The significance of early breastfeeding experiences on breastfeeding self-efficacy one week postpartum

The effect of neurolinguistic programming and progressive muscle relaxation exercises on breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

This research was to determine the effect of neurolinguistic programming (NLP) and progressive muscle relaxation exercises (PMRE) on breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous women after cesarean section.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a single-blind, three-arm, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial. Data were collected between 01 October 2023, and 18 December 2023. The sample of the study consisted of 99 primiparous women who gave birth by cesarean section (NLP=33, PMRE=33, and control=33). Women were randomly assigned to the groups. Starting from the first mobilization time after cesarean section, NLP was applied to the NLP group and PMRE was applied to the PMRE group every eight hours for 48 h. In the control group, NLP or PMRE was not applied and the women were allowed to rest on their backs. The primary outcomes of the study were breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy.

RESULTS

The mean scores of breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy measured over time were highest in the NLP group and lowest in the control group (p<.05). The mean scores of breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy measured over time increased by 78.4 %, and 97.7 %, respectively, in the NLP group compared to the control group, 74.7 %, and 88.1 %, in the PMRE group compared to the control group, and 13.5 %, and 90.2 %, respectively, in the NLP group compared to the PMRE group (p<.05).

CONCLUSION

NLP intervention may have a more positive effect on breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy than PMRE intervention.

TRIAL AND PROTOCOL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06070792.

Dysphoric Milk Ejection Reflex (D-MER): A Novel Neuroendocrine Condition with Psychiatric Manifestations

LEARNING OBJECTIVES AFTER PARTICIPATING IN THIS CME ACTIVITY, READERS SHOULD BE BETTER ABLE TO

• Describe how the symptoms of dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) affect nursing patients.• Discuss how physicians, psychologists, and clinicians can support their patients experiencing D-MER.

ABSTRACT

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is characterized by a sudden onset of profoundly negative emotions that are temporally linked to milk letdown when breastfeeding or pumping breast milk. These affective experiences have no psychological precipitants and only last for minutes. D-MER is relatively underappreciated in the physician-oriented medical literature, although there are important clinical and public health consequences when a nursing parent experiences unwanted, negative emotions paired with breastfeeding. D-MER can undermine the parent's confidence and may affect bonding with their infant; it may also contribute to weaning earlier than planned. It is especially important for psychiatrists and other health care professionals who may be called upon to evaluate postpartum patients or nursing parents to be knowledgeable about D-MER. This perspective article aims to provide information about D-MER to the psychiatric and broader medical communities, and to underscore the need for additional research on this topic. Drawing on a literature search, the article first traces historical recognition of D-MER as a clinical entity, then summarizes the clinical characteristics of D-MER and recommends an assessment and management approach that emphasizes psychoeducation. The article also discusses factors that have contributed to the underappreciation of this condition, outlines gaps in our understanding, and suggests next steps for epidemiological and clinical research. D-MER is likely a neuroendocrine condition with psychiatric manifestations. Given that it is episodic but with predictable timing, this condition presents a unique opportunity for scientific investigation.

Exclusive breastfeeding among Indonesian working mothers: does early initiation of breastfeeding matter?

BACKGROUND

Early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) is a starting point that lays the foundation for breastfeeding and bonding between mother and baby. Meanwhile, working mothers are one of the vulnerable groups for the success of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF). The study analyzed the role of EIBF on EBF among Indonesian working mothers.

METHODS

The cross-sectional study examined secondary data from the 2021 Indonesian National Nutritional Status Survey. The study analyzed 4,003 respondents. We examined EBF practice as an outcome variable and EIBF as an exposure variable. We included nine control variables (residence, maternal age, marital, education, prenatal classes, wealth, infant age, sex, and birth weight). All variables were assessed by questionnaire. The study employed a binary logistic regression test in the last stage.

