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Rosenberg J, Nardella D, Shabanova V. State paid family leave policies and breastfeeding duration: cross-sectional analysis of 2021 national immunization survey-child. Int Breastfeed J 2024; 19:37. [PMID: 38796467 PMCID: PMC11128124 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00646-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paid parental leave policies may promote breastfeeding, which can have short- and long-term health benefits for both members of the birthing person-infant dyad. In the United States, where 56% of the workforce qualifies for unpaid federal medical leave, certain states have recently enacted paid parental and family leave policies. We aimed to assess the extent to which living in states with versus without paid family leave was associated with feeding regimens that included breastfeeding. METHODS In this cross-sectional analysis of the 2021 National Immunization Survey-Child, we assessed feeding outcomes: (1) exclusively breastfed (only fed breastmilk-never infant formula-both before and after six months of age), (2) late mixed breastfeeding (formula after six months), (3) early mixed breastfeeding (breastfed, formula before six months), and (4) never breastfed. We conducted Pearson χ2 to compare social-demographic characteristics and multivariable nominal regression to assess extent to paid family leave was associated with breastfeeding regimens, compared with never breastfeeding. RESULTS Of the 35,995 respondents, 5,806 (25% of weighted respondents) were from states with paid family leave policies. Compared with never breastfeeding, all feeding that incorporated breastfeeding-exclusive breastfeeding, late mixed feeding (breastfed, formula introduced after six months), and early mixed feeding (breastfed, formula introduced before six months)-were more prevalent in states with paid family leave policies. The adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) and differences in adjusted prevalence compared with never breastfeeding in states with versus without paid family leave policies were: aPR 1.41 (95% CI 1.15, 1.73), 5.36% difference for exclusive breastfeeding; aPR 1.25 (95% CI 1.01, 1.53), 3.19% difference for late mixed feeding, aPR 1.32 (95% CI 1.32, 1.97), 5.42% difference for early mixed feeding. CONCLUSION States with paid family leave policies have higher rates of any breastfeeding and of exclusive breastfeeding than states without such policies. Because all feeding types that incorporate breastfeeding were higher in states with paid family leave policies, expansion of paid family leave may improve breastfeeding rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rosenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Deanna Nardella
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA
- National Clinician Scholars Program, Yale University, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veronika Shabanova
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale School of Public Health, 333 Cedar St, New Haven, CT, USA
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Ashby EL, Donepudi S, Padilla HM. Understanding lactation policies and resources across a university system: survey and document review. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2024; 24:367. [PMID: 38750490 PMCID: PMC11094989 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-024-06541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the U.S., employees often return to work within 8-12 weeks of giving birth, therefore, it is critical that workplaces provide support for employees combining breastfeeding and work. The Affordable Care Act requires any organization with more than 50 employees to provide a space other than a restroom to express breastmilk and a reasonable amount of time during the workday to do so. States and worksites differ in the implementation of ACA requirements and may or may not provide additional support for employees combining breastfeeding and work. The purpose of this study was to conduct an analysis of the policies and resources available at 26 institutions within a state university system to support breastfeeding when employees return to work after giving birth. METHODS Survey data was collected from Well-being Liaisons in the human resources departments at each institution. In addition, we conducted a document review of policies and online materials at each institution. We used univariate statistics to summarize survey results and an inductive and deductive thematic analysis to analyze institutional resources available on websites and in policies provided by the liaisons. RESULTS A total of 18 (65.3%) liaisons participated in the study and revealed an overall lack of familiarity with the policies in place and inconsistencies in the resources offered to breastfeeding employees across the university system. Only half of the participating liaisons reported a formal breastfeeding policy was in place on their campus. From the document review, six major themes were identified: placing the burden on employees, describing pregnancy or postpartum as a "disability," having a university-specific policy, inclusion of break times for breastfeeding, supervisor responsibility, and information on lactation policies. CONCLUSION The review of each institution's online resources confirmed the survey findings and highlighted the burden placed on employees to discover the available resources and advocate for their needs. This paper provides insight into how institutions support breastfeeding employees and provides implications on strategies to develop policies at universities to improve breastfeeding access for working parents.
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Wicklund L, Epstein A, Szugye H, Schleicher M, Lam SK. Association Between Length of Maternity Leave and Breastfeeding Duration in the United States: A Systematic Review. Obstet Gynecol 2024; 143:e107-e124. [PMID: 38207334 DOI: 10.1097/aog.0000000000005502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To perform a systematic review to assess the association between the length of maternity leave and breastfeeding duration in the United States. DATA SOURCES AND METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION This review was conducted with a five-stage model for reviews. We included publications from 2000 to 2023, U.S.-based studies written in English, and primary research and peer-reviewed articles. In February 2023, a medical librarian conducted a search across seven databases, yielding 1,540 results. ClinicalTrials.gov was later searched, yielding no results. After duplicates were removed, 835 abstracts were screened. A full-text article review was then conducted of the remaining 34 articles. TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS Twenty-three articles met inclusion criteria, two of which were reviews. Of the nonreview articles, all found a positive relationship between increased maternity leave and duration of breastfeeding. Data showed that earlier return to work for the birth parent decreased the odds of breastfeeding dyads meeting breastfeeding recommendations. Many studies adjusted for confounders (eg, race, socioeconomic status); however, Black or Latinx mothers still experience shorter breastfeeding durations or lower breastfeeding exclusivity when given equal leave compared with White mothers. CONCLUSION Results show a positive relationship between length of maternity leave and breastfeeding duration. Advocacy for longer, paid parental leave and more robust research rooted in rigorous methods are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Wicklund
- Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, the Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine, and the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland Ohio
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4
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Nourse L. Exploring workplace barriers faced by breastfeeding mothers who are PAs. JAAPA 2024; 37:39-45. [PMID: 38230905 DOI: 10.1097/01.jaa.0000995644.64750.ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To explore physician associate/assistant (PA) mothers' breastfeeding intention, duration, as well as workplace barriers for breastfeeding among working PA mothers and to determine if specialty has an effect on breastfeeding duration. METHODS A cross-sectional online survey was administered to PA mothers who had at least one biological child while a PA student or practicing as a PA. Study participants were recruited through the American Academy of Physician Associates' special interest group, PA Moms. RESULTS The 545 participants reported a breastfeeding goal of 12 months in 76.8% of births. Breastfeeding rates among participants were 96.3% at birth, 83.8% at age 3 months, 78.1% at age 6 months, and 54.8% at age 12 months. Exclusive breastfeeding rates were 77.9% at birth, 75% at age 3 months, and 42.6% at age 6 months. Workplace support from colleagues and support staff was associated with longer exclusive breastfeeding duration and any breastfeeding duration. Adequate time and place for expression of breastmilk and support from supervising or collaborating physicians were associated with longer duration of breastfeeding. Specialty had a statistically significant effect on exclusive breastfeeding duration. CONCLUSIONS PA mothers failed to meet their breastfeeding goals, despite high initiation rates. Dedicated time and space to express breastmilk and workplace support may significantly improve PA mothers' breastfeeding duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Nourse
- Lindsay Nourse practices in psychiatry at Olympia Center for TMS and Psychiatry in Lacey, Wash. The author has disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise
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5
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Gilder ME, Pateekhum C, Wai NS, Misa P, Sanguanwai P, Sappayabanphot J, Tho NE, Wiwattanacharoen W, Nantsupawat N, Hashmi A, Angkurawaranon C, McGready R. Determinants of health care worker breastfeeding experience and practices and their association with provision of care for breastfeeding mothers: a mixed-methods study from Northern Thailand. Int Breastfeed J 2024; 19:8. [PMID: 38273372 PMCID: PMC10809554 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-024-00613-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Improving breastfeeding rates is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent infant deaths, but most of the world falls far below WHO recommended breastfeeding practices. Confident, informed healthcare workers are an important resource to promote breastfeeding, but healthcare workers are at risk of early breastfeeding cessation themselves. Culture, ethnicity and socio-economic status impact breastfeeding rates with some of the highest and lowest rates in Southeast Asia reported from Thailand. This study explores the relationship between workplace determinants of breastfeeding, personal breastfeeding outcomes for healthcare workers, and the breastfeeding care healthcare workers provide their patients. METHODS This study used a sequential exploratory design guided by a conceptual framework based on social ecological/ecological psychology models. Participants came from four clinical sites in Northern Thailand, from ethnically Burman or Karen communities with high breastfeeding rates, and Thai communities with low breastfeeding rates. In-depth interviews (July 2020-November 2020) were followed by a quantitative survey (November 2020-July 2021) derived from validated questionnaires (Australian Breastfeeding Knowledge and Attitudes Questionnaire and the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale) with minor local adaptations. RESULTS Interviews highlighted the beneficial effects of supportive workplace policies, the importance of physical spaces to facilitate proximity between mothers and infants, and the problem of low milk production. Meeting the WHO recommended practices of exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months or total breastfeeding to 2 years or more was more common in sites with higher levels of breastfeeding support (aOR 7.3, 95%CI 1.8, 29.1 for exclusive breastfeeding). Exclusive breastfeeding was also higher when staff set breastfeeding goals (aOR 4.4, 95%CI 1.7, 11.5). Staff who were able to see their infants during the work day were less likely to terminate breastfeeding because of work (aOR 0.3, 95%CI 0.1, 0.8). Staff who met both WHO recommendations themselves were more likely to report high levels of confidence caring for breastfeeding patients (aOR 2.6, 95%CI 1.1, 6.4). CONCLUSIONS Workplace protections including supportive maternity leave policies and child-friendly spaces can improve breastfeeding outcomes for healthcare workers. These improved outcomes are then passed on to patients who benefit from healthcare workers who are more confident and attentive to breastfeeding problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Ellen Gilder
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Chanapat Pateekhum
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Nan San Wai
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Prapatsorn Misa
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | - Phimthip Sanguanwai
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Mae Ramat Hospital, Mae Ramat, Tak, Thailand
| | - Jarntrah Sappayabanphot
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
| | | | | | - Nopakoon Nantsupawat
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Ahmar Hashmi
- Institute for Implementation Science, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Health Promotion and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Sciences Center (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chaisiri Angkurawaranon
- Global Health and Chronic Conditions Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
| | - Rose McGready
