Reducing postpartum weight retention and improving breastfeeding outcomes in overweight women: a pilot randomised controlled trial

The Impact of a Lifestyle Intervention on Cardiometabolic Risk Factors among Postpartum Hispanic Women with Overweight and Obesity in a Randomized Controlled Trial (Proyecto Mamá)

INTRODUCTION

Maternal overweight or obesity has been associated with metabolic syndrome through 1 year postpartum, but it remains unknown whether a culturally-modified, motivationally-targeted, and individually-tailored Lifestyle Intervention could improve postpartum cardiometabolic health among Hispanic women with overweight or obesity.

METHODS

Proyecto Mamá was a randomized controlled trial conducted in Western Massachusetts from 2014 to 2020 in which Hispanic women with overweight/obesity were randomized to a Lifestyle Intervention (LI) involving diet and exercise or to a comparison Health and Wellness Intervention (HW). Biomarkers of cardiovascular risk (i.e., lipids, C-reactive protein) and insulin resistance (fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, homeostasis model assessment [HOMA-IR], leptin, adiponectin) were measured at baseline (early pregnancy), mid-pregnancy, and 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Generalized linear mixed effect models were used to evaluate differences in the change in biomarkers over the course of postpartum follow-up time.

RESULTS

In intent-to-treat analyses among eligible women (LI; n=51, HW; n=58) there were no significant differences in changes in biomarkers of CVD risk or insulin resistance over the postpartum year; for example, the intervention effect for total cholesterol was 6.98 (SE: 6.36, p=0.27) and for HbA1c was -0.01 (SE: 0.4, p=0.85). In pooled analyses, regardless of intervention arm, women who participated in any vigorous activity had less of an increase in HbA1c (intervention effect = -0.17, SE: 0.05, p=0.002) compared to those with no vigorous activity, and similarly beneficial associations with other cardiovascular risk biomarkers (p<0.05).

DISCUSSION

Women who participated in vigorous activity, regardless of their assigned intervention arm, had more favorable changes in biomarkers of insulin resistance.

Lessons for the UK on implementation and evaluation of breastfeeding support: evidence syntheses and stakeholder engagement

Background

Breastfeeding impacts positively on multiple health outcomes, but < 50% of UK women breastfeed at 8 weeks. Women with long-term conditions face additional challenges in breastfeeding.

Objectives

To synthesise global and UK evidence to co-create an implementation and evaluation toolkit for cost-effective breastfeeding support in the NHS.

Design

Evidence syntheses with stakeholder engagement.

Review methods

Systematic reviews examined effectiveness of breastfeeding support for (1) healthy women and (2) women with long-term conditions using Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth Group methods. Mixed-methods systematic reviews synthesised process evaluations of effective breastfeeding support interventions for healthy women and experiences of receiving/providing support for breastfeeding women with long-term conditions. Cross-study synthesis integrated qualitative and quantitative findings. Systematic reviews synthesised evidence on the incremental costs and cost-effectiveness of breastfeeding support following National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance. All searches were conducted from May 2021 to October 2022. Stakeholder engagement and toolkit development comprised online discussions, a modified Delphi study, focus groups and four workshops. Participants were 23 stakeholders, 16 parents in the parents' panels, 15 women in the focus groups and 87 stakeholders who attended the workshops.

Results

We found considerably more interventions designed for healthy women (review 1) than aimed at women with long-term conditions (reviews 1 and 4); approximately half of the studies were targeted at groups at higher risk of poor breastfeeding outcomes, and the impact of support may be different in these populations. Despite this, studies from review 2 found that women perceived the provision of support as positive, important and needed. Studies from review 5 echoed a range of suggestions from participants regarding potential strategies to improve breastfeeding support, with the most widely reported being the need to acknowledge the role and influence of other sources of support (e.g. partners, family, friends, peers, external professionals, web-based resources) and involving these sources in the provision of breastfeeding support for women with long-term conditions. In reviews 3 and 6, there was uncertainty about the cost-effectiveness of breastfeeding support interventions due to the limited number of studies and lack of good-quality evidence.

Limitations

There was a lack of evidence for the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of breastfeeding interventions in the UK. There was often insufficient information reported about intervention characteristics.

Conclusions

'Breastfeeding only' support probably reduces the number of women stopping any or exclusive breastfeeding. The evidence for 'breastfeeding plus' interventions is less consistent, but these may reduce the number of women stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks and at 6 months. We found no evidence of differential intervention effects regarding mode of provision or provider. Cost-effectiveness is uncertain due to the lack of good-quality evidence. Key enablers of successful implementation were responsiveness and tailoring of interventions to both women's and supporters' needs. Breastfeeding support as delivered in the included studies probably has little to no effect on breastfeeding outcomes for women with long-term conditions. The mixed-methods synthesis and stakeholder work identified that existing interventions may not address the complex needs of these women. The main study output is a co-produced toolkit to guide implementation and evaluation of breastfeeding support services in the UK.

