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Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

Breastfeeding peer support is advocated in national and international guidelines, but the evidence base is mixed. In the UK, breastfeeding peer support was found to be ineffective in randomised controlled tria...

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:A woman’s prior breastfeeding history may influence future decisions regarding infant feeding. Few quantitative tools utilizing this information have been demonstrated to predict breastfeeding success.Research aim:To evaluate the efficacy of a prenatal breastfeeding history (BAP) questionnaire administered in prenatal care to predict in-hospital formula supplementation among multiparous women.Methods:This is a prospective observational study of multiparous women with singleton pregnancies who presented to a Baby-Friendly urban tertiary care center for 1st prenatal visit at < 20 weeks’ gestation. The BAP tool generates a numerical score, with higher score (≥ 2) indicating prior successful breastfeeding experiences. The primary outcome was occurrence of non-medically indicated formula supplementation during the postpartum hospital stay. Student’s t test and Pearson’s chi-square test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to assess the relationship of BAP score to formula supplementation. Of 587 women screened, 433 (73.8%) mother–infant dyads were analyzed.Results:Rates of formula supplementation in women with BAP scores ≤ 1 were 67% (156/234) compared with 37% (73/199) in women with higher scores (p < 0.0001). After controlling for race/ethnicity, insurance, and obesity, women with BAP scores of ≤ 1 were 2.6 times more likely to supplement formula than women with higher scores (aOR 2.62, 95% CI [1.70, 4.04], p < .0001).Conclusion:In this prospective validation study, women with negative prior breastfeeding experiences, as evidenced by a lower BAP score, were more likely to supplement formula during the postpartum hospital stay.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:With rapid industrialization and urbanization, there is a growing need for women to enter the workforce, and affluent people are drawn to the infant formula market. The breastfeeding rates in China are below the optimal level. Large scale quantitative research studying breastfeeding practices after 2015 in China are lacking.Research aim:We aimed to (1) explore the latest patterns and (2) identify the determinants of breastfeeding in China.Methods:The study was a population-based, cross-sectional survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the selection of participants. We recruited 10,408 mothers with children under 12 months old, in 12 regions of China, and conducted a questionnaire survey about breastfeeding patterns. The associations between social and biophysical determinants and breastfeeding outcomes were analyzed using a logistic regression model.Results:The exclusive breastfeeding rate was 29.32% (n = 3,052) decreasing from 32.71% (n = 3,404) to 15.83% (n = 1,648) among children aged 0–5 months. Cesarean section had a negative association with early breastfeeding initiation (OR = .33, 95% CI [.30, .36]), exclusive breastfeeding (OR = .78, 95% CI [.69, .89]), and predominant breastfeeding (OR = .73, 95% CI [.65, .83]). Compared to participants with an annual household income lower than 40,000 Yuan ($5,817 USD), those with over 100,000 Yuan ($14,542 USD) had an OR of .78 (95% CI [.67, .90]) in exclusive breastfeeding. Compared with illiterate and unemployed groups, middle/high school education and a current work status, respectively, were associated with a lower likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding (OR = .73, 95% CI [.63, .84]; OR = .58, 95% CI [.37, .89]).Conclusions:The prevalence of breastfeeding in 12 selected regions in China was low and interventions focusing on the targeted population should be strengthened.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:With rapid industrialization and urbanization, there is a growing need for women to enter the workforce, and affluent people are drawn to the infant formula market. The breastfeeding rates in China are below the optimal level. Large scale quantitative research studying breastfeeding practices after 2015 in China are lacking.Research aim:We aimed to (1) explore the latest patterns and (2) identify the determinants of breastfeeding in China.Methods:The study was a population-based, cross-sectional survey. A multi-stage sampling technique was adopted for the selection of participants. We recruited 10,408 mothers with children under 12 months old, in 12 regions of China, and conducted a questionnaire survey about breastfeeding patterns. The associations between social and biophysical determinants and breastfeeding outcomes were analyzed using a logistic