- Shoklo Malaria Research Unit, Mahidol-Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Mae Sot, Tak, Thailand
- Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Gutierrez Dos Santos B, Shenker N, Weaver G, Perrin MT. Comparison of Breastfeeding and Pumping Experiences of Milk Bank Donors in the United States and United Kingdom. Breastfeed Med 2023; 18:870-880. [PMID: 37889994 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2023.0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Background/Objective: As human milk banking services expand, information about lifestyle characteristics and infant feeding experiences of milk bank donors is relatively limited. Our goal was to describe and compare milk bank donors' demographic, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics, and breastfeeding experiences in a variety of geographic settings. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted from August 2022 to December 2022 with approved donors from three milk banks in the United States (n = 369), and one milk bank in United Kingdom (n = 187). Results: Donors in all settings were predominantly in their early 30s, White, married, educated, and identified as female. U.K. donors reported more frequently being on maternity leave (33% versus 5%, p < 0.001), predominantly feeding directly at the breast in the first 3 months postpartum (51% versus 28%, p < 0.001), and breastfeeding a single child longer (21.2 versus 13.3 months, p < 0.001) than U.S. donors. Significantly more U.S. donors reported pumping due to work (34% versus 11%, p < 0.001) and pumping multiple times per day (57% versus 36%, p < 0.001). Most donors reported receiving information about breastfeeding from a health care provider (94% United States and 88% United Kingdom, p = 0.022), while the internet was the most popular source of information about pumping (65% United States and 64% United Kingdom, p = 0.751). Conclusion: Factors not directly related to milk banking (e.g., maternity leave, sources of breastfeeding/pumping assistance) may have an impact on how donors feed their children and ultimately on their milk donation pattern. The impact of donor characteristics and feeding practices on donation patterns warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Natalie Shenker
- Human Milk Foundation, Rothamsted Institute, Harpenden, United Kingdom
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, IRDB, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gillian Weaver
- Human Milk Foundation, Rothamsted Institute, Harpenden, United Kingdom
| | - Maryann T Perrin
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina Greensboro, Greensboro, North Carolina, USA
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7
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Crawford KA, Gallagher LG, Baker ER, Karagas MR, Romano ME. Predictors of Breastfeeding Duration in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study. Matern Child Health J 2023; 27:1434-1443. [PMID: 37269393 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-023-03714-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Breastfeeding has significant health benefits for infants and birthing persons, including reduced risk of chronic disease. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding infants for 6 months and recently extended its recommendation for continuing to breastfeed with supplementation of solid foods from one to two years. Studies consistently identify lower breastfeeding rates among US infants, with regional and demographic variability. We examined breastfeeding in birthing person-infant pairs among healthy, term pregnancies enrolled in the New Hampshire Birth Cohort Study between 2010 and 2017 (n = 1176). METHODS Birthing persons 18-45 years old were enrolled during prenatal care visits at ~ 24-28 weeks gestation and have been followed since enrollment. Breastfeeding status was obtained from postpartum questionnaires. Birthing person and infant health and sociodemographic information was abstracted from medical records and prenatal and postpartum questionnaires. We evaluated the effects of birthing person age, education, relationship status, pre-pregnancy body mass index, gestational weight gain (GWG), smoking and parity, and infant sex, ponderal index, gestational age and delivery mode on breastfeeding initiation and duration using modified Poisson and multivariable linear regression. RESULTS Among healthy, term pregnancies, 96% of infants were breastfed at least once. Only 29% and 28% were exclusively breastfed at 6-months or received any breastmilk at 12-months, respectively. Higher birthing person age, education, and parity, being married, excessive GWG, and older gestational age at delivery were associated with better breastfeeding outcomes. Smoking, obesity, and cesarean delivery were negatively associated with breastfeeding outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Given the public health importance of breastfeeding for infants and birthing persons, interventions are needed to support birthing persons to extend their breastfeeding duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn A Crawford
- Environmental Studies Program, Middlebury College, 276 Bicentennial Way, Middlebury, VT, 05753, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
| | - Lisa G Gallagher
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Emily R Baker
- Maternal Fetal Medicine, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Margaret R Karagas
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Megan E Romano
- Department of Epidemiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
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8
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Gonzalez-Nahm S, Benjamin-Neelon SE. Supporting breastfeeding equity: A cross-sectional study of US birthing facility administrators. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102259. [PMID: 37252075 PMCID: PMC10220392 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Disparities in breastfeeding have continued in the United States (US) despite efforts to increase breastfeeding rates. Hospitals are in a unique position to enable breastfeeding and help reduce disparities; however, it is unclear whether hospital administration is supportive of breastfeeding equity practices or plans. This study aimed to assess birthing facility plans to support breastfeeding among women of low income and women of color across the US. We administered electronic surveys to 283 US hospital administrators between 2019 and 2020. We assessed whether facilities had a plan in place to support breastfeeding among women of low income and women of color. We assessed associations between Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) status and having a plan in place. We examined reported activities provided through open-ended responses. Fifty-four percent of facilities had a plan in place to support breastfeeding among women of low income and 9% had a plan in place to support breastfeeding among women of color. Having a plan was not associated with having a BFHI designation. A lack of plan to specifically help those with the lowest rates of breastfeeding may perpetuate rather than reduce inequities. Providing anti-racism and health equity training to healthcare administrators may help birthing facilities achieve breastfeeding equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Gonzalez-Nahm
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, USA
| | - Sara E. Benjamin-Neelon
- Department of Health, Behavior and Society, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Magalhães M, Havelaar AH, Varma DS, Cacho N, Sullivan S, Parker LA. Leveraging mHealth and a milk expression frequency biomarker during postpartum to prolong lactation among parents of critically ill infants: a pilot study. J Perinatol 2023; 43:616-623. [PMID: 36882532 PMCID: PMC9991875 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01639-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess the feasibility and potential benefits of personalized biomarker-based text messages in prolonging lactation among parents of critically ill infants. STUDY DESIGN Thirty-six participants were randomized to receive either daily texts with Mother's Own Milk (MOM) sodium levels or standard care. Surveys at months 1 and 3 assessed whether infants were receiving exclusive MOM feeding, any MOM feeding, and whether the parent was still lactating. Kaplan-Meier and log-rank tests were used for time-to-event analysis within and between intervention and control groups. RESULTS Participants were predominantly on Medicaid (72%), delivered infants <1500 g, and by c-section (56%). Kaplan-Meier probabilities at month 3 suggest prolonged MOM feeding (63% [0.95CI, 0.43-0.91] vs. 41% [0.95CI, 0.21-0.67]) and lactation (63% [0.95CI, 0.42-0.95] vs. 37% [0.95CI, 0.18-0.76]) in the enhanced group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Personalized biomarker-based text messages are feasible and may prolong lactation and MOM feeding among parents of critically ill infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Magalhães
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA. .,Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
| | - Arie H Havelaar
- Department of Animal Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.,Food Systems Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Deepthi S Varma
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions & College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Nicole Cacho
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sandra Sullivan
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Leslie A Parker
- Department of Biobehavioral Nursing Science, College of Nursing, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Tsutaya T, Mizushima N. Evolutionary biological perspectives on current social issues of breastfeeding and weaning. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 36815441 DOI: 10.1002/ajpa.24710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Breastfeeding and weaning are actively studied from evolutionary, medical, and social research perspectives because of their close association with infant mortality, lifetime health, and human population dynamics. Each discipline benefits from an interdisciplinary exchange of knowledge regarding the bases, processes, and consequences of these phenomena. However, current social issues related to breastfeeding and weaning have received little attention from an evolutionary biology perspective. We address this gap by reviewing current social issues related to human breastfeeding and weaning in an evolutionary framework. This approach helps build a conceptual framework with the goal of better understanding ultimate causes of or influences on these current social issues. The six social issues reviewed here fall into three categories: the spatiotemporal constraints of breastfeeding, abuse of breast milk as valuable material, and mismatch in breastfeeding practices. Some of these issues have an evolutionary basis. We analyze the structure of these social issues and discuss their possible solutions in terms of extension of the trade-off theory in evolutionary biology. Our discussion on the current social issues in breastfeeding and weaning highlights the effectiveness of an approach rooted in evolutionary theory and biological anthropology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takumi Tsutaya
- Department of Evolutionary Studies of Biosystems, Research Center for Integrative Evolutionary Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies, Hayama, Kanagawa, Japan.,Globe Institute, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nozomi Mizushima
- Department of Social System Design, Eikei University of Hiroshima, Naka-ku, Hiroshima, Japan
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11
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Stordal B. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer: A call for action in high-income countries with low rates of breastfeeding. Cancer Med 2023; 12:4616-4625. [PMID: 36164270 PMCID: PMC9972148 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Women in the UK have a 15% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Like other high-income countries, women in the UK are having children later in life which increases their risk. The risk of breast cancer is reduced by 4.3% for every 12 months of breastfeeding, this is in addition to the 7.0% decrease in risk observed for each birth. Breastfeeding reduces the risk of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (20%) and in carriers of BRCA1 mutations (22-55%). The mechanisms of reduced risk as a result of pregnancy are related to changes in RNA processing and cellular differentiation. The UK has a low rate of breastfeeding (81%) and this is contrasted to countries with higher (Sweden, Australia) and lower rates (Ireland). The low UK rate is in part due to a lack of experience in the population, todays grandmothers have less experience with breastfeeding (62%) than their daughters. An estimated 4.7% of breast cancer cases in the UK are caused by not breastfeeding. The UK only has 43% of maternity services with full Baby-Friendly accreditation which promotes compliance with the WHO 'Ten Steps to Successful Breast Feeding'. Legislation in the UK and Europe is far short of the WHO Guidance on restricting the advertising of formula milk. Expansion of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative, stricter laws on the advertising of formula milk and legislation to support nursing mothers in the workplace have the potential to increase breastfeeding in the UK. Women with a family history of breast cancer should particularly be supported to breastfeed as a way of reducing their risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Stordal
- Department of Natural Sciences, Middlesex University London, London, UK
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12
