Sociodemographic determinants associated with breastfeeding in term infants with low birth weight in Latin American countries

BACKGROUND

A progressive decrease in exclusive breastfeeding (BF) is observed in Latin America and the Caribbean compared with global results. The possibility of being breastfed and continuing BF for > 6 months is lower in low birth weight than in healthy-weight infants.

AIM

To identify factors associated with BF maintenance and promotion, with particular attention to low- and middle-income countries, by studying geographic, socioeconomic, and individual or neonatal health factors.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted in 2018 using the conceptual model of social determinants of health published by the Commission on Equity and Health Inequalities in the United States. The extracted data with common characteristics were synthesized and categorized into two main themes: (1) Sociodemographic factors and proximal determinants involved in the initiation and maintenance of BF in low-birth-weight term infants in Latin America; and (2) individual characteristics related to the self-efficacy capacity for BF maintenance and adherence in low-birth-weight term infants.

RESULTS

This study identified maternal age, educational level, maternal economic capacity, social stratum, exposure to BF substitutes, access to BF information, and quality of health services as mediators for maintaining BF.

CONCLUSION

Individual self-efficacy factors that enable BF adherence in at-risk populations should be analyzed for better health outcomes.

Interruption of Breastfeeding, Relactation, Relactation Awareness, and Related Factors: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to investigate interruptions in breastfeeding, relactation, and relactation awareness-related factors. Methods and Study Design: This cross-sectional online survey was conducted in 2020 with women who had children between 6 and 36 months of age. Women >18 years of age and willing to consent to study participation (n = 392) were recruited throughout Turkey. Data were collected online through Google forms using the Personal Information Form, and Relactation Awareness Index (RAI). The dependent variables of the study were continuing breastfeeding, relactation, and breastfeeding awareness. Logistic and linear regression analyses were performed. Results: Of the participants, 53.1% exclusively breastfed their infants in the first 6 months of life, and 34.9% interrupted breastfeeding. Of those who interrupted breastfeeding, 39.4% achieved success in relactation. The rate of failed relactation was 9.16 times higher in primary school graduates and 2.37 times higher in those who perceived their milk supply as insufficient. The rate was also high in those whose RAI score was low (p < 0.05). Factors such as perception that milk supply is inadequate, lack of education and interruption of breastfeeding are associated with awareness of relactation. According to the linear regression analysis, breastfeeding within the first hour of delivery, length of time planned for breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life affected relactation awareness positively, whereas the perceived milk supply affected it negatively (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Awareness of relactation should be raised and trainings should be organized to increase the success of relactation. Especially mothers who have interrupted breastfeeding need supportive and professional interventions to continue breastfeeding.

The Finger Feeding Method and Relactation

BACKGROUND

Breastfeeding is one of the most important factors ensuring the healthy growth and development of babies. Preterm babies, babies with metabolic, neurological, or developmental delays, babies separated from their mothers for any reason, and adopted babies need alternative feeding methods. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of the finger feeding (FF) method on relactation.

METHOD

In this retrospective study, infants who were admitted to the Istanbul Medipol University breastfeeding counseling clinic between January 2020 and June 2021 and were recommended to be fed with finger feeding were evaluated. Gender, gestation, mode of delivery, birth weight, age, cause for admission, feeding type, breastfeeding starting time, finger feeding time, and breastfeeding duration of the cases were recorded from the counseling forms.

RESULTS

Of 41 babies, 29.3% were girls and 70.7% were boys, and 82.9% were term. Seventeen (41.5%) were born with spontaneous vaginal delivery and 24 (58.5%) with a cesarean section. The most common reason for admission was found to be the inability to latch. While 30 (73.2%) of the babies fed with finger feeding were able to suck, nine babies continued to be fed with a bottle, one baby with a spoon, and one baby with a supplemental nursing system (SNS). The breastfeeding starting time was 23.1 ± 27.5 (1-100) days.

CONCLUSION

The finger feeding method is an effective alternative feeding method for successful breastfeeding. There is a need for studies to be conducted with more babies, both preterm and term, in this regard.