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American Family Physician Sep 2018All major health organizations recommend breastfeeding as the optimal source of infant nutrition, with exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months of...
All major health organizations recommend breastfeeding as the optimal source of infant nutrition, with exclusive breastfeeding recommended for the first six months of life. After six months, complementary foods may be introduced. Most organizations recommend breastfeeding for at least one year, and the World Health Organization recommends a minimum of two years. Maternal benefits of breastfeeding include decreased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, postpartum depression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Infants who are breastfed have a decreased risk of atopic dermatitis and gastroenteritis, and have a higher IQ later in life. Additional benefits in infants have been noted in observational studies. Clinicians can support postdischarge breastfeeding by assessing milk production and milk transfer; evaluating an infant's latch to the breast; identifying maternal and infant anatomic variations that can lead to pain and poor infant weight gain; knowing the indications for frenotomy; and treating common breastfeeding-related infections, dermatologic conditions, engorgement, and vasospasm. The best way to assess milk supply is by monitoring infant weight and stool output during wellness visits. Proper positioning improves latch and reduces nipple pain. Frenotomy is controversial but may reduce pain in the short term. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends primary care interventions to support breastfeeding and improve breastfeeding rates and duration.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Breast Feeding; Child Development; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Nipples; Social Support; Time Factors
PubMed: 30215910
DOI: No ID Found -
Bundesgesundheitsblatt,... Aug 2018While the nutritional and physical health benefits of breastfeeding are well established, accumulating research demonstrates the far-reaching psychological effects of... (Review)
Review
While the nutritional and physical health benefits of breastfeeding are well established, accumulating research demonstrates the far-reaching psychological effects of breastfeeding on children and their mothers. Here, we provide a non-exhaustive review of the empirical evidence, showing that breastfeeding impacts children's brain, cognitive, and socio-emotional development. In mothers, research is presented indicating that breastfeeding influences mood, affect, stress, and maternal care. The current review aims to provide a broad overview of existing findings on the psychological effects of breastfeeding, highlighting the important role that breastfeeding plays across several dimensions of psychological functioning. We also discuss the potential mechanisms that may underpin the observed effects, provide a constructive commentary on the limitations of the existing work, and put forth some considerations when evaluating this line of research.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Emotions; Female; Germany; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Mothers
PubMed: 29934681
DOI: 10.1007/s00103-018-2769-0 -
Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny 2017Exclusive breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition. The maternal decision to breastfeed is affected by various factors, including breastfeeding knowledge.
BACKGROUND
Exclusive breastfeeding is the gold standard in infant nutrition. The maternal decision to breastfeed is affected by various factors, including breastfeeding knowledge.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was the assessment of the breastfeeding knowledge in selected group of mothers of infants under 7 months and its relationship to the exclusivity of breastfeeding.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
The study was carried out using the CAWI method from Dec 2014 till Feb 2015 among 446 mothers (aged 18-42) of infants under 7 months. The most of women lived in towns >100.000 inhabitants, had an university education and normal pre-pregnancy BMI. Breastfeeding knowledge was estimated using 15 questions (both 6 in general and child-related category and 3 in mother-related category). Results were analysed using multivariate logistic analysis and Chi2 and U-Mann Whitney tests.
RESULTS
57% (group A) of women exclusively breastfeed their infants and 43% (group B) did not. Average mean breastfeeding knowledge test score was 11.9±3.4 points. Higher mean was observed in group A compared with group B (12.9±2.8 vs. 10.6±3.7 points; p≤0.001). Predictors of lower score (<11 points) were professional education, overweight and living in the rural area. Each correct answer to questions in general (OR1.93; 95%CI 1.57-2.37) or in child-related (OR1.33; 95%CI 1.10-1.63) category improved the chance of exclusive breastfeeding. Women from group A had a better score in every question.
CONCLUSIONS
Breastfeeding education for mothers may improve breastfeeding rates.