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Huang YY, Liu Q, Li JY, Yue SW, Xue B, Redding SR, Zhou WB, Ouyang YQ. Breastfeeding Practices of Women Returning to Full-Time Employment in China: Prevalence and Determinants. Workplace Health Saf 2023; 71:68-77. [PMID: 36514253 DOI: 10.1177/21650799221126371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Returning to work after childbirth is a common reason for women to stop breastfeeding. This study aimed to assess breastfeeding practices and breastfeeding support available to employed women in China, and factors affecting breastfeeding duration. METHODS A cross-sectional survey of 1,243 breastfeeding women employed full-time was conducted. Participants completed a sociodemographic questionnaire and the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to explore the factors that are associated with breastfeeding. RESULTS The mean exclusive breastfeeding duration and any breastfeeding duration of full-time employed women were 5.7 ± 0.5 months and 9.8 ± 1.5 months, respectively. The total WBSS score was 46.6 ± 5.3 (M ± SD). Generally, women perceived coworkers (M [SD] = 4.8 [1.0]) and supervisors (M [SD] = 5.7 [1.2]) to be supportive of breastfeeding. Lower scores on the WBSS were related to lack of technical and facility support, indicating no access to a refrigerator to store breast milk (M [SD] = 2.0 [1.5]) or to a breast pump (M [SD] = 1.7 [1.7]). Similarly, a private area for expressing breast milk (M [SD] = 1.4 [1.0]) was unavailable. Maternity leave, residential province, ethnicity, education level, average monthly household income, main reason for stopping exclusive breastfeeding, commute time greater than 1 hour, and the total WBSS score were also factors influencing breastfeeding duration of the full-time employed women. CONCLUSIONS There were gaps in breastfeeding practices and workplace breastfeeding support of Chinese full-time employed women when compared with the World Health Organization recommendations. Occupational health providers should consider these findings when developing programs to support breastfeeding in the workplace.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Qian Liu
- Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University
| | | | | | - Bing Xue
- School of Nursing, Wuhan University
| | | | - Wen-Bin Zhou
- Department of Psychology, Hubei Provincial Corps Hospital, Chinese People Armed Police Forces
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13
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Raju TNK. Achieving healthy people 2030 breastfeeding targets in the United States: challenges and opportunities. J Perinatol 2023; 43:74-80. [PMID: 36309566 PMCID: PMC9617526 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-022-01535-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the national and states-specific gaps in breastfeeding rates in the United States for achieving the Healthy People 2030 (HP2030) targets, which are: 42.4% of infants to exclusively breastfeed through 6th months, and 54.1% of infants to breastfeed through 12th month of age. STUDY DESIGN The differences between the HP2030 breastfeeding targets and the respective state-specific baseline rates in the 2022 National Immunization Survey report for infants born in 2019 were computed. RESULTS The gaps in breastfeeding rates for achieving either of the two HP2030 targets varied greatly. Relative to their 2019 baseline estimates, 7 U.S. states need to increase breastfeeding rates between 100% and 207%, 27 states between 50% and 99%, 9 states and 2 territories between 20% and 49% and the remaining 7, between 0% and 19%. CONCLUSIONS Thirty-four of 50 (68%) states face huge gaps in achieving the HP2030 breastfeeding targets.
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Palmquist AEL, Tomori C, Tumlinson K, Fox C, Chung S, Quinn EA. Pandemic policies and breastfeeding: A cross-sectional study during the onset of COVID-19 in the United States. FRONTIERS IN SOCIOLOGY 2022; 7:958108. [PMID: 36405376 PMCID: PMC9669788 DOI: 10.3389/fsoc.2022.958108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The United States is one of the few countries, and the only high-income country, that does not federally mandate protection of postpartum employment through paid postpartum maternity and family leave policies. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S., stay-at-home orders were implemented nationally, creating a natural experiment in which to document the effects of de facto paid leave on infant feeding practices in the first postpartum year. The purpose of this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study was to describe infant and young child feeding intentions, practices, decision-making, and experiences during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected March 27-May 31, 2020 via online survey among a convenience sample of respondents, ages 18 years and older, who were currently feeding a child 2 years of age or younger, yielding 1,437 eligible responses. Nearly all (97%) respondents indicated an intention to feed their infant exclusively with human milk in the first 6 months. A majority of respondents who were breastfeeding (66%) reported no change in breastfeeding frequency after the implementation of COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. However, thirty-one percent indicated that they breastfed more frequently due to stay-at-home orders and delayed plans to wean their infant or young child. Key themes drawn from the qualitative data were: emerging knowledge and perceptions of the relationship between COVID-19 and breastfeeding, perceptions of immune factors in human milk, and the social construction of COVID-19 and infant and young child feeding perceptions and knowledge. There were immediate positive effects of stay-at-home policies on human milk feeding practices, even during a time of considerable uncertainty about the safety of breastfeeding and the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 via human milk, constrained access to health care services and COVID-19 testing, and no effective COVID-19 vaccines. Federally mandated paid postpartum and family leave are essential to achieving more equitable lactation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aunchalee E. L. Palmquist
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Cecília Tomori
- Johns Hopkins School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Katherine Tumlinson
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Carolyn Fox
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Stephanie Chung
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - E. A. Quinn
- Department of Anthropology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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Campos AP, Hawkins SS. The Association Between Maternal Employment and Breastfeeding Duration With Household Income in Mexico. J Hum Lact 2022; 38:749-759. [PMID: 35135366 DOI: 10.1177/08903344211072495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding offers the best nutrition during the first months of life. Scholars have identified a dose-response association between breastfeeding duration and reduced risk for child morbidity and mortality. In upper-middle-income countries, including Mexico, maternal employment has been negatively associated with breastfeeding duration. Despite increasing numbers of women entering the workforce and disproportionately participating in the informal sector, where they are un-entitled to paid maternity leave, little is known about how these factors may affect breastfeeding practices. RESEARCH AIM To determine whether household income moderated the association between maternal employment status (defined as unemployed, formal, and informal full- and part-time employed) and any breastfeeding for ≥ 6 months. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using retrospective secondary data from the 2018-2019 Mexican Health and Nutrition Survey. The analytic sample included data about 2,156 children aged 6-36 months. We computed logistic regression models stratified by household income. RESULTS The association between maternal employment and breastfeeding duration varied by household income. Compared to unemployed women, among lower-income households, children were less likely to be breastfed for ≥ 6 months when the participants was part-time informally employed (AOR = 0.30, 95% CI [0.13, 0.69]). Among higher-income households, children were less likely to be breastfed for ≥ 6 months when the participants was full-time formally employed (AOR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.30, 0.88]). CONCLUSIONS To increase breastfeeding duration, stakeholders need to continue strengthening and enforcing policies among formally employed women, and strategies are urgently needed to support women in the informal sector, particularly those in lower-income households.
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Barasinski C, Stankovic M, Debost-Legrand A, Delabaere A, Vendittelli F, Dutheil F. Workplace Lactation Support: A Cross-Sectional Study in a University Hospital and a Perinatal Network. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173463. [PMID: 36079721 PMCID: PMC9460242 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Return to work negatively affects the initiation and duration of breastfeeding. Our study’s objective was to assess the percentage of departments in Auvergne with an appropriate space for pumping milk at work. Our cross-sectional survey investigated the arrangements for facilitating the continuation of breastfeeding on return to work at all departments at the Clermont-Ferrand University Hospital Center and perinatal (obstetric and pediatric) departments in this region. Our principal endpoint was the percentage of departments reporting that they had a lactation room—a room where nursing mothers can express milk—and whether it met the criteria defined by the French Labor Code. Among 98 respondents, 44 departments (44.9%) did not offer lactation rooms; of the remaining 54 departments, only 11 rooms met the legal requirements. All perinatal departments offered lactation rooms. The availability of a lactation room was associated with other breastfeeding support, such as a break period for expressing milk (p < 0.0001) and the availability of a refrigerator to store it (p = 0.01). Almost half the responding departments did not offer a lactation room where mothers could breastfeed or pump their milk. Measures must be envisioned to facilitate the pumping of breast milk by French women returning to work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Barasinski
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-0-473755089
| | - Marina Stankovic
- School of Midwifery, University of Clermont-Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Anne Debost-Legrand
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CNRS, Institut Pascal, Réseau de Santé en Périnatalité d’Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Amélie Delabaere
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Clermont-Ferrand, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut Pascal, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Françoise Vendittelli
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, CNRS, Institut Pascal, Réseau de Santé en Périnatalité d’Auvergne, Université Clermont Auvergne, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Dutheil
- CNRS, Laboratoire de Psychologie Sociale et Cognitive (LaPSCo), Physiological and Psychosocial Stress, CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Université Clermont Auvergne, WittyFit, F-63000 Clermont-Ferrand, France
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Joseph R, John JJ, David A, Sankar L, Darvin D, Yashik M. Potential Determinants and Effects of Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Infants at a Tertiary Care Center, Kerala, India. Cureus 2022; 14:e23185. [PMID: 35444871 PMCID: PMC9009538 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the first fundamental right of the child. Globally less than half of the infants are optimally breastfed. Suboptimal breastfeeding can lead to increased respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. This study was undertaken to assess the potential determinants and effects of EBF among infants at a tertiary care hospital in south India since interventions to improve breastfeeding in communities have to be tailored to the needs of the population. Methods: This cross-sectional study was done among infants at the pediatric unit of a tertiary care hospital in central Kerala, from October 2019 to April 2020, using a structured questionnaire. Results: Two hundred fifty-seven infants were included in the final analysis. 70.4% of babies were exclusively breastfed for the first six months, although 80.9% were breastfed within the first hour after birth. Among determinants of EBF, unemployed mothers and mothers without a post-graduate degree were more likely to continue EBF for six months (OR 2.8 95% CI [1.6-4.9] and OR 2.7 95% CI [1.5-4.9], respectively). Antenatal counseling appeared to have some beneficial effects but the result was not statistically significant. The mean number of respiratory infections, infections requiring hospitalization, and mean antibiotic use was lower in the exclusively breastfed group, though this result was not statistically significant. However, a significantly lower number of breastfed babies had constipation (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.2-0.9) when compared to formula-fed babies. Conclusion: A higher percentage of infants presenting to our hospital has been exclusively breastfed as compared to the state average. Potential determinants of EBF include maternal education and employment and the potential effect of EBF includes protection against constipation. Further emphasis on counseling mothers antenatally, providing postnatal lactation support and counseling, providing mothers with adequate maternity leave will play a major role in promoting EBF in our community.