RESULTS

The result showed that the proportion of EBF among working mothers in Indonesia in 2021 was 51.9%. Based on EIBF, Indonesian working mothers with EIBF were 2.053 times more likely than those without to perform EBF (p < 0.001; AOR 2.053; 95% CI 2.028-2.077). Moreover, the study also found control variables related to EBF in Indonesia: residence, maternal age, marital, education, prenatal classes, wealth, infant age, sex, and birth weight.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that EIBF was related to EBF. Indonesian working mothers with EIBF were two times more likely than those without to perform EBF. The government needs to release policies that strengthen the occurrence of EIBF in working mothers to increase EBF coverage.

The effects of video-assisted breastfeeding education given to primiparous pregnant women on breastfeeding self-efficacy: randomized control study

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is vitally important for the health of the mother, baby, family and society. Especially the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy of primiparous pregnant women is an important factor in breastfeeding. This study was conducted to determine the effects of online video-supported breastfeeding education on breastfeeding self-efficacy in primiparous pregnant women.

METHODS

This randomized controlled study was conducted with primiparous pregnant women admitted to a university hospital in northern Turkey. The study involved 80 pregnant women, with 40 assigned to the experimental group and 40 to the control group. Participants in the intervention group received online video-assisted education, which covered the first meeting of the mother and baby as well as the initial breastfeeding session. The data for the breastfeeding self-efficacy scale were gathered at the onset of the study and three weeks later. In data analysis, categorical variables were assessed using the chi-square test, continuous variables and intergroup comparisons were conducted through the independent sample t-test, and intragroup comparisons were performed using the paired sample t-test.

RESULTS

While the baseline breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of the primiparous pregnant women were similar between the groups, statistically significant differences were observed both within (p = 0.000) and between (p = 0.000) groups in the breastfeeding self-efficacy scores of pregnant women in the intervention group after the education intervention.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding self-efficacy levels in the education group showed a statistically significant increase compared to both the pre-education and control groups. This highlights the importance of nurses providing support to primiparous pregnant women through video-assisted education during pregnancy to enhance breastfeeding self-efficacy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06121973 date of first registration (27/10/2023), retrospectively registered (08/11/2023).

Pressure to provide milk among mothers of very low birth weight infants: an explorative study

BACKGROUND

Pump-dependent mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW, < 1500g) infants experience specific challenges achieving sufficient milk supply in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and are therefore less frequently able to achieve (exclusive) breast milk feeding. Stress due to the limitations on participating in the infant's care may contribute to this problem. Some explorative studies suggest that pressure to provide milk may be an additional stressor in mothers. However, the type of pressure to provide milk perceived by mothers of VLBW infants has rarely been examined.

METHODS

A retrospective and anonymous questionnaire was conducted with mothers of VLBW infants aged 6 to 24 months at the time of data collection. Quantitative data and written comments were used to examine the mothers' perceptions. Descriptive and bivariate tests (Spearman´s rho, Pearson's chi2) were performed to show correlations between pressure to provide breast milk, parental stress (PSS:NICU: role alteration subscale), milk volume, and maternal factors. Pressure to provide milk was measured through two self-developed single items to differentiate between internal and external pressures.

RESULTS

Data of n = 533 mothers of VLBW infants was analysed. More than 70% of the mothers agreed that they pressured themselves to provide milk for their infant. In contrast, 34% of the mothers agreed that they felt pressure from outside to provide milk. Higher milk volume 14 days post-partum was significantly correlated with higher internal (Spearman´s rho = 0.2017, p = 0.000) and higher external pressure to provide milk (Spearman´s rho = 0.2991; p = 0.000). Higher PSS:NICU parental role alteration scores were significantly correlated with more internal (Spearman´s rho = -0.2865, p = 0.000) and more external pressure to provide milk (Spearman´s rho = -0.1478; p = 0.002). Milk volume 14 days post-partum and the PSS:NICU were not significantly correlated (Spearman´s rho = -0.0190; p = 0.701). Qualitative analyses highlighted these results and enhanced the bidirectional relationships between maternal pressure to provide milk and milk volume.

