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Aim: The aim of this paper was to review the role that donor human milk plays in caring for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods: This review focussed on academic papers and background information published in English and French up to 8 August 2021. Results: Donor human milk provides a useful bridge to successful breastfeeding in hospitalised neonates and does not have a negative impact on the use of mother's own milk and breastfeeding rates at discharge. It helps to prevent key complications of prematurity, particularly necrotising enterocolitis up to 36 weeks of postmenstrual age, which is more common in infants fed formulas based on cows' milk. When it is carefully fortified, it supports the postnatal growth of the majority of very preterm infants. Well‐organised, accessible human milk banks are required to cover the needs of hospitalised infants, and donor human milk must be prioritised for patients who derive the greatest health benefit from it. These include very preterm infants and those born at term, or near term, with surgical digestive malformations or congenital heart disease. Conclusion: Safe, high‐quality donor human milk, which is distributed by well‐organised human milk banks, is essential for the most vulnerable hospitalised neonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This scoping review aimed to identify and appraise the effectiveness and impact of breastfeeding promotion interventions conducted across Portuguese- speaking sovereign countries. Methods: Using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, we searched 14 electronic databases for publications published through 31 July 2023. The search terms were designed to find studies promoting breastfeeding or exclusive breastfeeding in pre- defined Portuguese- speaking countries. Results: Of the 5263 papers initially retrieved, 30 interventional studies on breastfeeding met the inclusion criteria across three countries: Brazil (N = 26), Portugal (N = 2) and Guinea Bissau (N = 2). Participants ranged from pregnant women, mothers, mother-infant pairs, healthcare professionals, and school children. Overall, the interventions increased exclusive breastfeeding and better breastfeeding practices, such as a higher duration of breastfeeding. The interventions positively affected maternal breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge and perception. Only four studies used a theoretical framework. Conclusion: While the results were often statistically significant, no study had an outcome close to the recommended UNICEF and WHO goal of 70% breastfeeding at six months. The need to determine what works for the recommended six months postpartum period is critical for maximising children's health in Portuguese- speaking countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the content, experiences and outcomes of interventions designed to increase early skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) in high‐income settings. Methods: A mixed‐methods systematic review was undertaken across six bibliographic databases. References of all included studies were hand‐searched. All papers were quality appraised using a mixed‐method appraisal tool. A narrative synthesis was used to synthesise both quantitative and qualitative findings. Results: Database searches generated 1221 hits, and two studies were identified via hand‐searching. Ten studies were included; most (n = 7) were designed to improve SSC following a caesarean section, and half were of low/poor quality. Outcomes related to SSC prevalence and/or duration (n = 7), breastfeeding prevalence, (n = 4) and six explored mothers' and/or health professionals' experiences of the intervention. While the interventions had 'some' impact on the prevalence of SSC, the duration was often limited and not in line with WHO recommendations. Breastfeeding rates (exclusive/any) were found to improve but generally not to a significant extent. Mother and healthcare professionals were positive about the interventions, with barriers to implementation noted. Most interventions targeted healthcare professionals, rather than mothers. Conclusion: High‐quality interventions that increase SSC in line with WHO recommendations, and that target both health professionals and parents are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: There are no specific recommendations for using a mother's fresh milk for her preterm infant. We reviewed the available evidence on its collection, storage and administration.Methods: The working group of the French Neonatal Society on fresh human milk use in preterm infants searched the MEDLINE database and Cochrane Library up to June 2017 for papers published in English or French. They specifically analysed 282 papers providing information on prospective, retrospective and clinical studies and examined guidelines from various countries.Results: The review concluded that fresh mother's own milk should be favoured in accordance with the latest recommendations. However, it must be carried out under stringent conditions so that the expected benefits are not offset by risks related to different practices. The working group has summarised the best conditions for feeding preterm infants with human milk, balancing