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Fei Y, Zhang ZY, Fu WN, Wang L, Mao J. Why do first-time mothers not intend to breastfeed? --A qualitative exploratory study on the decision-making of non-initiation in Jingzhou, China. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:183. [PMID: 35255855 PMCID: PMC8903621 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04494-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Although breastfeeding is one of the top priorities for public health in China, the rate of breastfeeding is still low and a large number of women do not initiate breastfeeding due to various reasons. Hence, this study aimed to understand the decision-making of non-initiation and reveal the underlying reasons in order to protect, support, and promote breastfeeding. Methods In-depth, exploratory interviews were carried out with 13 new mothers who did not initiate breastfeeding. The collected data were analyzed by inductive content analysis. Results Although mothers generally understood the protective effects of breastfeeding, they believed that formula milk is a good alternative to human milk and even better in some aspects. Five core themes related to non-initiation decision-making emerged: (1) expected breastfeeding stress; (2) maladjustment to the maternal role; (3) concerns about physiological issues; (4) the lack of knowledge about the risks of artificial feeding; (5) belief that it is better not to initiate than to interrupt. Conclusions The environment for mothers to breastfeed in China is not supportive enough, and the medical staff and families should be held responsible for the non-initiation of breastfeeding. More professionals are needed to support mothers to solve their problems and breastfeeding education should be further expanded.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Fei
- School of nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, China.,Yangtze University Medical School, Nanhuan Road 1, Jingzhou, China
| | - Ze-Yu Zhang
- School of nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, China
| | - Wen-Ning Fu
- School of nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Wang
- Jingzhou First Hospital, Hangkong Road, JingZhou, China
| | - Jing Mao
- School of nursing, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Hangkong Road 13, Wuhan, China.
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19
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Santos MN, Azeredo CM, Rinaldi AEM. Association Between Maternal Work and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Countries of Latin America and Caribbean. Matern Child Health J 2022; 26:1496-1506. [PMID: 35243585 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-022-03390-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to estimate the association between individual and contextual characteristics related to maternal work and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in Latin America and the Caribbean. METHODS A cross-sectional study, conducted with data from the Demographic and Health Survey of Bolivia (2008), Brazil (2006), Colombia (2010), the Dominican Republic (2007), Guatemala (2015), Haiti (2017), Honduras (2011) and Peru (2011). The sample included infants who were under 6 months of age and their mothers. The outcome was EBF (yes/no), individual predictors were maternal employment status (employed/not employed), type of occupation, and type of employment (formal/informal), and contextual predictors were gross domestic product, maternity leave, and percentage of women in the labor force. The association between maternal employment status and EBF was performed using multilevel Poisson analysis adjusted for maternal education level, presence of partner, place of residence, maternal age, type of childbirth, primiparity, wealth index and breastfeeding in the first hour of life. RESULTS The prevalence of EBF was 58.0% in Bolivia, 41.1% in Brazil, 39.2% in Colombia, 7.6% in the Dominican Republic, 50.8% in Guatemala, 39.7% in Haiti, 31.1% in Honduras, and 68.1% in Peru. The percentage of employed women ranged from 19.1% in the Dominican Republic to 46.1% in Bolivia. Maternal employment was negatively associated with EBF (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 0.77; 95% CI 0.73, 0.82), while the highest percentage of women in the labor force of the country was positively associated with EBF (PR = 1.03; 95% CI 1.01, 1.06), with an increase in the PR value after the inclusion of gross domestic product in the model. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of EBF was lower in infants whose mothers were employed. However, the prevalence of EBF was higher in countries with a larger percentage of women in the labor force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marília Neves Santos
- Federal University of Uberlândia (FAMED-UFU), Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil. .,, Uberlândia City, Brazil.
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Carroll G, Vilar-Compte M, Teruel G, Moncada M, Aban-Tamayo D, Werneck H, de Moraes RM, Pérez-Escamilla R. Estimating the costs for implementing a maternity leave cash transfer program for women employed in the informal sector in Brazil and Ghana. Int J Equity Health 2022; 21:20. [PMID: 35151328 PMCID: PMC8841055 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01606-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternity leave policies are designed to protect gender equality and the health of mothers in the workforce and their children. However, maternity leave schemes are often linked to jobs in the formal sector economy. In low- and middle-income countries a large share of women work in the informal sector, and are not eligible to such benefit. This is worrisome from a social justice and a policy perspective and suggests the need for intervening. Costing the implementation of potential interventions is needed for facilitating informed decisions by policy makers. METHODS We developed and applied a costing methodology to assess the cost of a maternity leave cash transfer to be operated in the informal sector of the economy in Brazil and Ghana, two countries with very different employment structures and socioeconomic contexts. We conducted sensitivity analysis by modeling different numbers of weeks covered. RESULTS In Brazil, the cost of the maternity cash transfer would be between 0.004% and 0.02% of the GDP, while in Ghana it would range between 0.076% and 0.28% of the GDP. The relative cost of rolling out a maternity intervention in Brazil is between 2.2 to 3.2 times the cost in Ghana depending on the benchmark used to assess the welfare measure. The differences in costs between countries was related to differences in labor market structure as well as demographic characteristics. CONCLUSIONS Findings show how a standard methodology that relies on routinely available information is feasible and could assist policymakers in estimating the costs of supporting a maternity cash transfer for women employed in the informal sector, such intervention is expected to contribute to social justice, gender equity, and health trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Carroll
- Yale School of Public Health, 135 College Street, New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Mireya Vilar-Compte
- Department of Health, Montclair State University, University Hall 4157, 1 Normal Ave, Montclair, NJ, 07043, USA.
| | - Graciela Teruel
- EQUIDE Research Institute for Equitable Development, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fe, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Meztli Moncada
- EQUIDE Research Institute for Equitable Development, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fe, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - David Aban-Tamayo
- EQUIDE Research Institute for Equitable Development, Universidad Iberoamericana, Prolongación Paseo de la Reforma 880, Lomas de Santa Fe, 01219, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Heitor Werneck
- Brazilian Health Insurance Regulatory Agency (ANS), Av. Augusto Severo, Rio de Janeiro, 84, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Montes de Moraes
- Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Alberto Coimbra Institute for Graduate Studies and Research in Engineering (COPPE), the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Av. Horácio Macedo, 230. Centro de Tecnologia, COPPE/UFRJ, Bloco H, Sala 329. CEP, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 21941-914, Brazil
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Simpson DA, Carson C, Kurinczuk JJ, Quigley MA. Trends and inequalities in breastfeeding continuation from 1 to 6 weeks: findings from six population-based British cohorts, 1985-2010. Eur J Clin Nutr 2022; 76:671-679. [PMID: 34773096 PMCID: PMC9090631 DOI: 10.1038/s41430-021-01031-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding inequalities in breastfeeding practices may help to explain the UK's persistently low breastfeeding rates. A recent study using the quinquennial UK Infant Feeding Surveys (IFS) found that sociodemographic inequalities in breastfeeding initiation persisted between 1985 and 2010. The present study investigates the sociodemographic inequalities in breastfeeding continuation at 6 weeks after birth among mothers who initiated and maintained breastfeeding at 1 week in 1985-2010. METHODS Data were drawn from the 1985 to 2010 IFS and restricted to mothers who were breastfeeding at 1 week after birth. Time trends in the proportion of mothers in each sociodemographic group were examined. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between breastfeeding at 6 weeks and sociodemographic factors, adjusting for confounders. Heterogeneity test was used to assess changes in these associations over time. RESULTS Sociodemographic inequalities in breastfeeding continuation at 6 weeks persisted over the 25-year period. In most survey years, mothers were most likely to breastfeed at 6 weeks if they were 30 or older versus under 25 (OR 1.49-1.99 across survey years, I2 = 0%, heterogeneity P = 0.45); completed full-time education over age 18 compared to 18 or younger (OR 1.56-2.51, I2 = 58.7%, P = 0.03); or of Black, Asian, Mixed, or other ethnicity compared to White (OR 1.45-2.48, I2 = 44.8%, P = 0.16). CONCLUSIONS Among mothers breastfeeding at 1 week, those who were younger, White or had fewer years of full-time education were at greatest risk of discontinuing before 6 weeks. This risk persisted over time and was independent of their high risk of not initiating breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deon A. Simpson
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Claire Carson
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Jennifer J. Kurinczuk
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maria A. Quigley
- grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Fang Y, Lian Y, Yang Z, Duan Y, He Y. Associations between Feeding Patterns and Infant Health in China: A Propensity Score Matching Approach. Nutrients 2021; 13:4518. [PMID: 34960071 PMCID: PMC8706916 DOI: 10.3390/nu13124518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breastmilk is the optimal food for infants. Feeding pattern is closely related to physical development and health during infancy. Understanding the associations between feeding patterns and health status can inform related policy interventions and advocacy in China. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between infant feeding patterns and health status in China infants. The China National Nutrition and Health Surveillance 2013 was a national-representative cross-sectional study performed particularly for children aged 0-5 years. A total of 3974 infants aged under 1 year were included in the analysis, of whom 1082 (27.2%) made up the formula feeding group, and 2892 (72.8%) made up the breastfeeding group. The associations between feeding patterns and physical development and health were investigated using propensity score matching and multivariable logistic regression models. Among breastfeeding and formula feeding infants aged 9-11 months old, weight-for-age z score was 1.1 ± 1.1 and 0.9 ± 1.3, respectively, and weight-for-length z score was 1.0 ± 1.3 and 0.7 ± 1.4, respectively. Hemoglobin in 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11 months old breastfeeding infants was 121.4 ± 15.2 g/L, 117.1 ± 13.0 g/L, 113. 9 ± 11.9 g/L, and 114.4 ± 14.0 g/L, while in 0-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-11 months formula feeding infants was 116.3 ± 14.8 g/L, 120.4 ± 11.3 g/L, 119.8 ± 11.2 g/L, and 120.0 ± 11.5 g/L, respectively. Breastfeeding was associated with lower risk of respiratory disease (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.64, 0.99) and diarrhea (OR: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.57, 0.98). Breastfeeding could slightly improve infant physical development, and had a protective effect on the diarrheal and respiratory diseases. Infants aged 3-11 months who were breastfeeding showed lower hemoglobin than that of formula-fed infants and thus should increase intake of iron rich complementary foods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yuna He
- Key Laboratory of Trace Element Nutrition of National Health and Family Planning Commission, National Institute for Nutrition and Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 29 Nanwei Road, Xicheng District, Beijing 100050, China; (Y.F.); (Y.L.); (Z.Y.); (Y.D.)