CONCLUSIONS

Especially internal pressure to provide milk is perceived by many mothers, being mutually dependent on milk supply and parental stress. Pressure to provide milk may be an important factor to decrease maternal stress in the NICU and, therefore, lead to more positive pumping and breastfeeding experiences. More research and validated instruments are needed to adequately measure pressure to provide milk with its different psychological, social, and environmental dimensions.

Promoting breastfeeding in women with gestational diabetes mellitus in high-income settings: an integrative review

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding provides many short- and long-term health benefits for mothers and their infants and is a particularly relevant strategy for women who experience Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during pregnancy. However, breastfeeding rates are generally lower amongst this group of women than the general population. This review's objective is to identify the factors that influence breastfeeding by exploring the experiences and outcomes of women in in high-income health care contexts when there is a history of GDM in the corresponding pregnancy.

METHODS

A comprehensive search strategy explored the electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus for primary studies exploring breastfeeding practices for papers published between January 2011 and June 2023. All papers were screened independently by two researchers with included papers assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal tool. Findings were analysed using a narrative synthesis framework.

RESULTS

From an initial search result of 1037 papers, 16 papers representing five high-income nations were included in this review for analysis - the United States of America (n = 10), Australia (n = 3), Finland (n = 1), Norway (n = 1), and Israel (n = 1). Fifteen papers used a quantitative design, and one used a qualitative design. The total number of participants represented in the papers is 963,718 of which 812,052 had GDM and 151,666 did not. Women with an immediate history of GDM were as likely to initiate breastfeeding as those without it. However, they were more likely to have the first feed delayed, be offered supplementation, experience delayed lactogenesis II and or a perception of low supply. Women were less likely to exclusively breastfeed and more likely to completely wean earlier than the general population. Maternity care practices, maternal factors, family influences, and determinants of health were contextual and acted as either a facilitator or barrier for this group.

CONCLUSION

Breastfeeding education and support need to be tailored to recognise the individual needs and challenges of women with a history of GDM. Interventions, including the introduction of commercial milk formula (CMF) may have an even greater impact and needs to be very carefully considered. Supportive strategies should encompass the immediate and extended family who are major sources of influence.

Evaluation of the Impact of a Midwife-Led Breastfeeding Group Intervention on Prevention of Postpartum Depression: A Multicentre Randomised Clinical Trial

Postpartum depression is a significant health issue affecting both mothers and newborns during the postpartum period. Group support interventions during this period have proven effective in helping women cope with depression and improving breastfeeding rates. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a midwife-led breastfeeding support group intervention on breastfeeding rates, postpartum depression and general self-efficacy. This was a multicentric cluster randomised controlled trial with control and intervention groups and was not blinded. It was conducted in Andalusia (southern Spain) from October 2021 to May 2023. A total of 382 women participated in the study. The results showed a significant difference in exclusive breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum between the groups (control 50% vs. intervention 69.9%; p < 0.001). Additionally, there was a lower mean score on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale in the intervention group (12.49 ± 3.6 vs. 13.39 ± 4.0; p = 0.044). Similarly, higher scores of general self-efficacy were observed among breastfeeding women at 2 and 4 months postpartum (77.73 ± 14.81; p = 0.002 and 76.46 ± 15.26; p < 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, midwife-led breastfeeding support groups enhanced self-efficacy, prolonged breastfeeding and reduced postpartum depression 4 months after giving birth.

A correlational study of breastfeeding duration among Saudi mothers: The role of self-efficacy, intention, and social support

Background

Breastfeeding is an essential source of nutrition for infants and offers numerous benefits for both the mother and child. Despite the consensus on its advantages, limited research in Saudi Arabia has explored the factors influencing breastfeeding duration.

Objective

This study aimed to examine the relationships between breastfeeding self-efficacy, intention, social support, and breastfeeding duration.