Topics: Adult; Breast Feeding; Female; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Mother-Child Relations; Mothers; Object Attachment; Postpartum Period; Young Adult
PubMed: 28303701
DOI: No ID Found -
Nutrients Sep 2019Although breast milk is the normative feeding for infants, breastfeeding rates are lower than recommended. We investigated breastfeeding difficulties experienced by... (Observational Study)
Observational Study
Although breast milk is the normative feeding for infants, breastfeeding rates are lower than recommended. We investigated breastfeeding difficulties experienced by mothers in the first months after delivery and their association with early breastfeeding discontinuation. We conducted a prospective observational study. Mothers breastfeeding singleton healthy term newborns at hospital discharge were enrolled and, at three months post-delivery, were administered a questionnaire on their breastfeeding experience. Association among neonatal/maternal characteristics, breastfeeding difficulties and support after hospital discharge, and type of feeding at three months was assessed using multivariate binary logistic regression analysis. We enrolled 792 mothers, 552 completed the study. Around 70.3% of mothers experienced breastfeeding difficulties, reporting cracked nipples, perception of insufficient amount of milk, pain, and fatigue. Difficulties occurred mostly within the first month. Half of mothers with breastfeeding issues felt well-supported by health professionals. Maternal perception of not having a sufficient amount of milk, infant's failure to thrive, mastitis, and the return to work were associated with a higher risk of non-exclusive breastfeeding at three months whereas vaginal delivery and breastfeeding support after hospital discharge were associated with a decreased risk. These results underline the importance of continued, tailored professional breastfeeding support.
Topics: Adult; Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Logistic Models; Mothers; Postpartum Period; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Young Adult
PubMed: 31547061
DOI: 10.3390/nu11102266 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Nov 2016Mother-infant separation post birth is common. In standard hospital care, newborn infants are held wrapped or dressed in their mother's arms, placed in open cribs or... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Mother-infant separation post birth is common. In standard hospital care, newborn infants are held wrapped or dressed in their mother's arms, placed in open cribs or under radiant warmers. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) begins ideally at birth and should last continually until the end of the first breastfeeding. SSC involves placing the dried, naked baby prone on the mother's bare chest, often covered with a warm blanket. According to mammalian neuroscience, the intimate contact inherent in this place (habitat) evokes neuro-behaviors ensuring fulfillment of basic biological needs. This time frame immediately post birth may represent a 'sensitive period' for programming future physiology and behavior.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of immediate or early SSC for healthy newborn infants compared to standard contact on establishment and maintenance of breastfeeding and infant physiology.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group's Trials Register (17 December 2015), made personal contact with trialists, consulted the bibliography on kangaroo mother care (KMC) maintained by Dr Susan Ludington, and reviewed reference lists of retrieved studies.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomized controlled trials that compared immediate or early SSC with usual hospital care.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. Quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
We included 46 trials with 3850 women and their infants; 38 trials with 3472 women and infants contributed data to our analyses. Trials took place in 21 countries, and most recruited small samples (just 12 trials randomized more than 100 women). Eight trials included women who had SSC after cesarean birth. All infants recruited to trials were healthy, and the majority were full term. Six trials studied late preterm infants (greater than 35 weeks' gestation). No included trial met all criteria for good quality with respect to methodology and reporting; no trial was successfully blinded, and all analyses were imprecise due to small sample size. Many analyses had statistical heterogeneity due to considerable differences between SSC and standard care control groups. Results for womenSSC women were more likely than women with standard contact to be breastfeeding at one to four months post birth, though there was some uncertainty in this estimate due to risks of bias in included trials (average risk ratio (RR) 1.