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Cozma-Petruţ A, Filip L, Banc R, Mîrza O, Gavrilaş L, Ciobârcă D, Badiu-Tişa I, Hegheş SC, Popa CO, Miere D. Breastfeeding Practices and Determinant Factors of Exclusive Breastfeeding among Mothers of Children Aged 0-23 Months in Northwestern Romania. Nutrients 2021; 13:3998. [PMID: 34836253 PMCID: PMC8623634 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In terms of breastfeeding (BF) practices in Romania, there is a lack of up-to-date data. The aim of the present study was to assess current BF practices, and to investigate the factors associated with exclusive BF (EBF) under 6 months of age in northwestern Romania. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data among 1399 mothers of children aged 0-23 months, recruited between March and June 2019, from the community. BF practices were evaluated based on the World Health Organization indicators for assessing infant and young child feeding practices, whereas determinants of EBF were explored using logistic regression models. Almost all mothers (95.7%) breastfed their child at least once. The EBF rate was 46.7%, the continued BF rate at one year of age was 54.2%, and the continued BF rate at 2 years of age was 30.3%. The place of delivery and parental leave duration were strong determinants of EBF. The improving rates observed in this study for all the BF practices assessed suggest the continuation of efforts to develop effective national policies and programs for promoting, protecting, and supporting BF in Romania. Particular emphasis should be given to the creation in maternity hospitals of an environment that is supportive towards breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Cozma-Petruţ
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.-P.); (L.F.); (O.M.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Lorena Filip
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.-P.); (L.F.); (O.M.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Roxana Banc
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.-P.); (L.F.); (O.M.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Oana Mîrza
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.-P.); (L.F.); (O.M.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Laura Gavrilaş
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.-P.); (L.F.); (O.M.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Daniela Ciobârcă
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.-P.); (L.F.); (O.M.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (D.M.)
| | - Ioana Badiu-Tişa
- Department of Mother and Child Care, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 2–4 Câmpeni Street, 400217 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Simona Codruţa Hegheş
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Cristian Olimpiu Popa
- Department of European Studies, Babeș-Bolyai University, 1 E. de Martonne Street, 400090 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Doina Miere
- Department of Bromatology, Hygiene, Nutrition, “Iuliu Haţieganu” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 6 Pasteur Street, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.C.-P.); (L.F.); (O.M.); (L.G.); (D.C.); (D.M.)
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Wake GE, Mittiku YM. Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding practice and its association with maternal employment in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Breastfeed J 2021; 16:86. [PMID: 34717673 PMCID: PMC8557507 DOI: 10.1186/s13006-021-00432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Exclusive breastfeeding is defined as the practice of providing only breast milk for an infant for the first 6 months of life without the addition of any other food or water, except for vitamins, mineral supplements, and medicines. Findings are inconsistent regarding the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia. Full-time maternal employment is an important factor contributing to the low rates of practice of exclusive breastfeeding. Empowering women to exclusively breastfeed, by enacting 6 months’ mandatory paid maternity leave can increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life up to 50%. The purpose of this review was to estimate the pooled prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its association with full-time maternal employment in the first 6 months of life for infants in the context of Ethiopia. Methods The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was used in this systematic review and meta-analysis. All observational studies reporting the prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding and its association with maternal employment in Ethiopia were considered. The search was conducted from 6 November 2020 to 31 December 2020 and all papers published in the English language from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2020 were included in this review. Results Forty-five studies were included in the final analysis after reviewing 751 studies in this meta-analysis yielding the pooled prevalence of EBF 60.42% (95% CI 55.81, 65.02) at 6 months in Ethiopia. Those full-time employed mothers in the first 6 months were 57% less likely to practice exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to mothers not in paid employment in Ethiopia (OR 0.43; 95% CI 0.31, 0.61). Conclusions Full-time maternal employment was negatively associated with the practice of exclusive breastfeeding in comparison to unemployed mothers. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia is low in comparison to the global recommendation. The Ethiopian government should implement policies that empower women. The governmental and non-governmental organizations should create a conducive environment for mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13006-021-00432-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Getu Engida Wake
- College of Health Science, Debre Berhan University, Debre Berhan, Ethiopia.
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Gayatri M. Exclusive Breastfeeding Practice in Indonesia: A Population-Based Study. Korean J Fam Med 2021; 42:395-402. [PMID: 34607416 PMCID: PMC8490177 DOI: 10.4082/kjfm.20.0131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is a well-known fact that exclusive breastfeeding benefits both mothers and their babies. The aim of this study is to assess the associated factors influencing exclusive breastfeeding of babies until 6 months of age. METHODS The study used data from the 2017 Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey. Overall, 1,542 women who had infants aged below 6 months were included in the study. Sociodemographic and maternal health service utilization factors were examined for association with exclusive breastfeeding, using logistic regression for a complex sample design. RESULTS The proportion of exclusive breastfeeding was 52.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.498-0.548). Parity, antenatal care visits, early initiation of breastfeeding, low-income households, and rural areas were significant factors associated with the increased likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding. However, working status (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.70; 95% CI, 0.57-0.86) and caesarean delivery or C-section (aOR, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.57-0.99) were factors for a lower likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding. CONCLUSION Working women are at risk of discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Mothers who had a normal vaginal delivery and practiced early initiation of breastfeeding had a higher rate of exclusive breastfeeding. These findings have important implications for developing comprehensive guidance and resources for women regarding the importance of exclusive breastfeeding during the early postpartum period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gayatri
- Family Planning Research and Development Unit, National Population and Family Planning Board, East Jakarta, Indonesia
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Lechosa-Muñiz C, Paz-Zulueta M, Cayón-De las Cuevas J, Llorca J, Cabero-Pérez MJ. Declared Reasons for Cessation of Breastfeeding during the First Year of Life: An Analysis Based on a Cohort Study in Northern Spain. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:8414. [PMID: 34444163 PMCID: PMC8394949 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18168414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding is the gold standard of infant feeding due to the many advantages it offers to both the child and the mother. OBJECTIVE To identity the main reasons for cessation of breastfeeding reported by mothers during the first year of life. DESIGN A prospective cohort study was conducted, recruiting 970 infants from a university hospital in Spain. The main maternal variables studied were maternal age, parity, educational level, work occupation, smoking habit, weeks of gestation at birth, birth weight, feeding type, and duration of breastfeeding. All participants were followed for one year to determinate the duration of breastfeeding and to gather reasons for abandoning breastfeeding. RESULTS At six months, the percentage of breastfeeding experienced a decline of 50%, and only 24.5% of these mothers maintained breastfeeding. Up to 15.8% of the mothers decided to give up exclusive breastfeeding by their own choice, whereas 15.4% did so because they suspected low milk production. Work-related causes represent the third reason of abandonment. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the need to improve the health policies for the promotion, protection, and support for the initiation and maintenance of breastfeeding. In particular, our results highlight the importance of researching women's low milk production and work-related factors, with particular emphasis on improving conciliation measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Lechosa-Muñiz
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda Valdecilla s/n. C.P., 39008 Santander, Spain;
- Pediatrics Section, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39008 Santander, Spain
| | - María Paz-Zulueta
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Cantabria, Avda Valdecilla s/n. C.P., 39008 Santander, Spain;
- IDIVAL, Grupo de Investigación en Derecho Sanitario y Bioética, GRIDES, C/Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n. C.P., 39011 Santander, Spain
| | - Joaquín Cayón-De las Cuevas
- IDIVAL, Grupo de Investigación en Derecho Sanitario y Bioética, GRIDES, C/Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n. C.P., 39011 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Law, University of Cantabria, Avda. de los Castros s/n. C.P., 39005 Santander, Spain;
| | - Javier Llorca
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avenida del Cardenal Herrera Oria 2, C.P., 39010 Santander, Spain; (J.L.); (M.J.C.-P.)