high nutritional and immunological quality with adequate virological and bacteriological safety. Professionals must provide parents with the necessary conditions to establish breastfeeding, together with specific and strong support.Conclusion: Based on their review, the working group has made specific recommendations for using fresh mother's own milk under careful conditions, so that the expected benefits are not offset by risks related to practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many countries produce data on the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding, but are they reliable? We reviewed 16 studies on breastfeeding in Italy published after 1990. They report a prevalence of breastfeeding at and around birth ranging from 66% to 91%, decreasing to 17-52% at 4 mo and 28-36% at 6 mo. Most studies refer to a non-representative sample of the Italian population. Two studies used standard definitions of breastfeeding, but their results are difficult to interpret or cannot be generalized. Five other studies used non-standard definitions that undermine the interpretation of results. The remaining nine studies used no definition at all. All studies used a recall period different from 24 h, or from the whole hospital stay for breastfeeding at discharge, making the interpretation of results even more difficult. We conclude that the published information gives an inaccurate picture of the prevalence and duration of breastfeeding in Italy, leading to unjustified optimism and inaction. The actual figures may be lower, as shown by preliminary data from a small Italian region: using standard definitions and methods during a 9-mo monitoring period, exclusive breastfeeding averaged 35% at discharge and 23% at about 4 mo of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To synthesise the current evidence for the associations between breastfeeding and dental caries, with respect to specific windows of early childhood caries risk.Methods: Systematic review, meta-analyses and narrative synthesis following searches of PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases.Results: Sixty-three papers included. Children exposed to longer versus shorter duration of breastfeeding up to age 12 months (more versus less breastfeeding), had a reduced risk of caries (OR 0.50; 95%CI 0.25, 0.99, I(2) 86.8%). Children breastfed >12 months had an increased risk of caries when compared with children breastfed <12 months (seven studies (OR 1.99; 1.35, 2.95, I(2) 69.3%). Amongst children breastfed >12 months, those fed nocturnally or more frequently had a further increased caries risk (five studies, OR 7.14; 3.14, 16.23, I(2) 77.1%). There was a lack of studies on children aged >12 months simultaneously assessing caries risk in breastfed, bottle-fed and children not bottle or breastfed, alongside specific breastfeeding practices, consuming sweet drinks and foods, and oral hygiene practices limiting our ability to tease out the risks attributable to each.Conclusion: Breastfeeding in infancy may protect against dental caries. Further research needed to understand the increased risk of caries in children breastfed after 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This paper integrates clinical expertise to earlier research about the behaviours of the healthy, alert, full-term infant placed skin-to-skin with the mother during the first hour after birth following a noninstrumental vaginal birth.Method: This state-of-the-art article forms a link within the knowledge-to-action cycle, integrating clinical observations and practice with evidence-based findings to guide clinicians in their work to implement safe uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact the first hours after birth.Results: Strong scientific research exists about the importance of skin-to-skin in the first hour after birth. This unique time for both mother and infant, individually and in relation to each other, provides vital advantages to short- and long-term health, regulation and bonding. However, worldwide, clinical practice lags. A deeper understanding of the implications for clinical practice, through review of the scientific research, has been integrated with enhanced understanding of the infant's instinctive behaviour and maternal responses while in skin-to-skin contact.Conclusion: The first hour after birth is a sensitive period for both the infant and the mother. Through an enhanced understanding of the newborn infant's instinctive behaviour, practical, evidence-informed suggestions strive to overcome barriers and facilitate enablers of knowledge translation. This time must be protected by evidence-based routines of staff. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: In parallel with falling smoking rates, use of the oral moist tobacco product snus increases among women in reproductive age. We report an update on prevalence and effects of maternal use of snus and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during pregnancy and breastfeeding.Methods: A literature search of human studies in Medline, PubMed and EMBASE was conducted from September 2016 to May 2018, with stepwise screening of abstracts and subsequent relevant full-text papers for inclusion in Scandinavian and English languages.Results: Based on three studies, the prevalence of snus use in pregnancy was up to 3.4% in the first trimester and 2.1% in the third trimester. In 12 studies, we found increased risk of several adverse effects, especially preterm delivery, stillbirth and small for gestational age associated with maternal snus use during pregnancy. Knowledge on effects of NRT during pregnancy was conflicting and inconclusive in 10 studies. We did not identify any studies on prevalence or potential health effects of snus or NRT during breastfeeding.Conclusion: Few studies with updated data on the prevalence and adverse health effects of maternal use of snus and NRT during pregnancy were found. No studies during breastfeeding were identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Performing a frenotomy on tongue-tied infants is controversial, particularly with regard to breastfeeding issues. This paper reviews the literature to bring together clinical experiences and scientific evidence in this field. I found that some tongue-tied babies may exhibit breastfeeding problems, while others may feed perfectly. The literature suggests that medical breastfeeding-related problems should be the only relevant criteria to guide the decision-making for a frenotomy in infancy. The advantages and disadvantages of either a wait and see position or surgical approach are addressed.Conclusion: The cornerstones for best practice are the meticulous examination, correct diagnosis and classification of tongue-tied infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To update a previous systematic review and meta-analyses about the effect of breastfeeding promotion interventions on child growth.Methods: Studies evaluating the effect of any type of breastfeeding promotion intervention on child weight, length (or height) and weight/height (or BMI) were screened. Papers published between 2006 and 2014 were checked using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Lilacs and SciELO.Results: Sixteen studies were added to 19 other studies identified in the previous review, resulting in 35 studies. Meta-analyses of studies reporting on mean weight, length, weight/length or BMI showed that the interventions had no impact on weight or length/height z scores [pooled effect: 0.03 (95% confidence interval: -0.06;0.12) and 0.03 (95% confidence interval: -0.02;0.08), respectively] and had a modest, but significant, reduction in body mass index/weight-for-height z scores [z score mean difference: -0.06 (95% confidence interval: -0.12;0.00)], which was limited to studies from low- and high-incomes settings. For all three outcomes, there was important heterogeneity among studies, which should be taken into account when interpreting the results.Conclusion: Breastfeeding promotion interventions were not associated with significant changes in weight or length, but led to a modest, albeit significant, reduction in body mass index/weight-for-height z scores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biology of human milk and lactation helps understand the physiology of breastfed infants. The compositional and biological effects of human milk lipids have received considerable interest regarding their modulating effects on growth, metabolism and functions of the cardiovascular, immune and nervous system. Conclusion: This paper describes key aspects of a scientific workshop focused on current knowledge, unresolved questions and future research needs in the area of human milk lipids and their physiological effects in infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is strong evidence that using breastmilk substitutes disadvantages the infant, mother and community as a whole. There is also increasing evidence regarding the lactation process, breastfeeding inhibitors and enablers, and breastfeeding management options. However, there appears to be a gap between this evidence base and practice with breastfeeding rates being unacceptably low, especially following hospital discharge. This paper discusses barriers to the implementation of breastfeeding best practice using a framework of the research-to-practice pipeline: acceptance, applicable, available and able, acted upon, agreed to and adhered to. As blocks or restrictions to the flow of information or evidence may occur at any point along the pathway, researchers designing interventions to increase breastfeeding rates need to consider using multi-strategy interventions and target collaborative care across professions. Barriers to implementing evidence-based breastfeeding practices are common and wide ranging. These barriers should be considered when developing new breastfeeding services and research programmes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An international effort is underway to develop a new international growth reference for assessing the growth of young children, especially breastfed infants who appear to falter relative to the currently recommended National Center for Health Statistics/World Health Organization reference. While limited data from high socioeconomic status children from different parts of the world suggest that their growth patterns are similar, there is no comprehensive study of breastfed infants. The WHO Multinational Study of Breastfeeding and Lactational Amenorrhea provides bi-weekly weights and 2-4 weekly