regression model.Results:The exclusive breastfeeding rate was 29.32% (n = 3,052) decreasing from 32.71% (n = 3,404) to 15.83% (n = 1,648) among children aged 0–5 months. Cesarean section had a negative association with early breastfeeding initiation (OR = .33, 95% CI [.30, .36]), exclusive breastfeeding (OR = .78, 95% CI [.69, .89]), and predominant breastfeeding (OR = .73, 95% CI [.65, .83]). Compared to participants with an annual household income lower than 40,000 Yuan ($5,817 USD), those with over 100,000 Yuan ($14,542 USD) had an OR of .78 (95% CI [.67, .90]) in exclusive breastfeeding. Compared with illiterate and unemployed groups, middle/high school education and a current work status, respectively, were associated with a lower likelihood of exclusive breastfeeding (OR = .73, 95% CI [.63, .84]; OR = .58, 95% CI [.37, .89]).Conclusions:The prevalence of breastfeeding in 12 selected regions in China was low and interventions focusing on the targeted population should be strengthened.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Breastfeeding and optimal birth spacing are associated with improved maternal and infant health outcomes worldwide. Provision of contraceptive advice that is aligned with recommendations for breastfeeding has potential to maximize maternal and infant health. Although there is broad agreement regarding the breastfeeding compatibility of specific postpartum contraceptive methods, it is not known whether maternal breastfeeding intention influences prenatal provider contraceptive counseling.Research aim:We aimed to determine if maternal feeding intention is considered by prenatal providers during contraceptive counseling.Methods:This was a cross-sectional online author-created survey including all prenatal providers (N = 40) at two academic safety-net institutions in Cleveland, Ohio. Of 100 obstetrics/gynecology faculty members, 40 (40%) completed the survey, which included multiple-choice questions. Nominal and ordinal survey results were reported with percentages and frequencies, and categorical variables were compared using the Fisher exact test.Results:Participants appropriately promoted breastfeeding-compatible postplacental intrauterine device placement, even though maternal feeding intention was specifically considered by just 12 (30%). Endorsed barriers to contraception for breastfeeding mothers included provider medical worries, patient concerns, and colleague resistance. Postplacental levonorgestrel intrauterine devices were recommended for all mothers by 92.5% of participants (n = 37). Recommendations regarding progestin-only and combined oral contraceptive pills were influenced by maternal breastfeeding versus formula-feeding intention.Conclusion:Asking expectant women about their feeding intentions within each contraceptive discussion may create opportunities for shared decision making that can optimize perinatal outcomes for both mother and infant worldwide.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Breastfeeding and optimal birth spacing are associated with improved maternal and infant health outcomes worldwide. Provision of contraceptive advice that is aligned with recommendations for breastfeeding has potential to maximize maternal and infant health. Although there is broad agreement regarding the breastfeeding compatibility of specific postpartum contraceptive methods, it is not known whether maternal breastfeeding intention influences prenatal provider contraceptive counseling.Research aim:We aimed to determine if maternal feeding intention is considered by prenatal providers during contraceptive counseling.Methods:This was a cross-sectional online author-created survey including all prenatal providers (N = 40) at two academic safety-net institutions in Cleveland, Ohio. Of 100 obstetrics/gynecology faculty members, 40 (40%) completed the survey, which included multiple-choice questions. Nominal and ordinal survey results were reported with percentages and frequencies, and categorical variables were compared using the Fisher exact test.Results:Participants appropriately promoted breastfeeding-compatible postplacental intrauterine device placement, even though maternal feeding intention was specifically considered by just 12 (30%). Endorsed barriers to contraception for breastfeeding mothers included provider medical worries, patient concerns, and colleague resistance. Postplacental levonorgestrel intrauterine devices were recommended for all mothers by 92.5% of participants (n = 37). Recommendations regarding progestin-only and combined oral contraceptive pills were influenced by maternal breastfeeding versus formula-feeding intention.Conclusion:Asking expectant women about their feeding intentions within each contraceptive discussion may create opportunities for shared decision making that can optimize perinatal outcomes for both mother and infant worldwide.