- CIBER Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBERESP), C.P., 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - María Jesús Cabero-Pérez
- Pediatrics Section, Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla, 39008 Santander, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Cantabria, Avenida del Cardenal Herrera Oria 2, C.P., 39010 Santander, Spain; (J.L.); (M.J.C.-P.)
- IDIVAL, C/Cardenal Herrera Oria s/n. C.P., 39011 Santander, Spain
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Kellams A, Feldman-Winter L. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death: Keeping the Newborn Safe in Hospital and at Home. Clin Perinatol 2021; 48:619-630. [PMID: 34353583 DOI: 10.1016/j.clp.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sudden unexpected infant death is a leading cause of death in infancy. Both safe sleep practices and breastfeeding can help decrease the risk, although the current practice of educating parents about the recommendations has not resulted in universal adherence. Prenatal counseling provides opportunities to discuss recommendations as well as troubleshoot common barriers to breastfeeding and safe infant sleep with goals to gradually change attitudes, address social norms, and prepare new parents. A conversational, motivational approach to discussions about the importance of safe sleep and continued breastfeeding, with explanations as to the reasoning behind these recommendations, can help parents incorporate optimal practices into their lifestyles in a way that is sustainable for adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann Kellams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia, PO Box 800386, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Lori Feldman-Winter
- Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper University Healthcare, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Three Cooper Plaza Suite 200, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
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Maponya N, Janse van Rensburg Z, Du Plessis-Faurie A. Understanding South African mothers' challenges to adhere to exclusive breastfeeding at the workplace: A qualitative study. Int J Nurs Sci 2021; 8:339-346. [PMID: 34307784 PMCID: PMC8283702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijnss.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the experience of South African working mothers in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding when returning from maternity leave. METHODS The data of the study was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Eight breastfeeding mothers were purposefully selected from two primary health care clinics in Rustenburg, North West Province, South Africa. The data were coded, categorized, and clustered into themes using Giorgi's phenomenological analysis. Ethical considerations and measures of trustworthiness were adhered to throughout the study. RESULTS The findings revealed three themes: a desire for working mothers to continue the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, workplace support for breastfeeding mothers in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, and an unsuitable workplace environment for the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding. Six sub-themes were identified: the need to return to the workplace soon after baby's birth, psychological responses in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, lack of support from employers and co-workers in the adherence to exclusive breastfeeding, lack of or partial implementation of breastfeeding policies in the workplace, the workplace not being supportive for mothers' having to express and the workplace not being supportive for mothers' having to store breastmilk. CONCLUSION Based on the findings, South African government should revisit employment policies to support working mothers who need to continue with exclusive breastfeeding after returning from maternity leave.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nompumelelo Maponya
- Department of Nursing, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Litwan K, Tran V, Nyhan K, Pérez-Escamilla R. How do breastfeeding workplace interventions work?: a realist review. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:148. [PMID: 34172068 PMCID: PMC8234653 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-021-01490-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Women are representing an increasing share of the labor force, thus, raising the need to accommodate breastfeeding working mothers at the workplace. While there is an emerging body of evidence supporting the positive influence of workplace lactation programs on breastfeeding outcomes, there is a lack of literature on the mechanisms underlying those interventions. Aims of this realist review were three-fold: to uncover underlying mechanisms, determine who benefits the most from such interventions and important contextual factors influencing uptake. METHODS Purposive bibliographic searches on Medline, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL, Global Health, LILACS, Global Index Medicus, Business Source Complete, Proquest Dissertations and Theses and Open Access Theses and Dissertations were conducted to identify relevant publications. Included publications (qualitative and quantitative) described interventions aiming to improve the breastfeeding behavior of working mothers, that were initiated by the employer, reported on breastfeeding outcomes and had a clearly defined workplace. Publications only focusing on maternity leave or that were not published in English, Spanish, Portuguese or German were excluded. A realist approach was followed to identify how workplace interventions work, who benefits the most and the important contextual factors. RESULTS The bibliographic search yielded a total of 4985 possible publications of which 37 publications were included in the realist analysis. Effective workplace breastfeeding interventions activate three mechanisms: 1) awareness of the intervention, 2) changes in workplace culture, manager/supervisor support, co-worker support and physical environments, and 3) provision of time. Contextual factors such as the distance between the workplace and the infant and the type of workplace may influence the degree of activation of the underlying mechanisms for programs to positively impact breastfeeding outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In order to be effective, workplace breastfeeding interventions need to: raise awareness of the intervention(s) available among working mothers as well as their work environment, change the workplace culture, foster manager/supervisor support and co-workers support, provide enough time and adequate space and facilities for women to breastfeed or express breastmilk during the workday.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Litwan
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Victoria Tran
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Kate Nyhan
- Harvey Cushing / John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, 47 College Street, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
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You Can't Expect When You're Expecting: The Variable State of Parental Leave in Radiology Residency Programs. Acad Radiol 2021; 28:585-588. [PMID: 32434691 DOI: 10.1016/j.acra.2020.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Ickes SB, Oddo VM, Sanders HK, Nduati R, Denno DM, Myhre JA, Kinyua J, Iannotti LL, Singa B, Farquhar C, Walson JL. Formal maternal employment is associated with lower odds of exclusive breastfeeding by 14 weeks postpartum: a cross-sectional survey in Naivasha, Kenya. Am J Clin Nutr 2021; 113:562-573. [PMID: 33515015 PMCID: PMC7948888 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many low- and middle-income countries, improvements in exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) have stalled, delaying reductions in child mortality. Maternal employment is a potential barrier to EBF. OBJECTIVES We evaluated associations between maternal employment and breastfeeding (BF) status. We compared formally and non-formally employed mothers in Naivasha, Kenya, where commercial floriculture and hospitality industries employ many women. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional survey among mothers (n = 1186) from September 2018 to October 2019 at 4 postpartum time points: at hospital discharge (n = 296) and at 6 wk (n = 298), 14 wk (n = 295), and 36 wk (to estimate BF at 24 wk; n = 297) postpartum. Mothers reported their BF status and reasons for EBF cessation. We used multivariable logistic regression models to test the association between formal maternal employment and 3 outcomes: early BF initiation (within 1 h of birth), EBF at each time point, and continued BF at 9 mo. Models were informed by a directed acyclic graph: a causal diagram used to characterize the relationship among variables that influence the independent (employment) and dependent (BF status) variables. RESULTS EBF did not differ by employment status at hospital discharge or at 6 wk postpartum. However, formally employed mothers were less likely than those not formally employed to report EBF at 14 wk (59.0% compared with 95.4%, respectively; AOR: 0.19; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.34) and at 24 wk (19.0% compared with 49.6%, respectively; AOR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.14, 0.44). The prevalence of continued BF at 36 wk did not differ by group (98.1% for formally employed compared with 98.5% for non-formally employed women; AOR: 0.80; 95% CI: 0.10, 6.08). The primary reasons reported for early EBF cessation were returning to work (46.5%), introducing other foods based on the child's age (33.5%), or perceived milk insufficiency (13.7%). CONCLUSIONS As more women engage in formal employment in low- and middle-income countries, additional supports to help prolong the period of EBF may be beneficial for formally employed mothers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- S B Ickes
- Address correspondence to SBI (e-mail: )
| | - V M Oddo
- University of Washington Department of Health Services, Seattle, WA, USA,University of Illinois Chicago, Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - H K Sanders
- Wheaton College Department of Applied Health Science, Wheaton, IL, USA
| | - R Nduati
- University of Nairobi Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - D M Denno
- University of Washington Department of Health Services, Seattle, WA, USA,University of Washington Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA,University of Washington Department of Pediatrics, Seattle, WA, USA,Childhood Acute Illnesses Network (CHAIN), Nairobi, Kenya
| | - J A Myhre
- Naivasha Sub-County Referral Hospital and Serge East Africa, Naivasha, Kenya
| | - J Kinyua
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - L L Iannotti
- Washington University in St. Louis Brown School, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - B Singa
- Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - C Farquhar
- University of Washington Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA,University of Washington Department of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease), Seattle, WA, USA,University of Washington Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - J L Walson
- University of Washington Department of Global Health, Seattle, WA, USA,University of Washington Department of Pediatrics, Seattle, WA, USA,Childhood Acute Illnesses Network (CHAIN), Nairobi, Kenya,University of Washington Department of Medicine (Allergy and Infectious Disease), Seattle, WA, USA,University of Washington Department of Epidemiology, Seattle, WA, USA
