternal loneliness. A random sampling cross-sectional survey of 233 Japanese mothers with infants aged 6-11months old was conducted. The questionnaire considered the frequency ofparental social comparisonson SNS and the associated positive/negative emotions, loneliness, perceived social support, SNS use, and participant characteristics. Hierarchical cluster analysis and analysis of covariance were used to examine differences in loneliness by social comparison type. Identified types ofparental social comparisons on SNS included: "Negative-leaning comparisons (n = 40)," "Ambivalent comparisons (n = 53)," "Heavy comparisons (n = 39)," and "Positive-leaning comparisons (n = 67)." The "non-comparative group (n = 34)" made no comparisons. The loneliness scores of the "Negative-leaning comparisons" group were significantly higher than those of the "Ambivalent comparisons," "Positive-leaning comparisons," and "Non-comparative" groups (p = 0.019, p = 0.017, and p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, the loneliness scores of the "Heavy comparisons" group were higher than those of the "Non-comparative" group (p = 0.005). Interventions aimed at enhancing digital literacy among mothers and providing tailored support based on their social comparison types are crucial for mitigating the negative effects ofparental social comparisons on SNS.

Timing and dosage of intrapartum prophylactic penicillin for preventing early-onset group B streptococcal disease: assessing maternal and umbilical cord blood concentration

ObjectiveTiming of administration of antibiotics and concentrations in maternal blood and the umbilical cord blood are important prerequisites for optimal intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) of neonatal early-onset group B streptococcus...

Knowledge of Mothers about Preterm Infant Care in Mosul City/ Iraq

Background &amp; objectives: An infant who is born prematurely is more exposed to health complications than normal children in terms of the development of his lungs in particular, and is negatively linked to the chances of contracting diseases and death. The study aims to assess women’s knowledge about preterm infant care in Mosul city. Methodology: A descriptive study design was conducted in five government hospitals in Mosul city. The purposive sampling method was selected for the study, which consists of 221 women from preterm infant mothers in intensive care unit in Mosul hospitals. Data were collected through face-to-face interview by constructed questionnaire from the 22 of November 2023 until 20th of March / 2024. Descriptive statistics were calculated using SPSS software version 26. Results: The results of the study showed that mothers’ knowledge regarding caring for premature infants was good, except that their knowledge regarding vaccinations (1.750), preventing infections (1.33), and regarding umbilical cord care (1.40) was weak. Conclusions &amp; recommendations: The study found that mothers' knowledge about caring for premature infants was good, but they lacked knowledge on infection prevention, vaccinations, and umbilical cord care. The researchers recommend health education for mothers on these topics, as premature infants have higher morbidity and mortality risks.

MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C Variants in Mothers of Infants with Down Syndrome from Western Mexico.

Background: Several studies in mothers of infants with Down syndrome (DS) (MoIDS) have suggested that the 677C>T and 1298A>C variants of the 5,10-methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene can increase the risk of having a child with DS. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the MTHFR 677C>T and 1298A>C variants as potential maternal risk factors for DS. Materials and Methods: Using TaqMan allelic discrimination assay, we genotyped 95 MoIDS and 164 control mothers from western Mexico. Data were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Results: We found that MoIDS had a significantly higher risk for the MTHFR 677TT genotype (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 3.4, 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 1.1-10.6), and the MTHFR 677T allele (aOR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0-2.3), particularly in MoIDS <35 years of age. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that the presence of the 677TT genotype and 677T allele of the MTHFR 677C>T variant are maternal risk factors for DS in Mexican MoIDS.

Environmental phenol exposures in 6- to 12-week-old infants: The Infant Feeding and Early Development (IFED) study

BackgroundExposure to phenols, endocrine-disrupting chemicals used in personal care and consumer products, is widespread. Data on infant exposures are limited despite heightened sensitivity to endocrine disruption during this developmental period. We aimed to describe distributions and predictors of urinary phenol concentrations among U.S. infants ages 6–12 weeks. MethodsThe Infant Feeding and Early Development (IFED) study is a prospective cohort study of healthy term infants enrolled during 2010–2013 in the Philadelphia region. We measured concentrations of seven phenols in 352 urine samples collected during the 6- or 8- and/or 12-week study visits from 199 infants. We used linear mixed models to estimate associations of maternal, sociodemographic, infant, and sample characteristics with natural-log transformed, creatinine-standardized phenol concentrations and present results as mean percent change from the reference level. ResultsMedian concentrations (μg/L) were 311 for methylparaben, 10.3 for propylparaben, 3.6 for benzophenone-3, 2.1 for triclosan, 1.0 for 2,5-dichlorophenol, 0.7 for BPA, and 0.3 for 2,4-dichlorophenol. Geometric mean methylparaben concentrations were approximately 10 times higher than published estimates for U.S. children ages 3–5 and 6–11 years, while propylparaben concentrations were 3–4 times higher. Infants of Black mothers had higher concentrations of BPA (83%), methylparaben (121%), propylparaben (218%), and 2,5-dichorophenol (287%) and lower concentrations of benzophenone-3 (−77%) and triclosan (−53%) than infants of White mothers. Triclosan concentrations were higher in breastfed infants (176%) and lower in infants whose mothers had a high school education or less (−62%). Phenol concentrations were generally higher in summer samples. ConclusionsWidespread exposure to select environmental phenols among this cohort of healthy U.S. infants, including much higher paraben concentrations compared to those reported for U.S. children, supports the importance of expanding population-based biomonitoring programs to infants and toddlers. Future investigation of exposure sources is warranted to identify opportunities to minimize exposures during these sensitive periods of development.

Increasing the Resilience of Mothers With Preterm Infant: The Effect of Kangaroo Mother Care.

Having a preterm infant is a stressful experience for parents, especially for mothers. This study was conducted to identify the effect of kangaroo mother care on the resilience of mothers with preterm infant hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. In this randomized controlled trial study, 60 mothers with preterm infant hospitalized in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit were randomly selected and allocated to intervention and control groups (30 per group), in Fatemiyeh Hospital, Hamadan, Iran. Data collection tool included demographic information and Conner & Davidson Resilience Questionnaire (CD-RISC), which were completed by mothers before and after the intervention. Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) as an intervention was run in at least one hour daily for a week in the intervention group. The mother-infant pairs in the control group only received conventional method of care (CMC). There was a significant increase in the total resilience score of the mothers in the KMC group (from 58.87±14.71 to 69.67±14.50) after intervention (P<0.001); however, resilience score decreased significantly in the mothers of CMC group (from 57.77±13.33 to 51.63±12.20). Kangaroo mother care could increase the resilience of mothers of preterm infants. Therefore using this approach as a complementary, effective, Low-cost, non-invasive care is recommended to maintain and promote the health of mothers with preterm infant.

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.