Future work

Evaluation of breastfeeding support for all women, particularly those at risk of poor breastfeeding outcomes (e.g. long-term conditions, deprivation). This could involve tailoring the toolkit to local contexts via implementation and effectiveness studies or using quality improvement studies.

Study registration

This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42022337239, CRD42021229769 and CRD42022374509. The reviews of economic evidence were not registered; however, the review protocol can be accessed via the repository held by Queen's University Belfast Research Portal (https://pure.qub.ac.uk/).

Funding

This award was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research programme (NIHR award ref: NIHR130995) and is published in full in Health and Social Care Delivery Research; Vol. 12, No. 20. See the NIHR Funding and Awards website for further award information.

Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies

BACKGROUND

There is extensive evidence of important health risks for infants and mothers related to not breastfeeding. In 2003, the World Health Organization recommended that infants be breastfed exclusively until six months of age, with breastfeeding continuing as an important part of the infant's diet until at least two years of age. However, current breastfeeding rates in many countries do not reflect this recommendation.

OBJECTIVES

1. To describe types of breastfeeding support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies. 2. To examine the effectiveness of different types of breastfeeding support interventions in terms of whether they offered only breastfeeding support or breastfeeding support in combination with a wider maternal and child health intervention ('breastfeeding plus' support).  3. To examine the effectiveness of the following intervention characteristics on breastfeeding support:      a. type of support (e.g. face-to-face, telephone, digital technologies, group or individual support, proactive or reactive);      b. intensity of support (i.e. number of postnatal contacts);      c. person delivering the intervention (e.g. healthcare professional, lay person);     d. to examine whether the impact of support varied between high- and low-and middle-income countries.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (which includes results of searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP)) (11 May 2021) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing extra support for healthy breastfeeding mothers of healthy term babies with usual maternity care. Support could be provided face-to-face, over the phone or via digital technologies. All studies had to meet the trustworthiness criteria.  DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used standard Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth methods. Two review authors independently selected trials, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias and study trustworthiness.  The certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

This updated review includes 116 trials of which 103 contribute data to the analyses. In total more than 98,816 mother-infant pairs were included.  Moderate-certainty evidence indicated that 'breastfeeding only' support probably reduced the number of women stopping breastfeeding for all primary outcomes: stopping any breastfeeding at six months (Risk Ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.89 to 0.97); stopping exclusive breastfeeding at six months (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.88 to 0.93); stopping any breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.79 to 0.97); and stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 (RR 0.83 95% CI 0.76 to 0.90). Similar findings were reported for the secondary breastfeeding outcomes except for any breastfeeding at two months and 12 months when the evidence was uncertain if 'breastfeeding only' support helped reduce the number of women stopping breastfeeding.  The evidence for 'breastfeeding plus' was less consistent. For primary outcomes there was some evidence that 'breastfeeding plus' support probably reduced the number of women stopping any breastfeeding (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.97, moderate-certainty evidence) or exclusive breastfeeding at six months (RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.70 to 0.90).  'Breastfeeding plus' interventions may have a beneficial effect on reducing the number of women stopping exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.95). The evidence suggests that 'breastfeeding plus' support probably results in little to no difference in the number of women stopping any breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks (RR 0.94, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.08, moderate-certainty evidence). For the secondary outcomes, it was uncertain if 'breastfeeding plus' support helped reduce the number of women stopping any or exclusive breastfeeding at any time points.  There were no consistent findings emerging from the narrative synthesis of the non-breastfeeding outcomes (maternal satisfaction with care, maternal satisfaction with feeding method, infant morbidity, and maternal mental health), except for a possible reduction of diarrhoea in intervention infants.  We considered the overall risk of bias of trials included in the review was mixed. Blinding of participants and personnel is not feasible in such interventions and as studies utilised self-report breastfeeding data, there is also a risk of bias in outcome assessment.   We conducted meta-regression to explore substantial heterogeneity for the primary outcomes using the following categories: person providing care; mode of delivery; intensity of support; and income status of country.  It is possible that moderate levels (defined as 4-8 visits) of 'breastfeeding only' support may be associated with a more beneficial effect on exclusive breastfeeding at 4-6 weeks and six months. 'Breastfeeding only' support may also be more effective in reducing women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) stopping exclusive breastfeeding at six months compared to women in high-income countries (HICs). However, no other differential effects were found and thus heterogeneity remains largely unexplained. The meta-regression suggested that there were no differential effects regarding person providing support or mode of delivery, however, power was limited.  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: When 'breastfeeding only' support is offered to women, the duration and in particular, the exclusivity of breastfeeding is likely to be increased. Support may also be more effective in reducing the number of women stopping breastfeeding at three to four months compared to later time points.  For 'breastfeeding plus' interventions the evidence is less certain. Support may be offered either by professional or lay/peer supporters, or a combination of both. Support can also be offered face-to-face, via telephone or digital technologies, or a combination and may be more effective when delivered on a schedule of four to eight visits. Further work is needed to identify components of the effective interventions and to deliver interventions on a larger scale.