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.07 to 1.43; participants = 887; studies = 14; I² = 41%; GRADE: moderate quality). SSC women also breast fed their infants longer, though data were limited (mean difference (MD) 64 days, 95% CI 37.96 to 89.50; participants = 264; studies = six; GRADE:low quality); this result was from a sensitivity analysis excluding one trial contributing all of the heterogeneity in the primary analysis. SSC women were probably more likely to exclusively breast feed from hospital discharge to one month post birth and from six weeks to six months post birth, though both analyses had substantial heterogeneity (from discharge average RR 1.30, 95% CI 1.12 to 1.49; participants = 711; studies = six; I² = 44%; GRADE: moderate quality; from six weeks average RR 1.50, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.90; participants = 640; studies = seven; I² = 62%; GRADE: moderate quality).Women in the SCC group had higher mean scores for breastfeeding effectiveness, with moderate heterogeneity (IBFAT (Infant Breastfeeding Assessment Tool) score MD 2.28, 95% CI 1.41 to 3.15; participants = 384; studies = four; I² = 41%). SSC infants were more likely to breast feed successfully during their first feed, with high heterogeneity (average RR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.67; participants = 575; studies = five; I² = 85%). Results for infantsSSC infants had higher SCRIP (stability of the cardio-respiratory system) scores overall, suggesting better stabilization on three physiological parameters. However, there were few infants, and the clinical significance of the test was unclear because trialists reported averages of multiple time points (standardized mean difference (SMD) 1.24, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.72; participants = 81; studies = two; GRADE low quality). SSC infants had higher blood glucose levels (MD 10.49, 95% CI 8.39 to 12.59; participants = 144; studies = three; GRADE: low quality), but similar temperature to infants in standard care (MD 0.30 degree Celcius (°C) 95% CI 0.13 °C to 0.47 °C; participants = 558; studies = six; I² = 88%; GRADE: low quality). Women and infants after cesarean birthWomen practicing SSC after cesarean birth were probably more likely to breast feed one to four months post birth and to breast feed successfully (IBFAT score), but analyses were based on just two trials and few women. Evidence was insufficient to determine whether SSC could improve breastfeeding at other times after cesarean. Single trials contributed to infant respiratory rate, maternal pain and maternal state anxiety with no power to detect group differences. SubgroupsWe found no differences for any outcome when we compared times of initiation (immediate less than 10 minutes post birth versus early 10 minutes or more post birth) or lengths of contact time (60 minutes or less contact versus more than 60 minutes contact).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Evidence supports the use of SSC to promote breastfeeding. Studies with larger sample sizes are necessary to confirm physiological benefit for infants during transition to extra-uterine life and to establish possible dose-response effects and optimal initiation time. Methodological quality of trials remains problematic, and small trials reporting different outcomes with different scales and limited data limit our confidence in the benefits of SSC for infants. Our review included only healthy infants, which limits the range of physiological parameters observed and makes their interpretation difficult.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Kangaroo-Mother Care Method; Mother-Child Relations; Mothers; Object Attachment; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Skin Physiological Phenomena; Touch
PubMed: 27885658
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003519.pub4 -
Journal of Affective Disorders Jan 2015Research has separately indicated associations between pregnancy depression and breastfeeding, breastfeeding and postpartum depression, and pregnancy and postpartum... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Research has separately indicated associations between pregnancy depression and breastfeeding, breastfeeding and postpartum depression, and pregnancy and postpartum depression. This paper aimed to provide a systematic literature review on breastfeeding and depression, considering both pregnancy and postpartum depression.
METHODS
An electronic search in three databases was performed using the keywords: "breast feeding", "bottle feeding", "depression", "pregnancy", and "postpartum". Two investigators independently evaluated the titles and abstracts in a first stage and the full-text in a second stage review. Papers not addressing the association among breastfeeding and pregnancy or postpartum depression, non-original research and research focused on the effect of anti-depressants were excluded. 48 studies were selected and included. Data were independently extracted.
RESULTS
Pregnancy depression predicts a shorter breastfeeding duration, but not breastfeeding intention or initiation. Breastfeeding duration is associated with postpartum depression in almost all studies. Postpartum depression predicts and is predicted by breastfeeding cessation in several studies. Pregnancy and postpartum depression are associated with shorter breastfeeding duration. Breastfeeding may mediate the association between pregnancy and postpartum depression. Pregnancy depression predicts shorter breastfeeding duration and that may increase depressive symptoms during postpartum.
LIMITATIONS
The selected keywords may have led to the exclusion of relevant references.
CONCLUSIONS
Although strong empirical evidence regarding the associations among breastfeeding and pregnancy or postpartum depression was separately provided, further research, such as prospective studies, is needed to clarify the association among these three variables. Help for depressed pregnant women should be delivered to enhance both breastfeeding and postpartum psychological adjustment.