At the national level in Ethiopia, there is limited knowledge of trends and factors associated with early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), particularly during the Millenium Develo...

ILCA would like to thank Michele Griswold, PhD, MPH, RN, IBCLC, for her service as the ILCA Advocacy Advisor to the Board of Directors. During her time in this new role for ILCA, she has helped to shape this position and has created a vision and strategy that will help advance breastfeeding worldwide and elevate […]

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Thirty-six percent of females are employed in Bangladesh, many in the readymade garments manufacturing industry. Inadequate access to health information, care, and long working hours makes exclusive breastfeeding particularly challenging for these employed mothers.Research aim:To describe the influence of a breastfeeding education and support program on breastfeeding patterns of mothers working in garment and other factories in Bangladesh.Methods:A descriptive two-group prospective, mixed methods, longitudinal prospective study was conducted from May 2015 to March 2017. Peer counselors were trained to provide home-based counseling from 6 months of pregnancy until infants completed 6 months for pregnant and lactating factory workers and neighboring unemployed women. The total evaluation sample (N = 304) consisted of participants still employed (n = 190) and unemployed (n = 144). Peer counselors recorded socioeconomic information, weights, and infant feeding patterns. Descriptive statistical analyses examined the peer counselors’ influence on breastfeeding practices.Results:Initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hr was high in both groups, 173 (91%) among the employed, and 101 (89%) among the unemployed participants. Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was reported by 107 out of 125 (86%) of the employed participants versus 72 out of 76 (95%) of those unemployed.Conclusions:Community-based peer counselors can help to inform, encourage, and support both factory workers and unemployed women with optimal breastfeeding patterns. Factories who have female workers should consider employing outreach peer counselors as part of their community social responsibility, and as a way to contribute to the sustainability of these programs.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Thirty-six percent of females are employed in Bangladesh, many in the readymade garments manufacturing industry. Inadequate access to health information, care, and long working hours makes exclusive breastfeeding particularly challenging for these employed mothers.Research aim:To describe the influence of a breastfeeding education and support program on breastfeeding patterns of mothers working in garment and other factories in Bangladesh.Methods:A descriptive two-group prospective, mixed methods, longitudinal prospective study was conducted from May 2015 to March 2017. Peer counselors were trained to provide home-based counseling from 6 months of pregnancy until infants completed 6 months for pregnant and lactating factory workers and neighboring unemployed women. The total evaluation sample (N = 304) consisted of participants still employed (n = 190) and unemployed (n = 144). Peer counselors recorded socioeconomic information, weights, and infant feeding patterns. Descriptive statistical analyses examined the peer counselors’ influence on breastfeeding practices.Results:Initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hr was high in both groups, 173 (91%) among the employed, and 101 (89%) among the unemployed participants. Exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months was reported by 107 out of 125 (86%) of the employed participants versus 72 out of 76 (95%) of those unemployed.Conclusions:Community-based peer counselors can help to inform, encourage, and support both factory workers and unemployed women with optimal breastfeeding patterns. Factories who have female workers should consider employing outreach peer counselors as part of their community social responsibility, and as a way to contribute to the sustainability of these programs.

Dr. Helen Johnson Ironically, physicians have some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the United States. Despite acute awareness of the medical risks of not breastfeeding and deep commitment to educating their patients about the importance of breastfeeding, many physician mothers face significant challenges in their own breastfeeding efforts. Medical trainees – including medical […]

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Peer-review publishing has long been the gold standard for disseminating research. The peer-review process holds researchers accountable for their work and conveys confidence that the article is of value to the reader. Predatory journals and publishing pose a global threat to the quality of scientific literature, accuracy of educational resources, and safety of patient care. Predatory publishing uses an exploitative business model, substandard quality control measures, and deceptive publishing practices. Given the proliferation of these journals and the extreme measures utilized to disguise substandard publishing practices, avoiding them can prove difficult. Understanding the nature of predatory publishing and how to recognize the warning signs provide helpful measures to authors, researchers, students, and readers. Additional resources known to help avoid predatory publishers have been discussed in addition to reviewing the Journal of Human Lactation guidelines for publishing.

Today’s busy families want lactation information that is quick, easy, and lovely to the eye. That’s why I joined forces with the talented people at Noodle Soup to create a series of infographics on some of the most in-demand lactation topics.

 I’m thrilled to announce a new addition to this series! The #1 reason new parents give for formula use and premature weaning is worries about milk production. This new infographic—“Is Baby Getting Enough Milk?”—directly addresses these concerns. My hope is that it will help more families meet their feeding goals.  

All four of my infographics come in tearpads of 50 with one side in English and the other side in Spanish. Click on the titles below to link to their order pages on the Noodle Soup website.  

• Is Baby Getting Enough Milk?  Includes reliable signs that baby’s milk intake is adequate, expected feeding patterns in nursing newborns, and the most common false alarms. 

• Working & Breastfeeding  The most important aspects of working and breastfeeding that nursing families need to know to meet their long-term feeding goals.

• Pumping Primer  A simple guide to expressing milk that includes the key points needed for successful pumping.

• For Baby’s Caregiver  Ways caregivers can support nursing families, including how to pace bottle feeds to avoid overfeeding during the workday.

How can new research inform how lactation consultants support women who are breastfeeding and who have experienced childhood sexual abuse? The Journal of Human Lactation article, Breastfeeding in Women Having Experienced Childhood Sexual Abuse, aims to “investigate experiences with breastfeeding in women with a history of [Childhood Sexual Abuse (CSA)].” Find three key takeaways we […]

Donated human milk (DHM) is a safe alternative in the absence of mother’s own milk (MOM); however, specific clinical indications for DHM use and its impact on subsequent feeding practice remain unclear. We aim...