Methods

The study employed a correlational research design, and data were collected from three armed forces hospitals in Taif, Saudi Arabia, from December 2020 to February 2021. The samples comprised 356 conveniently selected breastfeeding mothers, assessed using the Breastfeeding Personal Efficacy Beliefs Inventory, Modified Infant Feeding Intention Scale, and Exclusive Breastfeeding Social Support Scale. Simple linear regressions were conducted for data analysis.

Results

Breastfeeding duration was divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of mothers still breastfeeding at the time of data collection, while Group 2 comprised those who had discontinued breastfeeding. Of the total samples, 51.6% (n = 184) of mothers were classified under Group 1, while the remaining 48.4% (n = 172) were allocated to Group 2. Specifically, 78.3% of mothers had stopped breastfeeding by the time their infants were six months old, and 93.3% intended to introduce formula feeding at three months. In Group 1, the results revealed that self-efficacy (β = 0.625, p <0.001), intention (β = 0.643, p <0.001), and social support (β = 0.612, p <0.001) were positively associated with breastfeeding duration. Similarly, in Group 2, a strong positive correlation was observed between self-efficacy (β = 0.72, p <0.001), intention (β = 0.73, p <0.001), social support (β = 0.699, p <0.001), and breastfeeding duration. These three factors jointly explained 40% of the variance in breastfeeding duration in Group 1 (adjusted R2 = 0.4) and 50% in Group 2 (adjusted R2 = 0.5).

Conclusion

Breastfeeding intention was found to have a more significant impact on breastfeeding duration than self-efficacy and social support. These results can inform nurses and midwives in supporting breastfeeding mothers by providing them with the necessary information and increasing their awareness of breastfeeding-related factors.

Is Early Initiation of Maternal Lactation a Significant Determinant for Continuing Exclusive Breastfeeding up to 6 Months?

BACKGROUND

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) within the first hour after birth. However, certain perinatal factors, namely caesarean section, may prevent this goal from being achieved. The aim of our study was to examine the relationship between EIBF (maternal lactation in the first hours and degree of latching before hospital discharge) and the maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding (MBF) up to the recommended 6 months of age (as advocated by the WHO).

METHODS

This observational, retrospective cohort study included a random sample of all births between 2018 and 2019, characterising the moment of breastfeeding initiation after birth and the infant's level of breast latch (measured by LATCH assessment tool) prior to hospital discharge. Data were collected from electronic medical records and from follow-up health checks of infants up to 6 months postpartum.

RESULTS

We included 342 women and their newborns. EIBF occurred most often after vaginal (p < 0.001) and spontaneous births with spontaneous amniorrhexis (p = 0.002). LATCH score <9 points was associated with a 1.4-fold relative risk of abandoning MBF (95%CI: 1.2-1.7) compared with a score of 9-10 points.

CONCLUSIONS

Although we were unable to find a significant association between EIBF in the first 2 h after birth and MBF at 6 months postpartum, low LATCH scores prior to discharge were associated with low MBF, indicating the importance of reinforcing the education and preparation efforts of mothers in the first days after delivery, prior to the establishment of an infant feeding routine upon returning home.

Either 'a blessing in disguise', or 'I couldn't get help,': Australian and Aotearoa NZ women's experiences of early infant feeding during COVID-19

BACKGROUND

To manage the COVID-19 pandemic, public health restrictions and a rapid pivot to telehealth occurred. Peripartum services were significantly affected by a strained infrastructure. Decreased face to face access to health services and support affected maternal experiences and confidence internationally, yet little was reported with the Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand context.

AIM

To explore the early parenting and infant feeding experiences of new mothers from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in the context of a pandemic.

METHODS

An interpretive qualitative approach and thematic analysis obtained an in-depth understanding of the experiences of 27 mothers who gave birth during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

FINDINGS

Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand women reported similar experiences, which varied contextually. Restrictions and requirements impacted favourably and unfavourably. Many women found the peace and space of social distancing an unexpected benefit and were proud of their achievements, whilst others shared feelings of isolation and distress. Some women felt they instinctively did what they needed to do. Experiences correlated with differing levels of self-efficacy.