Trajectory patterns and factors influencing perinatal fatigue among Chinese women from late pregnancy to 6 months after delivery

Background

Perinatal fatigue among women is related to the clinical outcomes of mothers and infants. Perinatal fatigue changes over time, and the trajectory varies according to the predictors and outcomes of the mothers. This, however, has not been documented in any study.

Objectives

This study aimed to identify and characterize the trajectory patterns of perinatal fatigue among women from late pregnancy to 6 months after delivery.

Methods

We used growth mixture modeling to estimate the trajectory of perinatal fatigue at 28 gestational weeks (T0), 37 gestational weeks (T1), 3 days (T2), 1 week (T3), 6 weeks (T4), and 6 months (T5) after delivery with (n = 1,030). The Mann-Whitney U test and binary logistic regression were used to tie the selected trajectory classes to predictors and outcomes.

Results

There were two distinct patterns of perinatal fatigue in women: "persistently high" (11.1%, n = 114) and "persistently low" (88.9%, n = 916). Levels of perinatal fatigue among women in the "persistently high" group were higher than those in the "persistently low" group across the six measurements. Complications, fatigue at T0, and employment status in late pregnancy were all significant predictors of trajectories. Additionally, the "persistently high" group had a greater prevalence of difficult baby care and weight retention and a lower prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding.

Conclusions

Our study proved the heterogeneity and characteristics of perinatal fatigue among women. Future research should concentrate on developing intervention packages targeted at specific individuals in order to alleviate perinatal fatigue in women.

Interventions to support women with overweight or obesity or gestational diabetes mellitus to initiate and continue breastfeeding: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life and benefits both mother and child. Women with overweight/obesity or gestational diabetes are at risk for poor breastfeeding outcomes. This review evaluates the efficacy of breastfeeding interventions in these at-risk populations. The review followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Five databases were searched for interventions from inception to May 2020. Nineteen trials including 2,740 participants, 226 of which were dyads, were included. Intervention increased any breastfeeding at ≥6 months (OR 1.43, 95% CI [1.05-1.95]), and women in the intervention group were 90% more likely to exclusively breastfeed at 1-2 weeks (OR 1.9, 95% CI [1.17-3.09]) and more than twice as likely to exclusively breastfeed at 4-6 weeks (OR 2.23, 95% CI [1.27-3.90]) within the sensitivity analysis. These findings support breastfeeding interventions improving exclusive early postpartum breastfeeding and any breastfeeding from 6 months in women with gestational diabetes or obesity/overweight. Further randomized controlled trials with harmonized breastfeeding outcome reporting are needed to confirm efficacy.

Effectiveness of a Pilot Breastfeeding Educational Intervention Targeting High BMI Pregnant Women

INTRODUCTION

Overweight and obesity during pregnancy are associated with adverse health outcomes leading to increased maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Women with a high body mass index (BMI) also experience low breastfeeding rates. There is limited evidence of effective educational programs that aim to improve length of breastfeeding among this population. The main objective of this pilot educational intervention was to determine knowledge and skills retention at six weeks after completion of a breastfeeding class.

METHODS

A two-hour breastfeeding class was offered during the second and third trimester of pregnancy targeting high BMI women. A longitudinal, survey study design was conducted using two data collection points. No comparator group was employed.

RESULTS

Baseline mean age of respondents was 26.6 years (SD = 5.7). Respondents who completed post-intervention surveys were largely white (69.2%) followed by Hispanic (15.4%) and non-Hispanic black (15.4%), some college (57.1%), earned less than $50,000/year (64.3%), had employer-provided insurance (53.8%), and did not receive WIC benefits (78.6%). Most respondents had a pre-pregnancy BMI category of overweight (28.6%) or obese (57.1%). The intervention appeared to have some impact on responses. The following were observed: an increased understanding that baby may be fussy in the evening hours and wants to nurse more often (p < 0.002), how to bring baby to the breast (p = 0.004), knowing what to do if breastfeeding hurts (p = 0.031), and knowing what to do when baby has trouble breastfeeding (p = 0.021).

CONCLUSION

Consistent with previous findings, all participants in our study reported increased knowledge to breastfeed. Thus, women's confidence to breastfeed their infant is enhanced through knowledge obtained from breastfeeding education. Additional studies are underway to assess breastfeeding behaviors.

Interventions including a nutrition component aimed at managing gestational weight gain or postpartum weight retention: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions that include a nutrition component aimed at improving gestational weight gain and/or postpartum weight retention.

INTRODUCTION

Excessive gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention increase the risk of adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Current evidence comprises many interventions targeting gestational weight gain and postpartum weight retention that incorporate a nutrition component. To date, no review has synthesized evidence from pregnancy through the postpartum period or described the intervention approaches in detail.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

The review included women (≥18 years) during pregnancy and/or up to 12 months postpartum. Studies were included if they involved a weight management intervention with a nutrition component and had the primary objective of determining the impact of gestational weight gain and/or postpartum weight change. Interventions were compared to usual care (i.e. control conditions with no intervention or wait-list control or standard pregnancy or postpartum care) or "other" (alternative intervention). The review considered randomized controlled trials published between 1980 and January 21, 2016. Studies that included a weight related primary outcome measured during pregnancy and/or postpartum were included.