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Although exclusive breastfeeding of infants has several benefits, in Ghana only 52% of children under 6 months old are breastfed exclusively. However, researchers have not conducted longitudinal observational studies to examine exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation and determine risk factors.Research aims:(1) To determine exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation, and (2) to examine those factors linked to discontinued exclusive breastfeeding.Methods:A longitudinal, one-group observational study was conducted. A total of 322 mothers who had normal and full-term delivery at a district level referral hospital from January to December 2017 were recruited, followed-up every month, and subsequently interviewed after 6 months postpartum. Data were collected using validated questionnaires. Binary and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were the statistical analytical methods used.Results:Respondents’ mean age was 29.78 years (SD = 5.20). Among the 322 mothers who initiated breastfeeding with human milk at birth, 108 (34%) discontinued exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months postpartum. After controlling for possible covariates, attending antenatal care 4 or less times during pregnancy (aRR = 6.54; 95% CI [1.77–24.22]; p = .005); lack of support from family to breastfeed exclusively (aRR = 2.41; 95% CI [1.23–4.71]; p = .010), outside pressure to provide other food to the baby < 6 months postpartum (aRR = 1.87; 95% CI [1.01–3.46]; p = .045), and living in an urban area (aRR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.17-3.75]; p = .013) significantly increased the risks of discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion:Universal exclusive breastfeeding may not be achieved without tackling the key determinants of discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Health facility and community-based exclusive breastfeeding promotion interventions are therefore needed.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Although exclusive breastfeeding of infants has several benefits, in Ghana only 52% of children under 6 months old are breastfed exclusively. However, researchers have not conducted longitudinal observational studies to examine exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation and determine risk factors.Research aims:(1) To determine exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation, and (2) to examine those factors linked to discontinued exclusive breastfeeding.Methods:A longitudinal, one-group observational study was conducted. A total of 322 mothers who had normal and full-term delivery at a district level referral hospital from January to December 2017 were recruited, followed-up every month, and subsequently interviewed after 6 months postpartum. Data were collected using validated questionnaires. Binary and multivariable Poisson regression analyses were the statistical analytical methods used.Results:Respondents’ mean age was 29.78 years (SD = 5.20). Among the 322 mothers who initiated breastfeeding with human milk at birth, 108 (34%) discontinued exclusive breastfeeding before 6 months postpartum. After controlling for possible covariates, attending antenatal care 4 or less times during pregnancy (aRR = 6.54; 95% CI [1.77–24.22]; p = .005); lack of support from family to breastfeed exclusively (aRR = 2.41; 95% CI [1.23–4.71]; p = .010), outside pressure to provide other food to the baby < 6 months postpartum (aRR = 1.87; 95% CI [1.01–3.46]; p = .045), and living in an urban area (aRR = 2.10; 95% CI [1.17-3.75]; p = .013) significantly increased the risks of discontinuing exclusive breastfeeding.Conclusion:Universal exclusive breastfeeding may not be achieved without tackling the key determinants of discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. Health facility and community-based exclusive breastfeeding promotion interventions are therefore needed.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:A professional association journal should reflect the needs of its organization, its readers, and the field it represents. Evaluating the needs that the Journal of Human Lactation has met, and those it has not, is essential if it is to remain relevant to its readers.Aims:(1) Describe the characteristics of articles published from 1985 through 2018. (2) Describe content intended to educate lactation support providers and clinicians. (3) Explore the ways the content has illustrated the growth and development of lactation knowledge, and (4) identify the reoccurring content threads consistent throughout the 34 years.Methods:A prospective mixed methods approach incorporating a quantitative content analysis and a qualitative thematic analysis was used. Frequency distributions were done on all the variables extracted from published articles (N = 1586). The second level of analysis identified themes using an iterative and consensus approach.Results:Mirroring the growth in the lactation field, the volume of research articles published each year has increased along with the percent of research articles per issue. Research methods have become more diverse. The international scope and relevance, while always present, has been steadily increasing. Threads identified were; striving for international scope, advancing lactation education, developing a body of knowledge that informs clinical practice in lactation, and creating a centralized place for multidisciplinary research about lactation.Conclusion:The body of work published in the Journal of Human Lactation parallels the development of the lactation specialty. We have highlighted areas for improvement and possible further study.