DISCUSSION

While many women relished the freedom from social obligations when faced with feeding challenges, there was general dissatisfaction with the level of support available. Care was fragmented, and health care needs were unmet, impacting feeding and parenting decisions and mental health.

CONCLUSION

Access to timely and appropriate professional support is an important factor in establishing breastfeeding and developing parenting confidence, particularly in the context of a pandemic and should be a health policy priority.

Psychometric Assessment of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of Indonesian Mothers

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF) in Indonesian postpartum women. We conducted a cross-sectional study including 237 postpartum women in Yogyakarta City, Indonesia. Participants completed the BSES-SF, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Construct validity, internal reliability, and divergent validity were examined using confirmatory factor analysis, Cronbach's alpha, and Pearson's correlations. We identified a unidimensional structure through confirmatory factor analysis with an excellent internal consistency by Cronbach's alpha of .90. Divergent validity was evidenced by low correlation of the BSES-SF with the depressive symptoms (EPDS, r = -.21; HADS-D, r = -.17, p < .05) and anxiety symptoms (HADS-A, r = -.15, p = .02). It is concluded that the Indonesian version of BSES-SF is a valid and reliable measurement tool to assess breastfeeding self-efficacy among postpartum women.

Evaluation of breastfeeding success and self-efficacy in mothers giving birth via vaginal delivery or cesarean section: a cross-sectional study

This cross-sectional observational study was conducted to compare breastfeeding success and breastfeeding self-efficacy levels of mothers who gave birth via vaginal delivery (spontaneous or via epidural analgesia) or cesarean section (under general or spinal anesthesia). The study was conducted between September 2019 and February 2020 in the obstetric clinic. Data were collected using a Data Collection Form, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form (BSES-SF), and the LATCH Breastfeeding Evaluation Tool. Throughout the study, we followed the STROBE Checklist. Mothers who gave birth via spontaneous vaginal delivery had a statistically higher mean Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy score (54.92 ± 7.72; p < .001) than those who gave birth under spinal anesthesia (43.21 ± 10.04; p < .001) and then those who gave birth via cesarean section under general anesthesia (37.39 ± 10.64; p < .001). The difference between the delivery modes in terms of breastfeeding self-efficacy and breastfeeding success scores was statistically significant (respectively, KW = 40.168, p < .001 and KW = 52.420, p < .001). In order to increase the breastfeeding success of mothers who give birth via cesarean section under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia, lactation nurses need to strengthen the perception of breastfeeding self-efficacy and provide more breastfeeding support to them compared to mothers who give birth via SVD.

Effect of Face-to-Face and WhatsApp Communication of a Theory-Based Health Education Intervention on Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy (SeBF Intervention): Cluster Randomized Controlled Field Trial

Background

The exclusive breastfeeding rate in Malaysia is still not satisfactory. Previous studies have shown that breastfeeding self-efficacy is one of the determinants of exclusive breastfeeding, and it can be improved using social cognitive theory. WhatsApp, which is widely used among Malaysians, could be leveraged as a platform to deliver health education interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate the effect of using a face-to-face and WhatsApp-based health education intervention based on social cognitive theory, namely the Self-Efficacy in Breastfeeding (SeBF) module, on mothers' self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitudes in a district in Selangor state.

Methods

This study was a 2-arm, parallel, single-blind, cluster randomized controlled field trial with an intervention and a control group involving primigravida or multigravida mothers who reside in a district in Selangor state and did not exclusively breastfeed during their previous pregnancy. All 12 maternity and pediatric clinics in this district were randomly divided into 6 intervention and 6 control groups. A total of 172 pregnant mothers were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=86) or the control group (n=86). The control group received usual routine care. The primary outcome was breastfeeding self-efficacy, while secondary outcomes were knowledge and attitude toward breastfeeding. Each subject was assessed at 4 time points: at baseline, immediately after the intervention, 4 weeks post partum, and 8 weeks post partum. Generalized mixed model analysis was applied to measure the effect of health education on breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge, and attitude after the intervention.