METHODS

Seven databases were searched and the reference lists of included studies were searched for additional studies not previously identified. Two independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI SUMARI). The JBI SUMARI standardized data extraction tool was used to extract data. A narrative synthesis was undertaken to qualitatively synthesize included studies, with meta-analyses used to pool weight outcome data from studies conducted separately for pregnancy and postpartum. Effect sizes for meta-analyses have been expressed as weighted mean differences (95% confidence intervals).

RESULTS

The search yielded 4063 articles of which 48 articles from 39 studies were included. Eleven of 20 studies during pregnancy reported significant reductions in gestational weight gain with the intervention when compared to control groups. One of five studies where the intervention was conducted during both pregnancy and postpartum reported statistically significant reductions in gestational weight gain, and postpartum weight retention between intervention and control groups. Nine of 14 studies conducted after childbirth reported statistically significant intervention effects, indicating lesser postpartum weight retention. Random effects meta-analyses indicated that despite considerable heterogeneity, interventions conducted during pregnancy (-1.25 kg; 95% CI: -2.10 kg, -0.40 kg; p = 0.004), and postpartum (-3.25 kg; 95% CI: -4.69 kg, -1.82 kg; p < 0.001) were significantly more effective at improving weight outcomes compared to usual care or other interventions. Most studies were of moderate quality due to lack of clarity in describing study details required for appraising methodological quality. Few interventions were conducted from pregnancy through the postpartum period (n = 5). Limited interventions adopted online modalities in intervention delivery (n = 4). Intention-to-treat analysis was used in only 12 studies.

CONCLUSIONS

The pregnancy and postpartum period presents a unique opportunity to engage women in interventions to help optimize lifestyle behaviors for weight management, however the optimal approach is unclear. Improving consistency in intervention implementation and reporting will improve future evidence synthesis.

Electronic Monitoring Of Mom's Schedule (eMOMS™): Protocol for a feasibility randomized controlled trial to improve postpartum weight, blood sugars, and breastfeeding among high BMI women

Background

Overweight and obesity are major risk factors for gestational diabetes among U.S. women. Evidence suggests that longer duration of breastfeeding among women with a history of gestational diabetes is associated with lower incidence of developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy. Women may potentially benefit from a lifestyle change program that includes breastfeeding education and support.

Purpose

To describe the design and justification of a combined breastfeeding, national Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)-based feasibility randomized controlled trial, the electronic Monitoring Of Mom's Schedule (eMOMS^TM) study. eMOMS^TM compares the feasibility and efficacy of three interventions on six-month postpartum weight loss among women with a BMI ≥25.

Methods

The intervention is delivered via Facebook and includes three groups: DPP and breastfeeding (eMOMS1); DPP only (eMOMS2); and Usual Care (eMOMS3). Recruitment is ongoing at two clinical sites (rural and urban). A total of 72 women, 24 per group, will be randomly assigned to one of the three groups. It is anticipated that women in eMOMS1 will have greater weight loss and increased length of breastfeeding at three and six months postpartum compared to women in eMOMS2 and eMOMS3. Additional data will be collected on metabolic markers, anthropometrics, physical activity, nutrition, breastfeeding, and depression. Program cost will be compared to that of traditionally scheduled group meetings. Expected study completion date: October 2021.

Conclusions

This study has the potential to define a high impact, cost effective intervention that can improve public health by reducing negative health outcomes associated with gestational diabetes among an at-risk population.

Mobile health applications for postnatal care: Review and analysis of functionalities and technical features

BACKGROUND

Providing a continuum of care from antenatal, childbirth and postnatal period results in reduced maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. Timely, high quality postnatal care is crucial for maximizing maternal and newborn health. In this vein, the use of postnatal mobile applications constitutes a promising strategy.

METHODS

A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) protocol was adopted to perform the selection, data extraction and functional evaluation of the available postnatal apps on iOS and Android platforms. The analysis of the functionalities and technical features of the apps selected was performed according to a 37-items assessment questionnaire developed on the basis of the scientific literature of postnatal care and a preliminary analysis of available postnatal apps RESULTS: A total of 48 postnatal apps were retrieved from the app repositories of the iOS and Android platforms. The results of the functional content analysis show that the postnatal apps selected relatively achieved low scores owing to the complexity and the ramification of the postnatal care.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study helps in identifying areas related to the postnatal care that require further endeavors to be properly addressed. It also provides directions for developers to leverage the advancement and innovation on mobile technology to build complete and well-suited postnatal apps.

Supporting women of childbearing age in the prevention and treatment of overweight and obesity: a scoping review of randomized control trials of behavioral interventions

BACKGROUND

Women of childbearing age are vulnerable to weight gain. This scoping review examines the extent and range of research undertaken to evaluate behavioral interventions to support women of childbearing age to prevent and treat overweight and obesity.

METHODS

Eight electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCT) or systematic reviews of RCTs until 31st January 2018. Eligible studies included women of childbearing age (aged 15-44 years), evaluated interventions promoting behavior change related to diet or physical activity to achieve weight gain prevention, weight loss or maintenance and reported weight-related outcomes.