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Neves PAR, Barros AJD, Gatica-Domínguez G, Vaz JS, Baker P, Lutter CK. Maternal education and equity in breastfeeding: trends and patterns in 81 low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2019. Int J Equity Health 2021; 20:20. [PMID: 33413445 PMCID: PMC7792102 DOI: 10.1186/s12939-020-01357-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), low levels of formal maternal educational are positively associated with breastfeeding whereas the reverse is true among women with higher levels of formal education. As such, breastfeeding has helped to reduce health equity gaps between rich and poor children. Our paper examines trends in breastfeeding and formula consumption by maternal educational in LMICs over nearly two decades. METHODS We used 319 nationally representative surveys from 81 countries. We used WHO definitions for breastfeeding indicators and categorized maternal education into three categories: none, primary, and secondary or higher. We grouped countries according to the World Bank income groups and UNICEF regions classifications. The trend analyses were performed through multilevel linear regression to obtain average absolute annual changes in percentage points. RESULTS Significant increases in prevalence were observed for early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding across all education categories, but more prominently in women with no formal education for early breastfeeding and in higher level educated women for exclusive breastfeeding. Small decreases in prevalence were seen mostly for women with no formal education for continued breastfeeding at 1 and 2 years. Among formula indicators, only formula consumption between 6 and 23 months decreased significantly over the period for women with primary education. Analysis by world regions demonstrated that gains in early and exclusive breastfeeding were almost universally distributed among education categories, except in the Middle East and North Africa where they decreased throughout education categories. Continued breastfeeding at 1 and 2 years increased in South Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Eastern Europe and Central Asia for primary or higher education categories. Declines occurred for the group of no formal education in South Asia and nearly all education categories in the Middle East and North Africa with a decline steeper for continued breastfeeding at 2 years. With a few exceptions, the use of formula is higher among children of women at the highest education level in all regions. CONCLUSIONS Over the course of our study, women with no formal education have worsening breastfeeding indicators compared to women with primary and secondary or higher education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo A R Neves
- Federal University of Pelotas, International Center for Equity in Health. Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160, 3rd floor, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Aluisio J D Barros
- Federal University of Pelotas, International Center for Equity in Health. Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160, 3rd floor, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Giovanna Gatica-Domínguez
- Federal University of Pelotas, International Center for Equity in Health. Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160, 3rd floor, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Juliana S Vaz
- Federal University of Pelotas, International Center for Equity in Health. Rua Marechal Deodoro, 1160, 3rd floor, Pelotas, Brazil
| | - Phillip Baker
- Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Melbourne, Australia
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Taylor YJ, Scott VC, Danielle Connor C. Perceptions, Experiences, and Outcomes of Lactation Support in the Workplace: A Systematic Literature Review. J Hum Lact 2020; 36:657-672. [PMID: 32530352 DOI: 10.1177/0890334420930696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite legislation requiring break time and a private space to express milk, variations exist in accommodations for breastfeeding employees in the United States. RESEARCH AIMS We aimed to describe employee and employer perceptions of and experiences with workplace lactation support in the United States and to identify research needed to inform workplace lactation support programs. METHODS We searched Academic Search Complete, Business Search Complete, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, and PsycInfo for peer-reviewed articles published from 2009 to 2019 (n = 1638). We included 27 articles. Studies were categorized into four non-exclusive themes: (a) employee perceptions of and experiences with workplace lactation support; (b) employer reports of workplace lactation support; (c) association between workplace lactation support and business outcomes; and (d) association between workplace lactation support and breastfeeding outcomes. RESULTS Analyses of associations between lactation support at work and employee breastfeeding outcomes (n = 14, 52%), and employee perceptions of and experiences with lactation support at work (n = 14, 52%) were most common, followed by employer reports of lactation support (n = 3, 11%) and associations between lactation support at work and job satisfaction (n = 3, 11%). Results indicated that workplace lactation support varied by employer, and that employee perceptions of and experiences with workplace lactation support varied by demographic and employment characteristics. The use of cross-sectional designs, unvalidated instruments, and limited representation from women with low incomes and minorities were common study limitations. CONCLUSIONS More research is needed to learn about experiences of employers and low-income and minority women with workplace lactation support and associations with business-relevant outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yhenneko J Taylor
- 2351 Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, USA
| | - Victoria C Scott
- 124546 Department of Psychological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, USA
| | - C Danielle Connor
- 2351 Center for Outcomes Research and Evaluation, Atrium Health, Charlotte, USA
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Female Employees' Perception of Breastfeeding Support in the Workplace, Public Universities in Spain: A Multicentric Comparative Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17176402. [PMID: 32887489 PMCID: PMC7504108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17176402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite scientific recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age and complementary breastfeeding to 2 years of age, breastfeeding abandonment rates increase with time, and one of the main reasons is that women go back to work. AIM To analyze the perception of support of breastfeeding workers to continue breastfeeding at two Spanish universities, and associated factors. METHODS A multicenter retrospective cross-sectional comparative study conducted in a population of 777 female workers at the Universidad de Sevilla (US) and the Universitat Jaume I (UJI) in Spain using an online questionnaire. RESULTS The response rate was 38.74% (n = 301). Of all the participants, 57.8% continued breastfeeding after returning to work. The factors associated with continuing breastfeeding for longer were the university having a breastfeeding support policy and special accommodation (p < 0.001); participating in breastfeeding support groups (p < 0.001); intending to continue breastfeeding after returning to work (p < 0.001); knowing the occupational legislation in force (p = 0.009); having a female supervisor (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION Breastfeeding support initiatives and having special accommodation to pump and preserve breast milk after returning to work are associated with a longer duration of female workers' breastfeeding.
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Castetbon K, Boudet-Berquier J, Salanave B. Combining breastfeeding and work: findings from the Epifane population-based birth cohort. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2020; 20:110. [PMID: 32066396 PMCID: PMC7027215 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-020-2801-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Return to work is often cited as a reason for early cessation of breastfeeding (BF). Our objectives were to study the time span during which women employed prior to pregnancy returned to work according to BF duration category, and to identify sociodemographic, behavioral and pregnancy characteristics of women who continued BF after returning to work. Methods Information on BF mode and work status was prospectively collected in a French nation-wide birth cohort up to 1 year after delivery. Time of return to work according to BF category was addressed using Kaplan-Meier curves and Poisson regression adjusted on co-variates. Multiple logistic regression enabled to identify characteristics associated with the combination of BF with work. Results Among 2480 women holding jobs prior to pregnancy, 82.0% returned to work within a year postpartum. Women who breastfed > 4 months returned at median of 6.5 months, whereas those who did not breastfeed at all returned to their jobs at 4.0 months, those who had breastfed for less than 1 month returned at 4.5 months, and those who had breastfed for 1 to 4 months returned at 4.0 months. Around one-third of women (34.5%) combined BF and work, and breastfed for a longer duration (median: 213 days, vs. 61 days for women who stopped BF before returning to work). Women born outside of France or who were self-employed were more likely to combine BF and work, while intermediate employees, manual workers, women who quitted smoking during pregnancy, who had smoked before and during pregnancy, or who had given birth by cesarean section were less likely to combine BF and work. Conclusion Women who had breastfed for less than 4 months, or not at all, returned to their jobs at comparable times. This suggests that working women should be encouraged to breastfeed, even for a short duration. Moreover, only one-third of working women succeeded in combining BF and work, highlighting the need for a support system that would encourage flexibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Castetbon
- Université libre de Bruxelles, Ecole de Santé Publique, Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie, Biostatistique et Recherche Clinique, CP 598, Université libre de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik, 808, B-1070, Bruxelles, Belgium. .,Equipe de Surveillance et d'Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (Esen), Santé Publique France, Université Paris 13, Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Statistiques, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France.
| | - Julie Boudet-Berquier
- Equipe de Surveillance et d'Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (Esen), Santé Publique France, Université Paris 13, Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Statistiques, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France.,Département des Maladies Non Transmissibles et Traumatismes (DMNTT), Santé Publique France, Saint Maurice, France
| | - Benoit Salanave
- Equipe de Surveillance et d'Epidémiologie Nutritionnelle (Esen), Santé Publique France, Université Paris 13, Centre de Recherche en Epidémiologie et Statistiques, COMUE Sorbonne Paris Cité, Bobigny, France
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Dieterich R, Caplan E, Yang J, Demirci J. Integrative Review of Breastfeeding Support and Related Practices in Child Care Centers. J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs 2019; 49:5-15. [PMID: 31785280 DOI: 10.1016/j.jogn.2019.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To synthesize the extant research on the support of breastfeeding and breast milk feeding and related practices in child care centers (i.e., daycare centers) in the United States and globally. DATA SOURCES We used key terms to search Ovid, CINAHL, and PubMed for articles that met eligibility criteria. When potentially relevant articles were identified in PubMed, we used the cited by and similar articles features to identify additional articles. We also examined the reference lists of reviewed studies. STUDY SELECTION We included original research articles on breastfeeding or breast milk feeding in child care centers published in 2000 or after and available in English. We reviewed titles and/or abstracts of 1,984 articles and abstracted 37 for full-text review. Of these, 16 studies met eligibility criteria and were included in the review. DATA EXTRACTION We abstracted data from the 16 articles to facilitate comparison and identification of patterns related to support of breastfeeding/breast milk feeding and related practices in child care centers. These data included year of publication, setting, design/methodology (and methodologic limitations), type of respondent/sampling unit (e.g., directors and staff members of child care centers, mothers), sample size, outcome measures, and pertinent study findings. DATA SYNTHESIS We categorized study findings into three themes: Knowledge, Attitudes, and Experiences of Staff Members in Child Care Centers; Implementation and Adherence to Policies, Practices, and Regulations in Child Care Centers; and Prevalence of Breastfeeding in Child Care Centers. Findings indicated staff members generally had positive attitudes toward breastfeeding but tended to remain neutral regarding encouragement and support of breastfeeding. Training and knowledge about breastfeeding among staff members in child care centers appears limited and focused mainly on the storage and preparation of breast milk; however, staff members indicated the desire to obtain additional education about breastfeeding. Few U.S. child care centers or states have comprehensive, evidence-based policies and regulations to address support for breast milk feeding and breastfeeding. The prevalence of breastfeeding in U.S. child care centers is less than that in other child care settings (home-based child care, etc.), child care centers in other developed countries, and national breastfeeding averages. CONCLUSION We found a general lack of policies and practices to support breastfeeding in child care centers, particularly in the United States. The degree to which this policy/practice deficit contributes to suboptimal breastfeeding rates among women who use child care centers requires further study.