Results

The response rate was 81% (139/172), with the dropout rate being 7% (6/86) in the intervention group and 31% (27/86) in the control group. In the intent-to-treat analysis, the intervention group showed a significant increase in the mean total breastfeeding self-efficacy score 8 weeks after delivery compared with the control group (F_21,601=111.73, P<.001). In addition, the mean total score for breastfeeding knowledge increased significantly in the intervention group after the intervention compared to the control group (F_21,601=8.33, P<.001). However, no significant difference was found in the mean total score for breastfeeding attitude after the intervention (F_21,602=5.50, P=.47).

Conclusions

Face-to-face and WhatsApp-based participation in the SeBF program, designed on the basis of social cognitive theory, contributed to improved self-efficacy and knowledge about breastfeeding. Further studies need to be conducted with a longer duration (until 6 months post partum) to evaluate its effectiveness in increasing exclusive breastfeeding. Furthermore, new strategies in health education need to be developed to improve breastfeeding attitudes.

Trial Registration

Thaiclinicaltrials.org TCTR20200213004; https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20200213004

Predictors and impact of women's breastfeeding self-efficacy and postnatal care in the context of a pandemic in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand

OBJECTIVE

To investigate predictors of breastfeeding self-efficacy, postnatal care experiences, and there subsequent impact on breastfeeding outcomes in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional online survey collected data between August and October 2020 with recruitment via social media. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive analyses, and linear and logistic regression analysis related to the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form findings. Open text responses were analyzed using content analysis.

FINDINGS

There were 1001 complete responses. Visitor restrictions impacted the woman's early parenting experience in both positive and negative ways. One third of participants stated their postnatal needs were not met with 82 stating that they had no postnatal care at all. During the first six weeks postnatal, 48.1% felt not very or not at all confident caring for their baby. Despite 94.3% of participants initiating breastfeeding, only 70% were exclusively breastfeeding at six weeks. The mean self-efficacy score was 49.98 suggesting the need for additional help, with first time mothers having a statistically significant lower score.

DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION

Sub-optimal postnatal care and support negatively influence breastfeeding self-efficacy. Women desired additional help during the COVID-19 pandemic inclusive of support and education to meet their postnatal needs and exclusively breastfeed.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Women require appropriate and timely postnatal care and support to promote confidence in caring for baby and achieve their breastfeeding goals. Preferably this care should be provided face-to-face.

Breastfeeding trajectories of young and short-term educated mothers and their partners; experiences of a journey facing tailwind and headwind

OBJECTIVE

To explore needs, experiences and socio-cultural context of young and short-term educated mothers and their partners affecting breastfeeding duration and self-efficacy during pregnancy and the first months following birth.

DESIGN

A qualitative study was conducted using Malterud's method of Systematic Text Condensation.

SETTING

Data collection took place in two rural regions in Denmark between October and December 2020.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirteen interviews (eight mothers and five fathers), four focus group interviews (24 health visitors) and seven observations of home visits by health visitors were performed. The mothers were below 25 years and had short-term education.

FINDINGS

Four themes formed the narrative "Setting off and carrying through a breastfeeding journey": 1) Bringing your unique story of life into the breastfeeding journey, 2) Looking forward to a natural breastfeeding, 3) Facing breastfeeding and the intrusive needs of the baby, and 4) Adaptation to breastfeeding or bottle feeding. Each of these describing barriers and facilitators regarding breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Becoming familiar with breastfeeding and developing a relationship with the baby posed common challenges for the young and short-term educated mothers and their partners. However, the process was embedded in the parents' unique and often fragile socio-cultural everyday life influencing breastfeeding and breastfeeding self-efficacy. The relationship with the health visitor was essential for the parents' benefit of breastfeeding support, which underscores the importance of viewing adequate breastfeeding support as a relational phenomenon including socio-cultural, parent-baby, and health visitor-parent perspectives in young and short-term educated parents.