RESULTS

Ninety studies met the inclusion criteria (87 RCTs, 3 systematic reviews). Included studies were published from 1998 to 2018. The studies primarily focused on preventing excessive gestational weight gain (n = 46 RCTs, n = 2 systematic reviews), preventing postpartum weight retention (n = 18 RCTs) or a combination of the two (n = 14 RCTs, n = 1 systematic review). The RCTs predominantly evaluated interventions that aimed to change both diet and physical activity behaviors (n = 84) and were delivered in-person (n = 85).

CONCLUSIONS

This scoping review identified an increasing volume of research over time undertaken to support women of childbearing age to prevent and treat overweight and obesity. It highlights, however, that little research is being undertaken to support the young adult female population unrelated to pregnancy or preconception.

Interventions for supporting the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding among women who are overweight or obese

BACKGROUND

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for all infants until six months of age due to the many health benefits for both the mother and infant.Evidence suggests that mothers who are overweight (body mass index (BMI) 25.0 to 29.9 kg/m²) or obese (BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m²) are less likely to initiate breastfeeding and to breastfeed for a shorter duration. Considering the rising prevalence of overweight and obesity globally and the known benefits of breastfeeding particularly in reducing the long-term risks of obesity and diabetes for infants, establishing effective ways to support and promote breastfeeding in women who are overweight or obese is paramount in achieving the goal of healthier communities.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of interventions to support the initiation or continuation of breastfeeding in women who are overweight or obese.

SEARCH METHODS

On 23 January 2019 we searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register, ClinicalTrials.gov, the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and reference lists of retrieved trials.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs that compared interventions to support the initiation and continuation of breastfeeding in women who are overweight or obese. Interventions included social support, education, physical support, or any combination of these. Interventions were compared either with each other or against a control group.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We assessed all potential trials identified from the search strategy. Two review authors extracted data from each included trial and assessed risk of bias. We resolved discrepancies through discussion with the third review author. We assessed the quality of the evidence using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

We found no trials comparing one type of support versus another. We included seven RCTs (including one cluster-RCT) involving 831 women. The number of women in each trial ranged from 36 to 226. The trials were conducted in high-income countries: USA (5 trials); Denmark (1 trial) and Australia (1 trial), between 2006 and 2015. Three trials only included women who were obese prior to pregnancy and four trials included both women who were overweight and women who were obese. We judged risk of bias in the included trials to be mixed; only one trial was judged to be low risk of bias for random sequence generation, allocation concealment and attrition bias.Physical breastfeeding support (manual or electric breast pump) versus usual care (no breast pump)Very low-certainty evidence from one small trial (39 women) looking at a physical support intervention (manual or electric breast pump) versus usual care (no pump) means it is unclear whether physical support improves exclusive breastfeeding at four to six weeks (risk ratio (RR) 0.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.20 to 1.51) or any breastfeeding at four to six weeks (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.03). The trial did not report other important outcomes of interest in this review: non-initiation of breastfeeding, exclusive or any breastfeeding at six months postpartum.Multiple methods of breastfeeding support versus usual care Six trials (involving 792 women) used multiple methods of support including education and social support through telephone or face-to-face contact. One of these trials also provided physical support through providing a breast pump and a baby sling and one trial provided a small gift to the women at each trial visit. Support in the trials was provided by a professional (four trials) or a peer (two trials). One trial provided group support, with the other five trials supporting women individually. One trial (174 women) did not report on any of our main outcomes of interest.We are unclear about the effects of the intervention because we identified very low-certainty evidence for all of the important outcomes in this review: rate of non-initiation of breastfeeding (average RR 1.03, 95% CI 0.07 to 16.11; 3 trials, 380 women); exclusive breastfeeding at four to six weeks (average RR 1.21, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.77; 4 trials, 445 women); any breastfeeding at four to six weeks (average RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.89; 2 trials, 103 women); rate of exclusive breastfeeding at six months postpartum (RR 7.23, 95% CI 0.38 to 137.08; 1 trial, 120 women); and any breastfeeding at six months postpartum (average RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.87; 2 trials, 223 women).The included trials under the above comparisons also reported on some of this review's secondary outcomes but very low-certainty evidence means that we are unclear about the effects of the intervention on those outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to assess the effectiveness of physical interventions, or multiple methods of support (social, educational or physical) for supporting the initiation or continuation of breastfeeding in women who are overweight or obese. We found no RCTs comparing one type of support to another type of support. All of our GRADE assessments resulted in very low-certainty evidence, with downgrading decisions based on limitations in trial design (e.g. risk of attrition bias), imprecision, inconsistency. The available trials were mostly of variable quality with small numbers of participants, confounded by poor adherence within both the intervention and control groups.Well designed, adequately powered research is needed to answer questions about the social, educational, physical support, or any combination of these interventions that could potentially help mothers who are overweight or obese to achieve optimal breastfeeding outcomes. We need trials that examine interventions designed specifically for women who are overweight or obese, delivered by people with training about how to overcome some of the challenges these women face when establishing and maintaining breastfeeding. Particular attention could be given to the assessment of antenatal interventions aimed at improving breastfeeding initiation in women with a raised BMI, and not just focusing on recruiting women who have an intention to breastfeed. Given that the majority of current trials were undertaken in the USA, further trials in a diverse range of countries and settings are required. Future trials need to give consideration to the theoretical basis of the intervention using established frameworks to enable replicability by others and to better determine the components of effective interventions.