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Zhuang J, Bresnahan MJ, Yan X, Zhu Y, Goldbort J, Bogdan-Lovis E. Keep Doing the Good Work: Impact of Coworker and Community Support on Continuation of Breastfeeding. HEALTH COMMUNICATION 2019; 34:1270-1278. [PMID: 29771151 DOI: 10.1080/10410236.2018.1476802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Returning to work poses a challenge to new mothers' breastfeeding success during the first 6 months postpartum. While previous research has shown that breastfeeding-related workplace policy plays a significant role in women's decision to continue breastfeeding, the extent to which interpersonal factors such as coworkers' (lack of) support and stigma affect women's breastfeeding behavior is less understood. Through a cross-sectional survey with 500 working mothers, this research found that female coworker support of other women played an important role in affecting mothers' decision to continue breastfeeding after returning to work and contributed to breastfeeding self-efficacy. The findings suggest that mothers' perception of supportive coworker communication has an impact on sustained breastfeeding. Workplaces need to enhance the mother-friendly climate by encouraging and rewarding coworkers and providing support necessary for breastfeeding colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Zhuang
- Department of Communication Studies, Texas Christian University
| | | | - Xiaodi Yan
- Department of Communication, Michigan State University
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Communication, Michigan State University
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Schafer EJ, Ashida S, Palmquist AEL. Psychosocial dimensions of human milk sharing. MATERNAL AND CHILD NUTRITION 2019; 14 Suppl 6:e12606. [PMID: 30592166 DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Breastfeeding is critical to maternal and infant health. Psychosocial factors are associated with lactation outcomes, and perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) are often linked with breastfeeding difficulties and early, unexpected weaning. Parents may utilize human milk sharing to ensure their infant receives human milk when breastfeeding requires supplementation or is not possible, but this practice carries health risks and is often stigmatized. Milk sharing recipient mothers may be particularly vulnerable to PMDs associated with breastfeeding difficulties. The study objective was to explore factors associated with emotional responses to a parent's decision to feed their infant with shared human milk. An online cross-sectional survey of 205 milk sharing recipients was analysed with linear regression. Controlling for participants' education and breastfeeding difficulties, higher perceived social stigma was associated with more negative emotional responses (p < .01). Receiving strong spousal/partner support for milk sharing (p < .001) and screening donors regarding the health of their nursling(s) (p < .05) were associated with more positive emotional responses. Social stigmatization of milk sharing may negatively influence emotional responses among recipient mothers. Based on these results, it can be recommended that health professionals screen breastfeeding mothers with lactation difficulties for emotional distress that may lead to PMDs and provide evidence-based information about milk sharing in a nonstigmatizing way. Health professionals may support informed decision-making for infant feeding practices, including human milk sharing, by providing information on milk sharing risks and risk mitigation, developing evidence-based practices and guidelines that facilitate safe milk sharing, and directing families to available resources for psychosocial support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen J Schafer
- Department of Community and Environmental Health, Boise State University College of Health Sciences, Boise, Idaho, USA
| | - Sato Ashida
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Aunchalee E L Palmquist
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Elon University, Elon, North Carolina, USA.,Department of Maternal and Child Health, Carolina Global Breastfeeding Institute, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Pérez-Escamilla R. Breastfeeding in the 21st century: How we can make it work. Soc Sci Med 2019; 244:112331. [PMID: 31189491 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2019.05.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
There is abundant knowledge on the major health and social benefits of breastfeeding, and on how to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Hence, it is surprising that recommended breastfeeding behaviors continue to be suboptimal in the 21st Century among large segments of the population, globally. Moving forward, it is crucial to enable the breastfeeding environments for women through family friendly employment policies and to enforce the WHO Code for Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes. It is also key to invest more in training the workforce for successful large-scale implementation and sustainability of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, community-based breastfeeding counseling, and to prevent conflicts of interests with infant formula companies. Behavior change social marketing interventions that include social media need to be designed following social network science and behavioral economics principles. Evidence-informed policy tools are now available to help policy makers invest in and guide the scaling-up of cost-effective breastfeeding programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Pérez-Escamilla
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.
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40
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Leon-Larios F, Pinero-Pinto E, Arnedillo-Sanchez S, Ruiz-Ferron C, Casado-Mejia R, Benitez-Lugo M. Female employees' perception of breastfeeding-friendly support in a public university in Spain. Public Health Nurs 2019; 36:370-378. [PMID: 30740776 DOI: 10.1111/phn.12590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2018] [Revised: 01/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore women's experience with continuing breastfeeding when they returned to work. DESIGN AND SAMPLE A cross-sectional study was conducted. Participants were female employees at the University of Seville who gave birth in the last 10 years while working at University. MEASURES A questionnaire in Spanish was used to collect information on sociodemographic variables, employment characteristics, continued breastfeeding behavior after returning to work and the dimensions of the validated scale the Workplace Breastfeeding Support Scale (WBSS). RESULTS A total of 197 women responded, consisting of 53.8% faculty and 46.2% administrative staff. Almost all the women had breastfed their children (92.9%). The proportion of women who continued to breastfeed after they returned to work was 51.3%. The main reason given for interrupting lactation was the challenge of reconciling family and work (53.1%). Faculty members took more breaks for breastfeeding (p = 0.002) and were able to arrange their breaks more easily (p < 0.001). Since it was easier for them to find a quiet place to pump breast milk (p = 0.025), they were more likely to continue breastfeeding after returning to work than were administrative staff (59.8% vs. 41.1%, p < 0.009). CONCLUSION A designated lactation space and amenities should be provided in order to extend the duration of breastfeeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Leon-Larios
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Elena Pinero-Pinto
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Cecilia Ruiz-Ferron
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Rosa Casado-Mejia
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Marisa Benitez-Lugo
- Faculty of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Podiatry, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Kim JH, Shin JC, Donovan SM. Effectiveness of Workplace Lactation Interventions on Breastfeeding Outcomes in the United States: An Updated Systematic Review. J Hum Lact 2019; 35:100-113. [PMID: 29928834 DOI: 10.1177/0890334418765464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Returning to work is one of the main barriers to breastfeeding duration among working mothers in the United States. However, the impact of workplace lactation programs is unclear. RESEARCH AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of workplace lactation programs in the United States on breastfeeding practices. METHODS A systematic search was conducted of seven databases through September 2017. Articles ( N = 10) meeting the inclusion criteria of describing a workplace lactation intervention and evaluation in the United States and measuring initiation, exclusivity, or duration using an experimental or observational study design were critically evaluated. Two reviewers conducted quality assessments and reviewed the full-text articles during the analysis. RESULTS Common services provided were breast pumps, social support, lactation rooms, and breastfeeding classes. Breastfeeding initiation was very high, ranging from 87% to 98%. Several factors were significantly associated with duration of exclusive breastfeeding: (a) receiving a breast pump for one year (8.3 versus 4.7 months), (b) return-to-work consultations (40% versus 17% at 6 months), and (c) telephone support (42% versus 15% at 6 months). Each additional service (except prenatal education) dose-dependently increased exclusively breastfeeding at 6 months. Sociodemographic information including older maternal age, working part-time, longer maternity leave, and white ethnicity were associated with longer breastfeeding duration. CONCLUSION Workplace lactation interventions increased breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusive breastfeeding, with greater changes observed with more available services. More evidence is needed on the impact of workplace support in low-income populations, and the cost-effectiveness of these programs in reducing health care costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia H Kim
- 1 Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Jong C Shin
- 2 Department of Kinesiology and Community Health, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, IL, USA
| | - Sharon M Donovan
- 3 Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
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Navarro-Rosenblatt D, Garmendia ML. Maternity Leave and Its Impact on Breastfeeding: A Review of the Literature. Breastfeed Med 2018; 13:589-597. [PMID: 30256125 DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2018.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breastfeeding is known to be the best source of nutrition for infants. The World Health Organization recommends to exclusively breastfeed up to the sixth month of life and to breastfeed with complementary foods until the age of 2. It is reported that maternity leave (ML) is one of the most important interventions for an extended breastfeeding duration. The aim of this review is to synthesize the available data worldwide on the association of ML and breastfeeding duration. We also intend to provide an overview of whether this association is differential by socioeconomic status. MATERIALS AND METHODS Relevant primary studies relating ML and breastfeeding were included by searching several databases, including PubMed, SCielo, Health Systems Evidence, Health Evidence, Cochrane Reviews, and Epistemonikos. Articles were included up to May 2018. RESULTS A total of 239 relevant articles were identified, of them 21 were included in the review based on exposure, outcome, and study design. These studies reported that an extended ML might be related to breastfeeding duration. In addition, studies reporting data on work type, race, and education showed that black women, women in less privileged position, and women with less education have less breastfeeding duration. CONCLUSIONS This review showed a positive relationship between ML length and breastfeeding duration. These results have a homogeneous trend; however, this was different when studies reported results on ML and breastfeeding stratified by socioeconomic status. Public health policies should ensure that all women, especially the most vulnerable, have equal access to the benefits that ML provides.
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Abstract
Perinatal epidemiology examines the variation and determinants of pregnancy outcomes from a maternal and neonatal perspective. However, improving public and population health also requires the translation of this evidence base into substantive public policies. Assessing the impact of such public policies requires sufficient data to include potential confounding factors in the analysis, such as coexisting medical conditions and socioeconomic status, and appropriate statistical and epidemiological techniques. This review will explore policies addressing three areas of perinatal medicine-elective deliveries prior to 39 weeks' gestation; perinatal regionalization; and mandatory paid maternity leave policies-to illustrate the challenges when assessing the impact of specific policies at the patient and population level. Data support the use of these policies to improve perinatal health, but with weaker and less certain effect sizes when compared to the initial patient-level studies. Improved data collection and epidemiological techniques will allow for improved assessment of these policies and the identification of potential areas of improvement when translating patient-level studies into public policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott A Lorch
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Center for Pediatric and Perinatal Health Disparities Research and PolicyLab, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA; Leonard Davis Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA.
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