Structured antenatal milk expression education for nulliparous pregnant people: results of a pilot, randomized controlled trial in the United States

BACKGROUND

Hand-expression, collection, and storage of breast milk during pregnancy (i.e., antenatal milk expression or AME) is a safe, potentially effective practice to reduce early, undesired infant formula supplementation among women with diabetes. The feasibility and potential impact of AME on lactation outcomes in the United States (U.S.) and among non-diabetic birthing people is unknown.

METHODS

The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of a structured AME intervention among nulliparous birthing people in the United States. We recruited 45 low-risk, nulliparous individuals at 34-36^6/7 weeks of gestation from a hospital-based midwife practice. Participants were randomized to AME or a control group receiving lactation education handouts. Interventions were delivered at weekly visits at 37-40 weeks of pregnancy. The AME intervention involved technique demonstration and feedback from a lactation consultant and daily independent practice. Lactation outcomes were assessed during the postpartum hospitalization, 1-2 weeks postpartum, and 3-4 months postpartum.

RESULTS

Between December 2016 and February 2018, 63 individuals were approached and screened for eligibility, and 45 enrolled into the study (71%). Of 22 participants assigned to AME, 18 completed at least one AME study visit. Participants reported practicing AME on at least 60% of days prior to their infant's birth. Most were able to express milk antenatally (15/18), more than half collected and froze antenatal milk (11/18), and 39% (7/18) supplemented their infants with antenatal milk after birth. No major problems were reported with AME. Perinatal and lactation outcomes, including infant gestational age at birth, neonatal intensive care unit admissions, delayed onset of lactogenesis II, and use of infant formula were similar between AME and control groups. Among participants in both groups who were feeding any breast milk at each assessment, breastfeeding self-efficacy increased and perceptions of insufficient milk decreased over the postpartum course.

CONCLUSIONS

In a small group of nulliparous birthing people in the U.S., AME education and independent practice beginning at 37 weeks of pregnancy was feasible. In some cases, AME provided a back-up supply of milk when supplementation was indicated or desired. The relationship between AME and lactation outcomes requires further study with adequately powered samples.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov on May 11, 2021 under the following registration ID: NCT04929301. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04929301 .

Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Clinical Protocol #2: Guidelines for Birth Hospitalization Discharge of Breastfeeding Dyads, Revised 2022

A central goal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of clinical protocols for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recognizes that not all lactating individuals identify as women. Using gender-inclusive language, however, is not possible in all languages and all countries and for all readers. The position of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine (https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2021.29188.abm) is to interpret clinical protocols within the framework of inclusivity of all breastfeeding, chestfeeding, and human milk-feeding individuals.

Breast milk components and factors that may affect lactation success

Introduction. Breastfeeding is the most important way to feed a newborn, infant and a young child. Lactogenesis is the ability of secreting milk from the mammary gland and includes secretory initiation and activation. The birth of the placenta and decrease in progesterone levels stimulate an increase in prolactin levels and the secretion of milk from the breast. Human milk contains carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids and trace elements. In addition, numerous cells, macrophages, bacteria, chemokines, cytokines, immunoglobulins, hormones, growth factors, and mucin are present. The composition of milk differs depending on the phase of secretion. Colostrum is secreted for the first five days after birth, then comes transitional milk, and mature milk two weeks after birth. During the very act of breastfeeding, there is a difference between pre-milk and last milk. In pre-milk, the fat content is low and increases with the duration of lactation, and in breast milk it is relatively high. Aim: To point out the importance of milk composition and factors that are influential for breastfeeding. Conclusion: Maternal parity, age or socioeconomic status and education can affect the concentration of certain components of breast milk. Adequate social policy and support, along with education related to early breastfeeding experiences, can be the key factors in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding. Besides the mother and the child, the entire social community would benefit from that.