Receipt of information about diet by pregnant women: A cross-sectional study

PROBLEM

Given the influence of diet on infant and maternal health outcomes, adequate knowledge about nutrition during pregnancy is critical.

AIMS

To examine among women receiving antenatal care the proportion who: (1) believe information about diet should be provided as part of routine antenatal care; (2) recall receiving advice about diet as part of care including: (a) when information was provided, (b) the healthcare provider who gave information, and (c) the format in which it was provided; and (3) attitudes towards information received.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with women attending a public antenatal clinic in New South Wales, Australia. Women were eligible to participate if they were: pregnant or had given birth in the previous 10 weeks; ≥18 years; and had at least one prior antenatal appointment for their current pregnancy.

FINDINGS

A total of 223 women (64% consent rate) participated. While the majority (86%) believed healthcare providers should be giving dietary information to pregnant women, only 63% recalled receiving information during their current pregnancy. Most often it was given by a midwife (76%). Information was initially provided in the first (52%) or second (38%) trimester, in both written and verbal form (60%). Approximately one third of participants felt overwhelmed or confused by which foods should be avoided during pregnancy.

CONCLUSIONS

A third of women did not recall receiving advice about diet as part of routine antenatal care. There is a need to develop a pathway to provide women with reliable, comprehensive advice about diet early in pregnancy.

High protein diet promotes body weight loss among Brazilian postpartum women

There is evidence in the general population that adhering to a high protein and low carbohydrate diet may help in losing weight. However, there is little evidence among postpartum women. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of a high protein diet on weight loss among postpartum women. A parallel-randomized controlled trial with 94 postpartum women was conducted in a maternity ward in Mesquita county (recruitment from February 2009 to December 2010) and in a polyclinic in Rio de Janeiro city (recruitment from December 2010 to December 2011). Women were randomized to the intervention group (IG) or control group (CG), and both groups received an isocaloric diet (1,800 kcal). Additionally, the IG received approximately 25 g of protein obtained from 125 g per week of sardine to increase daily dietary protein content and was advised to restrict carbohydrate intake. The CG received nutritional counselling to follow the national nutrition guidelines (15% protein, 60% carbohydrates, and 25% lipids). A linear mixed-effects model was used to test the effect of high protein intake and macronutrient intake on weight loss during the postpartum period. Body weight decreased in the IG compared with the CG (ß = -0.325; p = 0.049) among overweight and obese postpartum women. The percentage of energy intake from lipid (ß = -0.023; p = 0.050) was negatively associated with body weight, and carbohydrate intake (ß = 0.020; p = 0.026) was positively associated with body weight over time among all women. Protein intake and lower carbohydrate intake may be used as a dietary strategy to improve body weight loss during the postpartum period.

Impact of maternal obesity and breastfeeding intention on lactation intensity and duration

Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has numerous maternal health benefits. However, EBF rates are lower in mothers with obesity. We sought to better understand whether maternal body composition measurements in early pregnancy are also predictive of lower rates of EBF. Healthy pregnant women with prepregnancy body mass index (BMI) of 17.5-51 kg/m² underwent determination of percent body fat (% body fat) in early (12-16 weeks) and late (37 weeks) gestation. Intent and duration of EBF were determined by surveys completed at 6 weeks and 6 months postpartum (PP). Unadjusted and adjusted analyses were performed to compare EBF rates and weaning by maternal BMI and % body fat. Increasing BMI and % body fat in early pregnancy were significantly associated with lower rates of EBF among women intending EBF. Women with BMI ≥ 25 were less likely to be EBF at 6 weeks and 6 months PP compared with women of normal BMI (67 and 37% vs. 91 and 79%, P value 0.005 and 0.001, respectively). Among primiparous women intending EBF, 100% of women in the lowest two body fat quartiles in early pregnancy were EBF at 6 weeks PP compared with 66.7 and 63.6% of women in the higher quartiles (P = 0.03). Lactation cessation by 6 months PP was higher with increasing maternal BMI (P = 0.001). Maternal obesity in early gestation is associated with lower EBF rates among women intending EBF and earlier weaning. Excess adiposity in early pregnancy may impede EBF.

