Hírolvasó

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Auricular acupressure influences pain reduction in patients with diseases. However, study results on its influence on breast pain, common among breastfeeding mothers, are insufficient.Research Aim:This study aimed to explore the effectiveness of auricular acupressure on breast pain among breastfeeding mothers who also received a standard gentle hand technique.Methods:This was a placebo-controlled study wherein auricular acupressure was provided for 4 weeks to 52 breastfeeding mothers consulting a local breastfeeding clinic. In the intervention group, auricular acupressure was applied to specific acupoints, including Shenmen, central rim, breast, and endocrine, which are related to breast pain and postpartum lactation. For the placebo control group, auricular acupressure was applied to acupoints not related to breast pain. The degree of breast pain was assessed using a numeric rating scale and a pressure algometer.Results:After 4 weeks of auricular acupressure, numeric rating scale pain scores did not show a significant change. However, the pressure pain threshold for the upper left (Z = −2.202, p = .028) and upper right (t = 2.613, p = .012) areas of the right breast increased significantly in the intervention group.Conclusion:This study employed subjective and objective measurements to evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure in alleviating breast pain. The intervention shows potential as a nursing measure. Further research is required to determine the optimal intervention duration and frequency, particularly for breastfeeding parents with severe pain, and to evaluate long-term outcomes.

Despite concerted efforts by policy developers, health professionals and lay groups, breastfeeding rates in Ireland remain one of the lowest in world, with 63.6% of mothers initiating breastfeeding at birth, d...

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

Clinical advice may suggest discontinuing breastfeeding after the diagnosis of phenylketonuria in infants as the only effective way to monitor the newborn's intake and accurate measurement of phenylalanine (Ph...

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Introduction:Neonatal jaundice and prematurity pose significant barriers to breastfeeding in the first days of life. There is limited literature exploring the relationship between prolonged jaundice in breastfed infants and Gilbert’s (Meulengraght) syndrome. This case study describes the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges associated with Gilbert’s syndrome in a late preterm breastfed infant born in Germany.Main Issue:In this case report, an infant born to a primipara woman presented at 3 weeks postpartum to an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant. The initial assessment revealed a late preterm infant with inadequate weight gain and jaundice. The dyad received breastfeeding support and eventually achieved adequate weight gain; however, the infant’s jaundice persisted.Management:The consulting midwife suggested that the persistent jaundice was “breastmilk jaundice” and recommended temporarily interrupting breastfeeding. Due to a suspected family history of Gilbert’s Syndrome, the dyad was referred, instead, to a pediatric gastroenterologist. Pathologic liver disease was excluded, and genetic testing confirmed Gilbert’s Syndrome. At 6 months of age, the dyad was successfully breastfeeding and beginning complementary feeding.Conclusion:Genetic testing for Gilbert’s Syndrome should be considered for infants with prolonged jaundice and positive family history. Interruption or cessation of breastfeeding are not evidence-based recommendations, and current guidelines do not support these practices. Lactation professionals play a critical role in the management of breastfeeding for preterm infants with prolonged jaundice and should refer to specialists to rule out pathologic etiologies.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Raw, never stored or pasteurized mother’s own milk (MOM) is not always available to feed preterm infants; however, storage and pasteurization of MOM diminishes some bioactive components. It can be difficult to feed raw MOM to preterm infants due to transportation and storage of small volumes that might be pumped away from the infant, and a concern that they might harbor bacteria. However, the higher availability of bioactive components in raw MOM may provide benefits to preterm infants compared to frozen or pasteurized MOM.Research Aim:To systematically review and summarize the results of studies on feeding raw MOM versus frozen or pasteurized MOM to preterm infants born at less than 37 weeks of gestation.Methods:Four databases were searched (Cochrane, Embase, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science) for this systematic review. Of 542 studies identified, nine met inclusion criteria and were critically evaluated using the quality assessment tool for quantitative studies by the Effective Public Health Practice Project. Studies were organized using the Breastfeeding Challenges Facing Preterm Mother–Infant Dyads theoretical framework.Results:Included studies evaluated the outcomes of preterm infants fed raw versus pasteurized MOM (n = 7, 77.8%) or raw versus frozen MOM (n = 2, 22.2%). Researchers found that raw MOM did not increase infant infections and may have improved health and growth outcomes for study participants.Conclusion:There is laboratory evidence supporting the safety and efficacy of the use of raw MOM for preterm infants. A raw MOM diet is recommended for preterm infants by professional organizations. Despite this, it may not be universally prioritized and could require purposeful implementation by each institution. Further research is needed to pursue the potential benefits of a raw MOM diet for preterm infants.

