Breastfeeding Practices Among Women Living with HIV in KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa: An Observational Study

Maternal and Child Health Journal - Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the safest infant feeding option in resource-limited settings, though women living with HIV have the lowest rates of EBF....     

Breastfeeding Education and Support to Improve Early Initiation and Exclusive Breastfeeding Practices and Infant Growth: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial from a Rural Ethiopian Setting

Although peer-led education and support may improve breastfeeding practices, there is a paucity of evidence on the effectiveness of such interventions in the Ethiopian context. We designed a cluster-randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of a breastfeeding education and support intervention (BFESI) on infant growth, early initiation (EI), and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) practices. We randomly assigned 36 clusters into either an intervention group (n = 249) receiving BFESI by trained Women’s Development Army (WDA) leaders or a control group (n = 219) receiving routine care. The intervention was provided from the third trimester of pregnancy until five months postpartum. Primary study outcomes were EI, EBF, and infant growth; secondary outcomes included maternal breastfeeding knowledge and attitude, and child morbidity. The intervention effect was analysed using linear regression models for the continuous outcomes, and linear probability or logistic regression models for the categorical outcomes. Compared to the control, BFESI significantly increased EI by 25.9% (95% CI: 14.5, 37.3%; p = 0.001) and EBF by 14.6% (95% CI: 3.77, 25.5%; p = 0.010). Similarly, the intervention gave higher breastfeeding attitude scores (Effect size (ES): 0.85SD; 95% CI: 0.70, 0.99SD; p < 0.001), but not higher knowledge scores (ES: 0.15SD; 95% CI: −0.10, 0.41SD; p = 0.173). From the several growth and morbidity outcomes evaluated, the only outcomes with significant intervention effect were a higher mid-upper arm circumference (ES: 0.25cm; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.49cm; p = 0.041) and a lower prevalence of respiratory infection (ES: −6.90%; 95% CI: −13.3, −0.61%; p = 0.033). Training WDA leaders to provide BFESI substantially improves EI and EBF practices and attitude towards breastfeeding.     

Association between Breastfeeding and Endometrial Cancer Risk: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Quantification of the association between breastfeeding and risk of endometrial cancer is still conflicting. We therefore conducted a meta-analysis to assess the association between breastfeeding and endometrial cancer risk. Pertinent studies were identified by a search of PubMed and Web of Knowledge through April 2015. A random effect model was used to combine the data for analysis. Sensitivity analysis and publication bias were conducted. Dose-response relationships were assessed by restricted cubic spline and variance-weighted least squares regression analysis. Fourteen articles involving 5158 endometrial cancer cases and 706,946 participants were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled results suggested that breastfeeding significantly reduced the risk of endometrial cancer (summary relative risk (RR): 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62–0.96, I²: 63.0%), especially in North America (summary RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.79–0.95). A linear dose-response relationship was found, with the risk of endometrial cancer decreased by 2% for every one-month increase in the duration of breastfeeding (summary RR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.97–0.99). Our analysis suggested that breastfeeding, particularly a longer duration of breastfeeding, was inversely associated with the risk of endometrial cancer, especially in North America, but not in Europe and Asia, probably due to the small number of cases included. Due to this limitation, further studies originating in other countries are required to assess the association between breastfeeding and endometrial cancer risk.     

Breastfeeding Practices in Relation to Country of Origin Among Women Living in Denmark: A Population-Based Study

The objective of this study was to describe breastfeeding practices and to compare the risk of suboptimal breastfeeding of women living in Denmark according to country of origin, and further to examine how socio-economic position and duration of stay in the country affected this risk. Information on breastfeeding of 42,420 infants born 2002–2009 and living in eighteen selected Danish municipalities was collected from the Danish Health Visitor’s Child Health Database. The data was linked with data on maternal socio-demographic information from Danish population-covering registries. Suboptimal breastfeeding was defined as <4 months of full breastfeeding as described by the Danish Health and Medicines Authority. We used logistic regression to model the crude associations between suboptimal breastfeeding and country of origin, and taking maternal age and parity, and a variety of parental socio-economic measures into account. Suboptimal breastfeeding was more frequent among non-Western migrant women than among women of Danish origin. Women who were descendants of Turkish and Pakistani immigrants had a higher risk of suboptimal breastfeeding as compared to the group of women who had migrated from the same countries, suggesting that acculturation did not favor breastfeeding. For all but the group of women who had migrated from Pakistan, adjustment for socio-demographic indicators (age, parity, education, attachment to labour market, and income) eliminated the increased risk of suboptimal breastfeeding. There was no evidence for differences in the breastfeeding support provided at hospital level according to migrant status. Suboptimal breastfeeding was more frequent among women who were non-Nordic migrants and descendants of migrants than among women with Danish origin.     

Evidence for a Complex Relationship Among Weight Retention,Cortisol and Breastfeeding in Postpartum Women

Objective To assess the relationship between cortisol slope, a biologic marker of stress, and postpartum weight retention. Methods We included 696 women in a secondary analysis from a multi-site study conducted using principles of community-based participatory research to study multi-level sources of stress on pregnancy outcomes. As a stress marker, we included salivary cortisol slope; the rate of cortisol decline across the day. Pre-pregnancy weight and demographic data were obtained from the medical records. At 6 months postpartum, patients were weighed and returned saliva samples. We built stepwise regression models to assess the effect of demographic variables, cortisol slope and cortisol covariates (wake time, tobacco use and breastfeeding) on postpartum weight retention. Results 45.5 % of participants were African American, 29.2 % White, and 25.3 % Hispanic. Of the Hispanic women 62.5 % were Spanish speaking and 37.5 % were English speaking. In general, participants were young, multiparous, and overweight. Postpartum, almost half (47.6 %) of women studied retained >10 lbs. In multivariable analysis including age, pre-pregnancy BMI and public insurance, cortisol slope was significantly associated with weight retention (β = ?1.90, 95 % CI = 0.22–3.58). However, when the model was adjusted for the cortisol covariates, breastfeeding (β = ?0.63, 95 % CI = ?1.01 to ?0.24) and public insurance (β = 0.62, 95 % CI = 0.20–1.04) were the two strongest correlates of weight retention. Conclusions for Practice The association between cortisol slope and postpartum weight retention appears to be influenced breastfeeding status.     

Changes in Physical Activity Among Postpartum Overweight and Obese Women: Results from the KAN-DO Study

Few studies have assessed physical activity at multiple time points in the postpartum period or used both self-reported and objective measures of assessment. The purpose of this study was to describe physical activity and sedentary behavior at two time points in a cohort of overweight or obese postpartum women using both self-reported and objective measures. In total, 132 women completed physical activity assessments at a median of 24 weeks postpartum and again approximately 10 months later. At both time points, women wore an Actical accelerometer for one week and completed the Kaiser Physical Activity Survey. Adjusted Poisson regression models were used to determine whether physical activity changed over time for the cohort. Overall counts per minute and moderate to vigorous physical activity increased from baseline to 10 months later, although the absolute levels were modest (median 6.9 to 8.8 minutes/day). A median of 64%–71% at baseline and 63%–67% at follow-up of their monitored times were sedentary. More intensive interventions are needed to help postpartum women integrate physical activity and reduce sedentary behavior.

[Supplementary material is available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Women & Health for the following resource: three figures that show the distribution of physical activity and sedentary behavior by study periods among control participants]     

The Impact of an mHealth Voice Message Service (mMitra) on Infant Care Knowledge,and Practices Among Low-Income Women in India: Findings from a Pseudo-Randomized Controlled Trial

Maternal and Child Health Journal - Objectives mHealth interventions for MNCH have been shown to improve uptake of antenatal and neonatal services in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs)....     

Moving Beyond Breastfeeding Initiation: A Qualitative Study Unpacking Factors That Influence Infant Feeding at Hospital Discharge Among Urban,Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Women

BackgroundFactors that influence breastfeeding initiation and duration have been well established; however, there is limited understanding of in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), which is critical for establishing breastfeeding. Grady Memorial Hospital, which serves a high proportion of participants receiving Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and racial/ethnic minorities, had an in-hospital EBF rate in 2018 by the Joint Commission’s definition of 29% and sought contextualized evidence on how to best support breastfeeding mothers.ObjectiveThe objectives were to (1) identify facilitators and barriers to in-hospital EBF and (2) explore breastfeeding support available from key stakeholders across the social-ecological model.DesignIn-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted and analyzed using thematic analysis.ParticipantsThe sample included a total of 38 purposively sampled participants from Grady Memorial Hospital (10 EBF mothers, 10 non-EBF, and 18 key stakeholders such as clinicians, community organizations’ staff, and administrators).ResultsKey themes included that maternal perception of inadequate milk supply was a barrier to in-hospital EBF at the intrapersonal level. At the interpersonal level, a personable and individualized approach to breastfeeding counseling may be most effective in supporting EBF. At the institutional level, key determinants of EBF were gaps in prenatal breastfeeding education, limited time to provide comprehensive prenatal education to high-risk patients, and practical help with latching and positioning. Community-level WIC services were perceived as a facilitator due to the additional benefits provided for EBF mothers; however, the distribution of WIC vouchers for formula to mothers while they are in the hospital undermines the promotion of EBF. Cultural norms and a diverse patient population were reported as barriers to providing support at the macrosystem level.ConclusionMultipronged approaches that span the social-ecological model may be required to support early EBF in hospital settings.     

The Psychosocial Factors Related to Obesity: A Study Among Overweight,Obese, and Morbidly Obese Women in India

Psychosocial factors among overweight, obese, and morbidly obese women in Delhi, India were examined. A follow-up survey was conducted of 325 ever-married women aged 20–54 years, systematically selected from 1998–99 National Family Health Survey samples, who were re-interviewed after 4 years in 2003. Information on day-to-day problems, body image dissatisfaction, sexual dissatisfaction, and stigma and discrimination were collected and anthropometric measurements were obtained from women to compute their current body mass index. Three out of four overweight women (BMI between 25 and 29.9 kg/m²) were not happy with their body image, compared to four out of five obese women (BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater), and almost all (95 percent) morbidly obese women (BMI of 35 kg/m² or greater) (p < .0001). It was found that morbidly obese and obese women were five times (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 5.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.02–13.81, p < .001) and two times (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.20–4.42, p < .001), respectively, as likely to report day-to-day problems; twelve times (aOR 11.88, 95% CI 2.62–53.87, p < .001) and three times, respectively, as likely (aOR 2.92, 95% CI 1.45–5.88, p = .001) to report dissatisfaction with body image; and nine times (aOR 9.41, 95% CI 2.96–29.94, p < .001) and three times (aOR 2.93, 95% CI 1.03–8.37, p = .001), respectively, as likely to report stigma and discrimination as overweight women.     

Knowledge and Beliefs About Health Promotion and Preventive Health Care Among Somali Women in the United States

We explored conceptualizations of health promotion and experiences with preventive health services among African refugee women. We asked 34 resettled Somali refugee women about their beliefs and experiences regarding health promotion and common preventive health care services in the United States. Interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Key themes were the importance of good hygiene, an adequate source of food and water, access to a regular source of health care, spirituality, traditional practices, and functioning well at home. All participants were familiar with the process and rationale for immunizations and routine medical examinations; few understood cancer screening services.     

Breastfeeding Duration and Development of Dysglycemia in Women Who Had Gestational Diabetes Mellitus: Evidence from the GUSTO Cohort Study

(1) Background: Breastfeeding has been shown to support glucose homeostasis in women after a pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and is potentially effective at reducing long-term diabetes risk. (2) Methods: Data from the Growing Up in Singapore Towards healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study were analyzed to understand the influence of breastfeeding duration on long-term dysglycemia (prediabetes and diabetes) risk in women who had GDM in the index pregnancy. GDM and dysglycemia four to seven years postpartum were determined by the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). A Poisson regression model with a robust error variance was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) for dysglycemia four to seven years post-delivery according to groupings of the duration of any breastfeeding (<1, ≥1 to <6, and ≥6 months). (3) Results: Women who had GDM during the index pregnancy and complete breastfeeding information and OGTT four to seven years postpartum were included in this study (n = 116). Fifty-one women (44%) had postpartum dysglycemia. Unadjusted IRRs showed an inverse association between dysglycemia risk and ≥1 month to <6 months (IRR 0.91; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.57, 1.43; p = 0.68) and ≥6 months (IRR 0.50; 95% CI 0.27, 0.91; p = 0.02) breastfeeding compared to <1 month of any breastfeeding. After adjusting for key confounders, the IRR for the ≥6 months group remained significant (IRR 0.42; 95% CI 0.22, 0.80; p = 0.008). (4) Conclusions: Our results suggest that any breastfeeding of six months or longer may reduce long-term dysglycemia risk in women with a history of GDM in an Asian setting. Breastfeeding has benefits for mothers beyond weight loss, particularly for those with GDM.     

Diet Beverage Intake during Lactation and Associations with Infant Outcomes in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II

Consumption of diet beverages (DB) containing low-calorie sweeteners (LCS) is widespread in the United States. LCS are ingested by nursing infants upon maternal DB consumption, which may impact infants’ weight and health. This study aims to examine cross-sectional associations between infants’ LCS exposure via maternal DB intake during lactation and infants’ health outcomes. Six hundred and eighty-two mother–infant dyads at three months postpartum, from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, 2005–2007, were included in the analysis. Maternal DB consumption during lactation was estimated using the serving size and frequency of DB consumption reported on the diet history questionnaire. Infants’ LCS exposure was estimated by multiplying maternal DB consumption and breastfeeding intensity. Infant outcomes included weight, weight-for-age and BMI-for-age z-scores, overweight, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms including diarrhea, reflux, and vomiting. Associations between infants’ LCS exposure and continuous and categorical outcomes were examined using linear and logistic regressions adjusting for confounders, respectively. Forty-three percent of lactating women reported DB consumption. While no significant associations were observed between infants’ LCS exposure and BMI-for-age or risk of overweight, infants’ LCS exposure was associated with a 2.78-fold increased risk of vomiting (95% confidence interval 1.05–7.34). Potential adverse effects of LCS exposure on GI symptoms require further study, and null findings on infant weight should be interpreted with caution, given the small sample size. Additional research is needed to inform recommendations for or against DB consumption during lactation.     

Cancer Knowledge and Related Practices: Results from the National Adolescent Student Health Survey

The National Adolescent Student Health Survey (NASHS) provides information on student knowledge, attitudes, and self-reported practices of eighth and 10th grade students in eight health areas. Data from the NASHS were reviewed relative to cancer risk factors, specifically, smoking, smokeless tobacco use, and nutrition. About 21% of 10th grade students reported smoking and a large percentage of both eighth and 10th grade students reported eating foods high in fat. The data indicate youth may be at increased risk for cancer and that much of that risk can be reduced by eliminating smoking and lowering dietary fat.     

Engaging Community With Promotores de Salud to Support Infant Nutrition and Breastfeeding Among Latinas Residing in Los Angeles County: Salud con Hyland's

The Salud con Hyland's Project: Comienzo Saludable, Familia Sana [Health With Hyland's Project: Healthy Start, Healthy Family],was developed to provide education and support to Latina mothers regarding healthy infant feeding practices and maternal health. The promotora-delivered intervention was comprised of two charlas (educational sessions) and a supplemental, culturally and linguistically relevant infant feeding and care rolling calendar. Results indicate that the intervention increased intention to breastfeed exclusively, as well as to delay infant initiation of solids by 5 to 6 months. Qualitative feedback identified barriers to maternal and child health education as well as highlighted several benefits of the intervention.     

Receipt of Recommended Prenatal Interventions and Birth Weight Among African-American Women: Analysis of Data from the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey

Objectives: While the importance of exploring and better measuring elements of prenatal care have been noted in the public health literature, the components and timing of such services have been poorly examined for the overall pregnant population and specifically for African-Americans, who traditionally have had higher rates of low birth weight and premature delivery. This study explores the association between patient receipt of selected recommended prenatal care interventions and infant birth weight in a nationally representative sample of African-American women, while controlling for the influence of low birth weight risk indicators. Method: This is a retrospective case-control analysis using survey data of women who delivered normal birth weight, moderate low birth weight, and very low birth weight newborns in 1988. A sample of 3905 African-American women who responded to the 1988 National Maternal and Infant Health Survey is examined based on maternal recall of receipt of six clinical screening procedures and seven health-promotion recommendations. Birth weight measures were obtained from linked 1988 birth certificate data. Results: The initial results indicated that women who do not receive all of the recommended health-promotion advice are more likely to deliver very low birth weight infants than women who receive all of the advice in the content of their prenatal care, after controlling for low birth weight risks (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.01, 1.7). However, when breast-feeding advice is removed from the aggregation of health-promotion advice, the significant effect of advice on very low birth weight is negated. No other significant group variations in the receipt of clinical screening procedures or health-promotion advice for women who gave birth in the remaining birth weight categories are observed. Conclusions: Nationally recommended initial clinical screening procedures and health-promotion advice in prenatal care content do not appear to be associated with a reduction in low birth weight for African-American women. More research is needed to better assess the impact of other antenatal interventions, particularly those given to women with a higher prevalence of poor birth outcomes.     

孕妇育儿及早教知识水平的研究

采用随机抽样的方法，在产前门诊随机抽取了１６０例接受产前检查的孕妇，以了解孕妇掌握育儿知识的情况。结果发现：孕妇对新生儿常见的生理现象方面的知识掌握较好，对有关小儿心理和教育方面的知识了解较少，总体来说，孕妇育儿知识水平不高。提出了产前教育的重点。