Breastfeeding History and Risk of Stroke Among Parous Postmenopausal Women in the Women's Health Initiative

Background Stroke is the third leading cause of death among US Hispanic and non-Hispanic black women aged 65 and older. One factor that may protect against stroke is breastfeeding. Few studies have assessed the association between breastfeeding and stroke and whether this association differs by race and ethnicity. Methods and Results Data were taken from the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study with follow-up through 2010; adjusted hazard ratios for stroke subsequent to childbirth were estimated with Cox regression models accounting for left and right censoring, overall and stratified by race/ethnicity. Of the 80 191 parous women in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, 2699 (3.4%) had experienced a stroke within a follow-up period of 12.6 years. The average age was 63.7 years at baseline. Fifty-eight percent (n=46 699) reported ever breastfeeding; 83% were non-Hispanic white, 8% were non-Hispanic black, 4% were Hispanic, and 5% were of other race/ethnicity. After adjustment for nonmodifiable potential confounders, compared with women who had never breastfed, women who reported ever breastfeeding had a 23% lower risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratio=0.77; 95% confidence interval 0.70-0.83). This association was strongest for non-Hispanic black women (adjusted hazard ratio=0.52; 95% confidence interval 0.37-0.71). Further, breastfeeding for a relatively short duration (1-6 months) was associated with a 19% lower risk of stroke (adjusted hazard ratios=0.81; 95% confidence interval 0.74-0.89). This association appeared stronger with longer breastfeeding duration and among non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic black women (test for trend P<0.01). Conclusions Study results show an association and dose-response relationship between breastfeeding and lower risk of stroke among postmenopausal women after adjustment for multiple stroke risk factors and lifestyle variables. Further investigation is warranted.

Targeting the postpartum period to promote weight loss: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Context

Many international clinical guidelines recommend that overweight and obese women lose weight prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Women who have recently given birth and plan future pregnancies are an important target population for preconception weight-loss interventions.

Objective

A systematic review to evaluate postpartum dietary and/or physical activity interventions to promote weight loss and improve health in a subsequent pregnancy was conducted.

Data Sources

Five databases-the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE (through PubMed), Embase, the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, and the International Clinical Trials Registry-were searched using the following terms: preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, pregnancy outcomes, body mass index, weight gain, weight loss, weight change, postpartum weight retention, dietary or lifestyle intervention, and randomiz(s)ed controlled trial. The date of last search was November 2017.

Data Extraction

Data were extracted from each identified study using a standard form. The primary outcomes were weight loss at the completion of the intervention and at follow-up assessments. Secondary endpoints included maternal and infant outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.

Data Analysis

Mean differences (MDs) were calculated for continuous data and risk ratios for dichotomous data, both with 95%CIs.

Results

A total of 235 abstracts (193 after duplicates were excluded) were identified, from which 37 manuscripts were selected for full-text review. In total, 27 trials were identified for inclusion. Outcome data were available for approximately 75% of participants (n = 3485). A combined dietary and physical activity intervention provided post partum produced greater postpartum weight loss (MD, -2.49 kg; 95%CI, -3.34 to -1.63 kg [random-effects model]; 12 studies, 1156 women), which was maintained at 12 months post partum (MD, -2.41 kg; 95%CI, -3.89 to -0.93 kg [random-effects model]; 4 studies, 405 women), compared with no intervention. No studies reported maternal or infant health outcomes in a subsequent pregnancy.

Conclusions

Providing a postpartum intervention is associated with weight loss after birth, but effects on maternal and infant health in a subsequent pregnancy are uncertain.

A pilot intervention to reduce postpartum weight retention and central adiposity in first-time mothers: results from the mums OnLiNE (Online, Lifestyle, Nutrition & Exercise) study

BACKGROUND

Postpartum weight retention (PPWR) increases the risk for obesity and complications during subsequent pregnancies. Few interventions have been successful in limiting PPWR in mothers. The present study assessed the effectiveness of the mums OnLiNE (Online, Lifestyle, Nutrition & Exercise) intervention with respect to reducing PPWR and improving diet, physical activity and sedentary behaviour.

METHODS

A subsample of first-time mothers enrolled in the Extended Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT Extend) completed the nonrandomised mums OnLiNE intervention. Women in the intervention (I) group (n = 28) received access to an online calorie tracking program, smartphone app, three telephone counselling calls with a dietitian and written material. Women in two comparison groups (CI and C2) (n = 48; n = 43) were from the control (C1) and intervention (C2) arms of InFANT Extend and received no additional support. Weight and waist circumference were measured objectively. Written surveys assessed diet and physical activity. Sedentary behaviour was self-reported. Linear and logistic regression assessed changes in outcomes between groups from 9 to 18 months postpartum.

RESULTS

Mean PPWR decreased in the (I) group (-1.2 kg) and the C2 group (-1.2 kg), although the changes were not significant. Mean waist circumference for all groups exceeded recommendations at baseline but decreased to below recommendations for women in the (I) group (78.3 cm) and significantly for the (I) group (-6.4 cm) compared to C1 (-1.1 cm; P = 0.002) and C2 (-3.3 cm; P = 0.001). Changes in diet, physical activity or sedentary behaviour were not significant.

CONCLUSIONS

The online intervention reported in the present study shows promise with respect to reducing waist circumference in postpartum women. Further evidence of strategies that may improve weight and related behaviours in this target group is needed.

