Hírolvasó

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding is a valid and reliable 62-item parent-report assessment of symptoms of problematic breastfeeding behavior intended for infants less than 7 months old.Research aim:The aim of this study was to describe the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding total score and subscale scores within a sample of full-term, healthy, typically-developing infants under 7 months old.Methods:Parents of healthy, full-term breastfeeding infants (N = 475) less than 7 months old completed the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool – Breastfeeding through an online survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the total score and seven subscale scores within each age group: 0–2, 2–4, 4–6, and 6–7 months.Results:Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding total scores were highest (i.e., more problematic symptoms) at 0–2 months and decreased in older infant age groups. All subscale scores also had a downward trajectory in symptoms of problematic breastfeeding except the subscale Compelling Symptoms of Problematic Feeding, which was very low across age groups. Scores on the Infant Regulation subscale remained elevated for the first 6 months of life, then declined markedly in the 6–7 month age group.Conclusion:The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding now has reference values to facilitate interpretation of scores and guide decision-making, personalization of interventions, and assessment of response to interventions. For research, the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding can be used to follow longitudinal development of breastfeeding as well as to test efficacy of breastfeeding interventions.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding is a valid and reliable 62-item parent-report assessment of symptoms of problematic breastfeeding behavior intended for infants less than 7 months old.Research aim:The aim of this study was to describe the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding total score and subscale scores within a sample of full-term, healthy, typically-developing infants under 7 months old.Methods:Parents of healthy, full-term breastfeeding infants (N = 475) less than 7 months old completed the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool – Breastfeeding through an online survey. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the total score and seven subscale scores within each age group: 0–2, 2–4, 4–6, and 6–7 months.Results:Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding total scores were highest (i.e., more problematic symptoms) at 0–2 months and decreased in older infant age groups. All subscale scores also had a downward trajectory in symptoms of problematic breastfeeding except the subscale Compelling Symptoms of Problematic Feeding, which was very low across age groups. Scores on the Infant Regulation subscale remained elevated for the first 6 months of life, then declined markedly in the 6–7 month age group.Conclusion:The Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding now has reference values to facilitate interpretation of scores and guide decision-making, personalization of interventions, and assessment of response to interventions. For research, the Neonatal Eating Assessment Tool—Breastfeeding can be used to follow longitudinal development of breastfeeding as well as to test efficacy of breastfeeding interventions.

The International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) is proud to celebrate Black Breastfeeding Week (25 August – 31 August).  This year’s theme is “The World Is Yours: Imagine. Innovate. Liberate.”  Black Breastfeeding Week consists of a series of online and face-to-face activities. Check out their website and social media profiles (including their Facebook page here) for […]

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Research about lactation and breastfeeding has exploded since the Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) began publishing in 1985. To discuss the 3-decade-long role of the Journal in promoting, supporting, and disseminating lactation research, editors convened a multidisciplinary group of lactation researchers and providers which comprised three senior researchers and one clinical practitioner, all of whom have a long history of lactation advocacy. Their discussion took place on July 1, 2019. Dr Aimee Eden is a medical anthropologist who leads the qualitative research efforts in a small research department. Her dissertation research focused on the maternal and child healthcare workforce, and the professionalization of breastfeeding support. She served on the Board of Directors of the International Board of Lactation Examiners (2010–2016) and currently serves on the board of the Monetary Investment for Lactation Consultant Certification. Dr Karleen Gribble has been conducting research for 15 years about infant and young child feeding in emergencies, long-term breastfeeding, milk sharing, early childhood trauma, adoption, and fostering. She is an Australian Breastfeeding Association community educator and breastfeeding counselor and a member of the Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Core Group. Elien Rouw is a practicing physician in Germany specialized in healthy infant care, with a long-standing specialization in breastfeeding medicine. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, is a member of the German National Breastfeeding Committee and their delegate to the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action. Dr Jackie Wolf is an historian of medicine, whose research focuses on the history of childbirth and breastfeeding practices in the United States and how those practices have shaped women’s and children’s health, as well as public health, over time. Her latest book, published by Johns Hopkins University Press and funded by a 3 year grant from the National Institutes of Health, is Cesarean Section: An American History of Risk, Technology, and Consequence. Dr Sara Gill moderated the discussion. She was a member of the Board of Directors of the International Lactation Consultant Association for 5 years, and has been an Associate Editor of the Journal of Human Lactation for the past 4 years. Her research has focused on breastfeeding among vulnerable populations. (Participants’ comments are noted as AE = Aimee Eden; SG = Sara Gill; KG = Karleen Gribble; ER = Elien Rouw; JW = Jacqueline Wolf).