Topics: Bottle Feeding; Breast Feeding; Depression, Postpartum; Depressive Disorder; Female; Humans; Intention; Internationality; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prospective Studies; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 25305429
DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.09.022 -
Breastfeeding Medicine : the Official... May 2015This article's aim is to review the literature on racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates and practices, address barriers to breastfeeding among minority... (Review)
Review
This article's aim is to review the literature on racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates and practices, address barriers to breastfeeding among minority women, conduct a systematic review of breastfeeding interventions, and provide obstetrician-gynecologists with recommendations on how they can help increase rates among minority women. In order to do so, the literature of racial and ethnic disparities in breastfeeding rates and barriers among minority women was reviewed, and a systematic review of breastfeeding interventions among minority women on PubMed and MEDLINE was conducted. Racial and ethnic minority women continue to have lower breastfeeding rates than white women and are not close to meeting the Healthy People 2020 goals. Minority women report many barriers to breastfeeding. Major efforts are still needed to improve breastfeeding initiation and duration rates among minority women in the United States. Obstetrician-gynecologists have a unique opportunity to promote and support breastfeeding through their clinical practices and public policy, and their efforts can have a meaningful impact on the future health of the mother and child.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Ethnicity; Female; Health Education; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; Healthcare Disparities; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Health Services; Minority Groups; Mothers; Postnatal Care; Social Support; United States
PubMed: 25831234
DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2014.0152 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Mar 2017Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition whereby the lingual frenulum attaches near the tip of the tongue and may be short, tight and thick. Tongue-tie is present in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tongue-tie, or ankyloglossia, is a condition whereby the lingual frenulum attaches near the tip of the tongue and may be short, tight and thick. Tongue-tie is present in 4% to 11% of newborns. Tongue-tie has been cited as a cause of poor breastfeeding and maternal nipple pain. Frenotomy, which is commonly performed, may correct the restriction to tongue movement and allow more effective breastfeeding with less maternal nipple pain.
OBJECTIVES
To determine whether frenotomy is safe and effective in improving ability to feed orally among infants younger than three months of age with tongue-tie (and problems feeding).Also, to perform subgroup analysis to determine the following.• Severity of tongue-tie before frenotomy as measured by a validated tool (e.g. Hazelbaker Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (ATLFF) scores < 11; scores ≥ 11) (Hazelbaker 1993).• Gestational age at birth (< 37 weeks' gestation; 37 weeks' gestation and above).• Method of feeding (breast or bottle).• Age at frenotomy (≤ 10 days of age; > 10 days to three months of age).• Severity of feeding difficulty (infants with feeding difficulty affecting weight gain (as assessed by infant's not regaining birth weight by day 14 or falling off centiles); infants with symptomatic feeding difficulty but thriving (greater than birth weight by day 14 and tracking centiles).
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, Embase and CINAHL up to January 2017, as well as previous reviews including cross-references, expert informants and journal handsearching. We searched clinical trials databases for ongoing and recently completed trials. We applied no language restrictions.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Randomised, quasi-randomised controlled trials or cluster-randomised trials that compared frenotomy versus no frenotomy or frenotomy versus sham procedure in newborn infants.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Review authors extracted from the reports of clinical trials data regarding clinical outcomes including infant feeding, maternal nipple pain, duration of breastfeeding, cessation of breastfeeding, infant pain, excessive bleeding, infection at the site of frenotomy, ulceration at the site of frenotomy, damage to the tongue and/or submandibular ducts and recurrence of tongue-tie. We used the GRADE approach to assess the quality of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
Five randomised trials met our inclusion criteria (n = 302). Three studies objectively measured infant breastfeeding using standardised assessment tools. Pooled analysis of two studies (n = 155) showed no change on a 10-point feeding scale following frenotomy (mean difference (MD) -0.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.6 to 0.5 units on a 10-point feeding scale). A third study (n = 58) showed objective improvement on a 12-point feeding scale (MD 3.5, 95% CI 3.1 to 4.0 units of a 12-point feeding scale). Four studies objectively assessed maternal pain. Pooled analysis of three studies (n = 212) based on a 10-point pain scale showed a reduction in maternal pain scores following frenotomy (MD -0.7, 95% CI -1.4 to -0.1 units on a 10-point pain scale). A fourth study (n = 58) also showed a reduction in pain scores on a 50-point pain scale (MD -8.6, 95% CI -9.4 to -7.8 units on a 50-point pain scale). All studies reported no adverse effects following frenotomy. These studies had serious methodological shortcomings. They included small sample sizes, and only two studies blinded both mothers and assessors; one did not attempt blinding for mothers nor for assessors. All studies offered frenotomy to controls, and most controls underwent the procedure, suggesting lack of equipoise. No study was able to report whether frenotomy led to long-term successful breastfeeding.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
Frenotomy reduced breastfeeding mothers' nipple pain in the short term. Investigators did not find a consistent positive effect on infant breastfeeding. Researchers reported no serious complications, but the total number of infants studied was small. The small number of trials along with methodological shortcomings limits the certainty of these findings. Further randomised controlled trials of high methodological quality are necessary to determine the effects of frenotomy.