Support for healthy breastfeeding mothers with healthy term babies

BACKGROUND

There is extensive evidence of important health risks for infants and mothers related to not breastfeeding. In 2003, the World Health Organization recommended that infants be breastfed exclusively until six months of age, with breastfeeding continuing as an important part of the infant's diet until at least two years of age. However, current breastfeeding rates in many countries do not reflect this recommendation.

OBJECTIVES

To describe forms of breastfeeding support which have been evaluated in controlled studies, the timing of the interventions and the settings in which they have been used.To examine the effectiveness of different modes of offering similar supportive interventions (for example, whether the support offered was proactive or reactive, face-to-face or over the telephone), and whether interventions containing both antenatal and postnatal elements were more effective than those taking place in the postnatal period alone.To examine the effectiveness of different care providers and (where information was available) training.To explore the interaction between background breastfeeding rates and effectiveness of support.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched Cochrane Pregnancy and Childbirth's Trials Register (29 February 2016) and reference lists of retrieved studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials comparing extra support for healthy breastfeeding mothers of healthy term babies with usual maternity care.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed trials for inclusion and risk of bias, extracted data and checked them for accuracy. The quality of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.

MAIN RESULTS

This updated review includes 100 trials involving more than 83,246 mother-infant pairs of which 73 studies contribute data (58 individually-randomised trials and 15 cluster-randomised trials). We considered that the overall risk of bias of trials included in the review was mixed. Of the 31 new studies included in this update, 21 provided data for one or more of the primary outcomes. The total number of mother-infant pairs in the 73 studies that contributed data to this review is 74,656 (this total was 56,451 in the previous version of this review). The 73 studies were conducted in 29 countries. Results of the analyses continue to confirm that all forms of extra support analyzed together showed a decrease in cessation of 'any breastfeeding', which includes partial and exclusive breastfeeding (average risk ratio (RR) for stopping any breastfeeding before six months 0.91, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 0.95; moderate-quality evidence, 51 studies) and for stopping breastfeeding before four to six weeks (average RR 0.87, 95% CI 0.80 to 0.95; moderate-quality evidence, 33 studies). All forms of extra support together also showed a decrease in cessation of exclusive breastfeeding at six months (average RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.85 to 0.92; moderate-quality evidence, 46 studies) and at four to six weeks (average RR 0.79, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.89; moderate quality, 32 studies). We downgraded evidence to moderate-quality due to very high heterogeneity.We investigated substantial heterogeneity for all four outcomes with subgroup analyses for the following covariates: who delivered care, type of support, timing of support, background breastfeeding rate and number of postnatal contacts. Covariates were not able to explain heterogeneity in general. Though the interaction tests were significant for some analyses, we advise caution in the interpretation of results for subgroups due to the heterogeneity. Extra support by both lay and professionals had a positive impact on breastfeeding outcomes. Several factors may have also improved results for women practising exclusive breastfeeding, such as interventions delivered with a face-to-face component, high background initiation rates of breastfeeding, lay support, and a specific schedule of four to eight contacts. However, because within-group heterogeneity remained high for all of these analyses, we advise caution when making specific conclusions based on subgroup results. We noted no evidence for subgroup differences for the any breastfeeding outcomes.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When breastfeeding support is offered to women, the duration and exclusivity of breastfeeding is increased. Characteristics of effective support include: that it is offered as standard by trained personnel during antenatal or postnatal care, that it includes ongoing scheduled visits so that women can predict when support will be available, and that it is tailored to the setting and the needs of the population group. Support is likely to be more effective in settings with high initiation rates. Support may be offered either by professional or lay/peer supporters, or a combination of both. Strategies that rely mainly on face-to-face support are more likely to succeed with women practising exclusive breastfeeding.

Maternal weight status, diet, and supplement use as determinants of breastfeeding and complementary feeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Infant feeding practices are influenced by maternal factors.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this review is to examine the associations between maternal weight status or dietary characteristics and breastfeeding or complementary feeding.

DATA SOURCES

A systematic literature search of the Embase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Web of Science databases was performed.

STUDY SELECTION

Interventional and cohort studies in healthy mothers and infants that reported on maternal weight status, diet, or supplement use were selected.

DATA EXTRACTION

Outcomes assessed included delayed onset of lactogenesis; initiation, exclusivity, duration, and cessation of breastfeeding; and timing of complementary feeding.

DATA ANALYSIS

Eighty-one studies were included. Maternal underweight, diet, and supplement use were not associated with infant feeding practices. Obese women had a relative risk of failure to initiate breastfeeding (risk ratio [RR] = 1.23; 95%CI, 1.03-1.47) and a delayed onset of lactogenesis (RR  =  2.06; 95%CI, 1.18-3.61). The RR for breastfeeding cessation was 1.11 (95%CI, 1.07-1.15) per increase in category of body mass index.

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention of obesity in women of reproductive age, as well as counseling of obese women after delivery, could be targeted to improve infant feeding practices.

ABM Clinical Protocol #19: Breastfeeding Promotion in the Prenatal Setting, Revision 2015

A central goal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of clinical protocols for managing common medical problems that may impact breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient.