Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Tandem breastfeeding is defined as a situation in which a mother continues breastfeeding her child through a subsequent pregnancy, including after the new baby is born. In some countries where motherhood may be delayed and the time between births may be reduced, support for the promotion of tandem breastfeeding is necessary to help mothers continue to breastfeed their eldest child and avoid early weaning. There is no existing research about mothers’ motivations to breastfeed in tandem.Research Aim:To explore the motivations of women to initiate and maintain tandem breastfeeding, based on their lived experience, framed within the self-determination theory.Methods:A prospective, cross-sectional, interpretive, phenomenological study was carried out through in-depth interviews with 15 mothers in Madrid, who had practiced tandem breastfeeding for more than 6 months, and whose weaning of their eldest child had occurred within the previous year. Convenience and snowball sampling were used. The data were analyzed using an established interpretive phenomenological analysis process.Results:Among the motivations for initiating tandem breastfeeding, the following themes were identified: “avoid wasting the effort invested,” “desire such life experience,” and “exercise the freedom to decide.” The motivations for maintaining tandem breastfeeding were classified as “pass on parenting values” and “benefits of teamwork.”Conclusion:The participants based their motivation to tandem breastfeed to follow their freely chosen motherhood model. They discovered the advantages of its implementation, forming a team of themselves and their children, and healing their traumatic perinatal experiences.
Doulas have been instrumental in providing breastfeeding support to nursing mothers before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, as they can significantly impact a mother's ability to initiate and maintain breastf...
Improved breastfeeding practices have the potential to save the lives of over 823,000 children under 5 years old globally every year. The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is a global campaign by the Wo...
High-temperature short-time (HTST) pasteurization (72–75 °C, 15 s) is an alternative treatment to traditional Holder pasteurization (HoP) (62ºC, 30 min) for donor milk. HTST pasteurization guarantees the milk’...
Mothers requiring the antiarrhythmic agent flecainide are often advised not to breastfeed, because of the lack of data concercing neonatal effects and flecainide plasma concentrations following maternal exposu...
By Popular Demand! We are extending by one week—to April 17—the early-bird pricing for our 2023 Book Group. Register now HERE!!!
How much can you save? Our early-bird pricing is:
How we connect virtually. This book group incorporates Zoom meetings and Thinkific, an easy-to-use online learning platform. A day or two after you register, you will get an invitation to join us on Thinkific, where you will see the required reading listed for each of our ten sessions.
You will need to get your own copy of Breastfeeding Answers, 2nd Edition, either a hardcover copy or an e-book PDF edition (available HERE). The 1st edition (or any of the earlier Breastfeeding Answer Books) will not do! So much has changed! You will read the assigned chapters, attend our live Zoom meetings (or listen to the recording of our live meeting discussion and its Q&A), and review any supplemental materials. If you registered for our 36 L-CERPs version, you will take the quiz at the end of each session. For IBCLCs using these L-CERPs to recertify by CERPs, see a breakdown of their topic areas HERE.
When will the book group take place? It will meet from 2:00 to 4:00 pm Eastern time on the following dates:
Session 1: Sunday, April 30, 2023
Session 2: Sunday, May 7, 2023
Session 3: Sunday, May 21, 2023
Session 4: Sunday, June 4, 2023
Session 5: Sunday, June 11, 2023
Session 6: Sunday, July 2, 2023
Session 7: Sunday, July 9, 2023
Session 8: Sunday, July 16, 2023
Session 9: Sunday, July 23, 2023
Session 10: Sunday, July 30, 2023
Each session consists of a 2-hour Zoom meeting where we will discuss the materials and answer questions. It includes a 20-minute small-group break-out discussion of the practical applications of that session’s material. Before each session, you read the assigned chapters (some sessions cover one chapter, others two or three) and any supporting materials. If you registered for CERPs, after our Zoom meeting, you will take a short quiz.
You must buy the most recent book: Breastfeeding Answers, 2nd Edition by Nancy Mohrbacher (available HERE).
The Zoom meetings will be recorded so you have the flexibility of missing any or all of the live session if needed and then listening to them at your leisure on Thinkific. You will have access to all the materials until September 1, 2023.
To learn more about the book group, watch our short video below.
Hope you can join us!
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) recently sat down with Hannah Rice, MPH, IBCLC, Chair of the 2023 Conference Program Task Force (CPTF) for a behind-the-scenes look at program-planning for the ILCA 2023 Annual Conference, taking place 13-15 August 2023 at the Hilton Lake Las Vegas Resort and Spa in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. With a number of innovative […]
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Pregnant and recently pregnant people have lower vaccination rates against SARS-CoV-2 than the general population, despite increased risk of adverse outcomes from infection. Little is known about vaccine hesitancy in this population.Research Aim:To characterize SARS-CoV-2 and other vaccine attitudes of lactating people who accepted the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, describing their vaccine experiences to further contextualize their beliefs.Methods:A prospective cross-sectional online survey design was used. We administered the survey to 100 lactating people in Pennsylvania from April to August 2021, upon enrollment into a longitudinal study investigating SARS-CoV-2 vaccine antibodies in human milk. This survey assessed SARS-CoV-2 vaccine attitudes, vaccine counseling from providers, and vaccine decision making. Associations between vaccination timing and beliefs were analyzed by Pearson chi-square.Results:Of 100 respondents, all received ≥ 1 SARS-CoV-2 vaccine before or shortly after enrollment, with 44% (n = 44) vaccinated in pregnancy and 56% (n = 56) while lactating. Participants reported vaccination counseling by obstetric (n = 48; 70%) and pediatric (n = 25; 36%) providers. Thirty-two percent (n = 32) received no advice on SARS-CoV-2 vaccination from healthcare providers, while 69% (n = 69) were counseled that vaccination was safe and beneficial.While 6% (n = 6) and 5% (n = 5) reported concerns about the safety of maternal vaccines for lactating people or their infants, respectively, 12% (n = 12) and 9% (n = 9) expressed concerns about the safety of maternal SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in particular.Conclusions:Despite high uptake of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine among participants, safety concerns persisted, with many reporting a lack of direct counseling from providers. Future research should investigate how variability in provider counseling affects SARS-CoV-2 vaccine uptake in perinatal populations.
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Want a fun way to take your lactation knowledge and skills to the next level? Looking to earn 36 L-CERPs in an interactive setting rather than passive screen time? Need to prepare for the IBLCE exam?
Early-bird pricing ends April 10 and space is limited in our upcoming book group. (Watch our short video below or click HERE for more details and to register.) Delve deeply with us into my 2020 comprehensive resource, Breastfeeding Answers, Second Edition.
What is a book group? It consists of like-minded people who read the same material then meet—often with a glass of wine!—for an informed discussion on its contents. The power of a book group lies in the insights and experiences shared by its members. It also offers welcome connection with colleagues.
Using the best learning technology plus live Zoom meetings, our book group will take place on 10 Sunday afternoons from April 30 through July 30, 2023 (skipping some Sundays). Once there, you can ask questions and share your thoughts. Live sessions are also recorded for later viewing.
For fun or to earn CERPs, join us while learning about the latest lactation research and techniques.
Structured, interactive discussions are led with warmth and wit by Barbara Robertson, MA, IBCLC (a Clinical Lactation Contributing Editor and IBCLC in private practice), this absorbing learning experience springs from Barbara’s passion and training in adult education. Barbara and I hope to provide inspiration we along with practical strategies for boosting your effectiveness with nursing families.
An opportunity to connect with wise colleagues worldwide. Previous book groups included both experienced and new breastfeeding supporters from around the world. I am thrilled for this chance to spend time with an international group of lactation enthusiasts. Join us for this priceless opportunity to explore the secrets of my 2020 book and tap into our collective wisdom.
Hope to see you there!
by Lisa Mandell, ILCA Global Advocacy Advisor and Zoe Faulkner, ILCA Board of Directors The Lancet published a powerful 2023 Series on Breastfeeding during an in-person event held 8 February 2023 in London, United Kingdom. International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) Board Member Zoe Faulkner, who is also Chair of Lactation Consultants of Great Britain, attended […]
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:It is well known that the best nutritional option for infants is human milk, and that when breastfeeding is not possible, human milk banks are a possible alternative. However, in the case of infants with fat transport disorder like chylothorax, defatting of human milk is mandatory.Research Aim:The aim of the study was to reduce milk fat content without reducing other nutrients, increasing oxidative stress, or introducing harmful microorganisms.Methods:In this prospective, cross-sectional, observational study, we examined the influence of defatting and pasteurization of 50 donor samples on fat, macro- and micronutrients, as well as on oxidative stress markers.Results:Low-temperature centrifugation proved to be very efficient in defatting, reducing the concentration of triglycerides by 85% and cholesterol by 50%. The macronutrients (proteins, albumin, and Immunoglobulin A) did not undergo significant changes due to defatting and pasteurization procedures, while iron decreased by 36%. However, as the majority of iron is retained, this result does not remarkably change the milk composition. Furthermore, oxidative stress markers and antioxidant levels were unchanged, and the milk result was microbiologically safe.Conclusions:Cold milk centrifugation proved to be an effective technique that allows the reduction of human milk lipids. The determination of triglycerides and cholesterol can be used as an indicator of skimming. This procedure is not accompanied by substantial modifications of other components present in the milk.
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Despite limited clinical consensus regarding surgery for tethered oral tissues (“tongue-tie”) for resolving breastfeeding-related issues, the procedure has been increasing in the United States. Greater understanding of maternal experiences with obtaining surgical release may help to improve breastfeeding outcomes.Research Aim:To explore experiences of breastfeeding mothers with infants having undergone “tongue-tie” surgery.Method:This online, cross-sectional, observational survey occurred between August and September 2020. Eligibility included being ≥ 18 years of age and previously or currently breastfeeding an infant with ≥ 1 tissue surgically released. Of 463 screens, 318 mothers were eligible and 115 consented. The final sample was 90.Results:The sample was predominantly white (n = 86; 95%), non-Hispanic (n = 84; 93%), married/cohabitating (n = 85; 94%), and currently providing their own milk (n = 81; 89%).Difficult latch was the primary reason for seeking help. Participants reported lingual (n = 84; 93%), labial (n = 79; 88%), and buccal (n = 16; 17%) tissue-release, with 80% (n = 73) reporting > 1 released. For each tissue released, > 80% (n = 72) of participants felt “very confident” in their ability to correctly identify it and 97% (n = 87) felt “very involved” and “strongly agreed” with surgical release. International Board Certified Lactation Consultants® were the most frequently identified source of information (n = 45; 50%) and referrals (n = 38; 42%), while pediatric dentists most frequently performed interventions (n = 60; 67%).Conclusions:Participants reported being confident, involved, and in agreement with surgical release and lactation support professionals were frequent information and referral sources.
Nipple adenoma is a very uncommon, benign neoplasm that involves the nipple. A palpable mass of the nipple associated with nipple discharge and erosion or ulceration is the common clinical presentation. Genera...
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Parents with visual impairment can have difficulty in breastfeeding their babies. This situation may cause mothers to have negative feelings towards the care of their babies and to have problems during breastfeeding process.Research Aims:To examine in detail (1) the breastfeeding experiences of mothers with visual impairment, and (2) the factors that facilitate and prevent these mothers from continuing to breastfeed.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional, prospective generic qualitative design. The study sample (N = 15) consisted of mothers with visual impairment aged 18 and over, residing in Turkey, speaking Turkish, having an infant under the age of 2, and with breastfeeding experience. The analysis process was a content analysis approach. Data were collected through video or audio interviews using a semi-structured interview form.Results:Three main themes and 12 subthemes were determined: (1) negative emotions caused by breastfeeding, (2) barriers to initiating and maintaining breastfeeding, and (3) facilitators in initiating and maintaining breastfeeding.Conclusion:The participants in our study stated that health personnel had limited information on how to communicate with and support them. For this reason, it is important that breastfeeding counselors and health care providers receive training about breastfeeding counseling for mothers with visual impairment so that they can provide information and advice to these mothers.
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Since December 2020, the second wave of COVID-19 in Thailand has had a considerable impact, and mothers have struggled to receive breastfeeding support in hospitals. In this situation, there has been limited research that addresses social support for breastfeeding and the influences of support in determining breastfeeding outcomes.Research Aims:(1) To describe the influence of COVID-19 on social support for breastfeeding and breastfeeding practices in the Thai context, and (2) to examine breastfeeding duration with different levels of social support from families and healthcare providers.Method:This descriptive, cross-sectional online survey design was part of a larger multi-methods project about breastfeeding behaviors and experiences among postpartum mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online questionnaires were administered from August to November 2021 to participants (N = 390) who were from three provinces in Thailand and had given birth 6–12 months prior to the survey.Results:Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months was observed in less than half of the participants (n = 146, 37.4%). Perceptions of breastfeeding support were generally high overall among both family (Mdn = 45, IQR = 7) and healthcare providers (Mdn = 43, IQR = 7). Participants who perceived more breastfeeding support from families than the median had significantly longer exclusive breastfeeding durations than those who perceived less breastfeeding support than the median (z = −2.246, p = .025). The same pattern was present for breastfeeding support from healthcare providers (z = −2.380, p = 0.017).Conclusions:While the exclusive breastfeeding rate was better than the pre-pandemic rate, successful breastfeeding was more common when participants perceived that they had received breastfeeding support. Policymakers should execute breastfeeding support systems along with COVID-19 management.
Evidence suggests that forced migration and refugee status may adversely impact mothers’ breastfeeding choices. Furthermore, suboptimal breastfeeding practices have been reported among vulnerable populations i...
Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Human milk is a complex source of nutrition and other bioactives that protects infants from disease, holding a lifetime of beneficial effects. The field of metabolomics provides a robust platform through which we can better understand human milk at a level rarely examined.Research Aim:To Identify, describe, synthesize, and critically analyze the literature within the past 5 years related to the human milk metabolome.Methods:We conducted a scoping literature review and quality analysis of the recent science reflecting untargeted metabolomic approaches to examining human milk. We searched six databases using the terms “breast milk,” “metabolome,” “metabolite,” and “human milk,” Out of more than 1,069 abstracts, we screened and identified 22 articles that met our inclusion criteria.Results:We extracted data related to the study author, geographic location, research design, analyses, platform used, and results. We also extracted data related to human milk research activities, including collection protocol, infant/maternal considerations, and time. Selected studies focused on a variety of phenotypes, including maternal and infant disease. Investigators used varying approaches to evaluate the metabolome, and differing milk collection protocols were observed.Conclusion:The human milk metabolome is informed by many factors—which may contribute to infant health outcomes—that have resulted in disparate milk metabolomic profiles. Standardized milk collection and storage procedures should be implemented to minimize degradation. Investigators may use our findings to develop research questions that test a targeted metabolomic approach.
Globally, there has been a decline in breastfeeding rates. This has resulted in increased infant mortality due to infectious diseases and inappropriate feeding practices. The aggressive marketing of breastmilk...