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Peer support may help mothers to feel satisfied with their breastfeeding and to continue breastfeeding. However, previous researchers have not examined the influence of peer support on the three breastfeeding-satisfaction domains.Research aim:We aimed to examine the influence of telephone-based peer support on the following three domains of breastfeeding satisfaction among Japanese mothers: maternal satisfaction, perceived benefit to the infant, and lifestyle compatibility with breastfeeding.Methods:Breastfeeding mothers were recruited at four maternity hospitals in Japan to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected 1 month and 4 months postpartum. Among all of the participants (N = 114), those in the intervention group (n = 60) received telephone-based peer support until 4 months postpartum, and participants in the control group (n = 54) received conventional support. Breastfeeding satisfaction was measured using the short version of the revised Japanese Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale. Generalized estimating equations and effect size analyses were used to examine the influence of the intervention.Results:On the subscale measuring lifestyle compatibility, participants with peer support had a higher score than those without peer support: regression coefficient 1.54 (95% confidence interval [0.03, 3.04]). The effect size was 0.40 standard deviations among participants with low and mid-level scores at baseline.Conclusion:Although peer support did not change maternal satisfaction or perceived benefit to the infant, it did increase lifestyle compatibility with breastfeeding among these Japanese mothers. This is evidence in favor of increasing the use of peer support.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Peer support may help mothers to feel satisfied with their breastfeeding and to continue breastfeeding. However, previous researchers have not examined the influence of peer support on the three breastfeeding-satisfaction domains.Research aim:We aimed to examine the influence of telephone-based peer support on the following three domains of breastfeeding satisfaction among Japanese mothers: maternal satisfaction, perceived benefit to the infant, and lifestyle compatibility with breastfeeding.Methods:Breastfeeding mothers were recruited at four maternity hospitals in Japan to participate in a randomized controlled trial. Data were collected 1 month and 4 months postpartum. Among all of the participants (N = 114), those in the intervention group (n = 60) received telephone-based peer support until 4 months postpartum, and participants in the control group (n = 54) received conventional support. Breastfeeding satisfaction was measured using the short version of the revised Japanese Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale. Generalized estimating equations and effect size analyses were used to examine the influence of the intervention.Results:On the subscale measuring lifestyle compatibility, participants with peer support had a higher score than those without peer support: regression coefficient 1.54 (95% confidence interval [0.03, 3.04]). The effect size was 0.40 standard deviations among participants with low and mid-level scores at baseline.Conclusion:Although peer support did not change maternal satisfaction or perceived benefit to the infant, it did increase lifestyle compatibility with breastfeeding among these Japanese mothers. This is evidence in favor of increasing the use of peer support.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Although the reasons for discontinued breastfeeding are multifactorial, an unsupportive work environment is consistently reported as a barrier to continued breastfeeding. In the United States, several state breastfeeding advocates have taken a distinctive approach to promote worksite lactation support by developing statewide recognition initiatives aimed at incentivizing employers to support breastfeeding employees by offering public recognition for the worksites’ efforts.Research aim:To identify and describe statewide worksite lactation support recognition initiatives in the United States.Methods:Between May 2016 and June 2017, semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with breastfeeding experts in each U.S. state (N = 60 participants) for this cross-sectional study. Experts in states with a recognition initiative were asked about the background, structure, and requirements of the initiative.Results:Twenty-six states had a current initiative, and some had requirements for providing a private space (n = 19; 73%) and time (n = 18; 69%) for employees to express human milk, as well as a written worksite lactation support policy (n = 10; 38%).Conclusions:This was the first study in which researchers systematically identified ongoing worksite lactation support recognition initiatives in the United States. The results of this work also served to highlight both the similarities and the variety between initiatives. Future researchers should aim to determine the components of an initiative that increase employer support and, in turn, breastfeeding rates.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:Although the reasons for discontinued breastfeeding are multifactorial, an unsupportive work environment is consistently reported as a barrier to continued breastfeeding. In the United States, several state breastfeeding advocates have taken a distinctive approach to promote worksite lactation support by developing statewide recognition initiatives aimed at incentivizing employers to support breastfeeding employees by offering public recognition for the worksites’ efforts.Research aim:To identify and describe statewide worksite lactation support recognition initiatives in the United States.Methods:Between May 2016 and June 2017, semi-structured phone interviews were conducted with breastfeeding experts in each U.S. state (N = 60 participants) for this cross-sectional study. Experts in states with a recognition initiative were asked about the background, structure, and requirements of the initiative.Results:Twenty-six states had a current initiative, and some had requirements for providing a private space (n = 19; 73%) and time (n = 18; 69%) for employees to express human milk, as well as a written worksite lactation support policy (n = 10; 38%).Conclusions:This was the first study in which researchers systematically identified ongoing worksite lactation support recognition initiatives in the United States. The results of this work also served to highlight both the similarities and the variety between initiatives. Future researchers should aim to determine the components of an initiative that increase employer support and, in turn, breastfeeding rates.

Suboptimal breastfeeding is responsible for 96% of deaths among children under 12 months of age in developing countries. However, the exclusive breastfeeding rate in Nigeria from birth to 6 months is just 23%....

Breastfeeding practices such as early initiation of breast milk and exclusive breastfeeding are key to the reduction of childhood morbidity and mortality. Despite the importance of these practices, rates of ti...

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF recommend that secondary schools include infant feeding education in the curriculum. However, little attention has been given to the study of educators’ views and practices regarding infant feeding education.Aims:The aims of this research were to (1) explore North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers’ attitudes towards infant feeding education in secondary schools and (2) describe North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers’ infant feeding education practices.Methods:Researchers conducted interviews (N = 19) and a survey (N = 137) using a sequential mixed methods design. The constant comparative method was used to analyze interview transcripts. Subsequently, a 33-item survey was developed to assess teachers’ attitudes and practices, and this survey was tested for validity and reliability.Results:The majority of participants supported including infant feeding (n = 119, 86.9%) and breastfeeding (n = 116, 84.7%) education in high school. Approximately half of the participants supported including infant feeding (n = 71, 51.9%) and breastfeeding (n = 64, 46.7%) education in middle school. Participants reported that they taught infant feeding at both levels; topics taught included complementary foods, patterns of infant feeding, and the safe preparation of infant formula. Breastfeeding content was covered primarily in the high school Parenting and Child Development course.Conclusions:North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers have positive attitudes towards teaching about breastfeeding at the secondary school level. Content about infant nutrition and breastfeeding is currently included in courses that cover child development and human nutrition.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.
Background:The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Kingdom Committee for UNICEF recommend that secondary schools include infant feeding education in the curriculum. However, little attention has been given to the study of educators’ views and practices regarding infant feeding education.Aims:The aims of this research were to (1) explore North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers’ attitudes towards infant feeding education in secondary schools and (2) describe North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers’ infant feeding education practices.Methods:Researchers conducted interviews (N = 19) and a survey (N = 137) using a sequential mixed methods design. The constant comparative method was used to analyze interview transcripts. Subsequently, a 33-item survey was developed to assess teachers’ attitudes and practices, and this survey was tested for validity and reliability.Results:The majority of participants supported including infant feeding (n = 119, 86.9%) and breastfeeding (n = 116, 84.7%) education in high school. Approximately half of the participants supported including infant feeding (n = 71, 51.9%) and breastfeeding (n = 64, 46.7%) education in middle school. Participants reported that they taught infant feeding at both levels; topics taught included complementary foods, patterns of infant feeding, and the safe preparation of infant formula. Breastfeeding content was covered primarily in the high school Parenting and Child Development course.Conclusions:North Carolina Family and Consumer Sciences teachers have positive attitudes towards teaching about breastfeeding at the secondary school level. Content about infant nutrition and breastfeeding is currently included in courses that cover child development and human nutrition.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

Breastfeeding rates among high income, western countries vary considerably. This research examines three countries, Sweden, Ireland, and the United States, with respect to both public health initiatives and po...

World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is an annual celebration of the role of breastfeeding in our homes, our communities, and the world.  As a part of our 2019 theme, Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding, we are proud to announce that Journal of Human Lactation (JHL) is making available 5 essential articles to everyone – FREE* through 31 August […]

By Dr. Jane Morton “I’m going to try.” This is the tentative answer many mothers give, instead of “Yes, I’m going to breastfeed!” Why do so many women worry that breastfeeding may be complicated, painful and probably dependent on professional help? If breastfeeding is so natural, why doesn’t it come naturally, as it seems to […]

Journal of Human Lactation, Ahead of Print.

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! International Lactation Consultant Association® (ILCA®) is excited to join World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) and other organizations and individuals the world over in celebrating #WBW2019. The theme of World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) 2019 is Empower Parents, Enable Breastfeeding. ILCA will feature resources throughout the week of 1-7 August to help you make the […]