Topics: Ankyloglossia; Breast Feeding; Female; Gestational Age; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Lingual Frenum; Mastodynia; Nipples; Pain Measurement; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28284020
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011065.pub2 -
Taiwanese Journal of Obstetrics &... Jan 2019Breast-feeding initiation within the first half hour after birth is one of the World Health Organization recommendations. However, in most hospitals, mother-infant... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Breast-feeding initiation within the first half hour after birth is one of the World Health Organization recommendations. However, in most hospitals, mother-infant contact and breast-feeding initiation are delayed due to routine mother and infant care. This study aimed to determine the effect of mother-infant skin to skin contact (SSC) immediately after birth on the success rate and duration of the first breast-feeding. In this review, databases of PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Google Scholar, SID and Magiran and reference sections of relevant articles were searched for both Persian and English randomized clinical trials from 2000 to December 2017, using the keywords of "(Breast-feeding OR Lactation) AND (mother-infant SSC OR KMC) AND (breast-feeding success OR breast-feeding duration)". A total of nine trials were ultimately included. Data analysis was performed with Comprehensive Meta-analysis (CMA) software version 2. In total 597 participants were assigned to the intervention group and 553 participants were assigned to the comparison group. Quantitative analysis Based on mean differences or odds ratio showed that Mother-Infant SSC had a significantly positive effect on success in first breast-feeding (MD:1.90, 95%; CI 0.958-2.856; p = 0.00, OR: 2.771 95%; CI 1.587-4.838; p = 0.00) and first breast-feeding duration (MD:26.627 95%; CI 1.070-52.184; p = 0.041). Mother-infant SSC after birth has beneficial effects on breast-feeding and can increase the success rate and duration of the first lactation. Therefore, the results of this study can be used by healthcare providers in evidence-based decision-making about ways to increase breast-feeding rates.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Kangaroo-Mother Care Method; Lactation; Mothers; Pregnancy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 30638460
DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2018.11.002 -
American Family Physician Oct 2019The postpartum period, defined as the 12 weeks after delivery, is an important time for a new mother and her family and can be considered a fourth trimester. Outpatient...
The postpartum period, defined as the 12 weeks after delivery, is an important time for a new mother and her family and can be considered a fourth trimester. Outpatient postpartum care should be initiated within three weeks after delivery in person or by phone, and may require multiple contacts with the patient to fully address needs and concerns. A full assessment is recommended within 12 weeks. Care should initially focus on acute needs and risks for morbidity and mortality and then transition to care for chronic conditions and health maintenance. Complications of pregnancy, such as hypertensive disorders and gestational diabetes mellitus, affect a woman's long-term health and require specific attention. Women diagnosed with gestational diabetes should receive a 75-g two-hour fasting oral glucose tolerance test between four and 12 weeks postpartum. Patients with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy should have a blood pressure check performed within seven days of delivery. All women should have a biopsychosocial assessment (e.g., depression, intimate partner violence) screening in the postpartum period, and preventive counseling should be offered to women at high risk. Additional patient concerns may include urinary incontinence, constipation, breastfeeding, sexuality, and contraception. Treating these issues during the postpartum period is important to the new mother's immediate and long-term health.
Topics: Breast Feeding; Curriculum; Education, Medical, Continuing; Female; Humans; Mothers; Postnatal Care; Postpartum Period; Practice Guidelines as Topic
PubMed: 31613576
DOI: No ID Found