The Mothers’ Milk Tool, developed and launched by the Australian National University and Alive & Thrive in 2022, allows to estimate the volume and value of breastmilk using prevalence rates of breastfeeding by...

Despite the World Health Organization’s firm recommendation to start breastfeeding during the first hour after delivery, nearly 54% of children in low- and middle-income countries are unable to initiate breast...

The World Health Organization recommends the use of donated human milk (HM) as the second-best option for mothers who are temporarily unable to provide sufficient breast milk to meet the needs of their infants...

Improving breastfeeding rates is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent infant deaths, but most of the world falls far below WHO recommended breastfeeding practices. Confident, informed healthcare work...

The global issue of low breastfeeding rates has been widely reported. Quantitative studies have shown the positive effects of peer support on breastfeeding. However, the experiences of mothers who receive brea...

Breastfeeding provides many short- and long-term health benefits for mothers and their infants and is a particularly relevant strategy for women who experience Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) during pregna...

While the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in human breast milk is contentious, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have been consistently detected in human breast milk. However, it is uncertain when and how long the antibodies ...

The World Health Organization states that women and their families need breastfeeding support from the healthcare system. However, knowledge about the most effective way to involve the partner in breastfeeding...

This study aimed to explore the effects of breast milk feeding volume on the early behavioral neurodevelopment of extremely preterm infants (gestational age < 28 weeks).

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

There are several versions of the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale (BMS), which have been shown to measure maternal breastfeeding motivation, but there is not a Chinese version yet. The study aimed to translate ...

Early initiation and exclusive breastfeeding are crucial in preventing child morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance of these practices, rates of timely initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breast...

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
The climate crisis is an emerging global challenge that poses potential risks to breastfeeding practices and outcomes. There are multifaceted effects of climate change affecting the breastfeeding dyad across environmental, societal, and human health dimensions. Breastfeeding support in the face of climate change will require solutions at the structural level—healthcare, community, and workplace settings—and at the mother-infant dyad level. Breastfeeding can additionally be an adaptive response to crisis situations and can mitigate some of the environmental challenges associated with climate change. Despite the undeniable significance of climate change on breastfeeding (and vice versa), our perspective as experts in the field is that this topic has not been systematically addressed. Although we highlight some of the challenges, potential solutions, and co-benefits of breastfeeding in the context of climate change, there are numerous issues that could be further explored and necessitate additional preparedness planning.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers.Methods and Planned Analysis:This multicenter stepped-wedge cluster (nested) randomized controlled trial aims to recruit 945 nulliparous pregnant individuals. The trial is conducted in two phases. During Phase 1, control group participants are under standard care. During Phase 2, participants are randomized to ACE instruction via a pre-recorded online video or a one-on-one session with a midwife. Adjusted logistic regression analysis will be used to examine the relationship between ACE instruction and breastfeeding outcomes.Research Aims and Questions:Primary aim: (1) Does advising pregnant individuals to practice ACE and providing instruction improve exclusive breastfeeding rates at 4 months postpartum? Secondary research questions: (2) Do individuals who practice ACE have higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding during the initial hospital stay after birth? (3) Is teaching ACE via an online video non-inferior to one-on-one instruction from a midwife? (4) Does expressing colostrum in pregnancy influence time to secretory activation, or (5) result in any differences in the composition of postnatal colostrum?Discussion:Trial findings have important implications for maternity practice, with the online video providing an easily accessible opportunity for ACE education as part of standard antenatal care.