length measurements on breastfed babies from selected sites in Australia, Chile, China, Guatemala, India, Nigeria and Sweden. Multi-level modelling was used to analyse between-site differences in the growth of approximately 120 infants per site, after adjustment for maternal stature and infant feeding pattern. All mothers were literate and mean educational levels were well above national averages, but the study was not restricted to infants of high socioeconomic status. Maternal education was significantly associated with infant weight only in India. The growth curves of infants from most sites were strikingly similar, but relative to the Australians (the reference category), the Chinese babies were about 3% shorter at 12 mo of age and the Indians up to 15% lighter. The present results suggest that breastfed babies from reasonably well-off families in different continents show very similar growth patterns. However, it is important that the growth of children from South and East Asian populations be rigorously assessed in the process of developing the new international growth reference. This paper discusses the relative importance of environmental versus genetic influences in the growth of young children and illustrates the complexities involved in the analysis of growth data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a direct challenge to a paper showing that breastfeeding appeared to have a marked stimulatory effect on the size of the infant thymus. History of debate surrounding the organ; Thymic size in breastfed and formula-fed infants; Sonographic assessment of thymic size.

Aim: As part of a multi‐country implementation trial, we tested a regionally specific model of kangaroo mother care (KMC). Effective KMC was defined as ≥8 h of newborn‐caregiver skin‐to‐skin contact daily plus exclusive breast feeding. The study was designed to achieve ≥80+% effective KMC coverage at the population level. Methods: The Amhara KMC model was designed using global evidence, formative research in the region and input from government officials, clinicians, newborn families and global scientists. We optimised the initial model using continuous quality improvement with process feedback, outcome measurement and collaborative re‐design. Outcomes from the evaluation period are reported. Results: At discharge, the final model resulted in a median of 16 h per day of skin‐to‐skin contact with 63% effective KMC coverage. Fifty‐three percent sustained effective KMC to 7 days post‐discharge. Conclusions: It is possible to achieve high coverage (63%), high‐quality KMC at public hospitals without prior KMC services using government‐owned, multisectoral collaborative design. Targeted co‐design, real‐time data and customisation of KMC interventions with input from impacted stakeholders was critical in achieving high coverage and sustained quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Skin‐to‐skin contact immediately after birth is recognised as an evidence‐based best practice and an acknowledged contributor to improved short‐ and long‐term health outcomes including decreased infant mortality. However, the implementation and definition of skin‐to‐skin contact is inconsistent in both practice and research studies. This project utilised the World Health Organization guideline process to clarify best practice and improve the consistency of application. Methods: The rigorous guideline development process combines a systematic review with acumen and judgement of experts with a wide range of credentials and experience. Results: The developed guideline received a strong recommendation from the Expert Panel. The result concluded that there was a high level of confidence in the evidence and that the practice is not resource intensive. Research gaps were identified and areas for continued work were delineated. Conclusion: The World Health Organization guideline development process reached the conclusion immediate, continuous, uninterrupted skin‐to‐skin contact should be the standard of care for all mothers and all babies (from 1000 g with experienced staff if assistance is needed), after all modes of birth. Delaying non‐essential routine care in favour of uninterrupted skin‐to‐skin contact after birth has been shown to be safe and allows for the progression of newborns through their instinctive behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To assess the dose–response association between the duration of any breastfeeding and cognitive skills in children from 5 to 15 years of age. Methods: The data from the longitudinal cohort study Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (children born in 1999–2000 and 2003–2004) were accessed. Language skills were assessed via Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test at 5, 7 and 9 years of age (N = 8643), and non‐verbal intelligence was assessed via Matrix Reasoning subtest from Wechsler Intelligence Scale at 7, 9 and 11 years of age (N = 8560) and executive functions were examined via Cogstate Cognitive Testing battery in 15 years old (N = 6213). Breastfeeding was assessed via maternal questionnaires, partly prospective. Results: A longer duration of breastfeeding was significantly associated with greater language skills from 5 to 9 (0.05 [95% CI, 0.03–0.08], p < 0.0001) and greater non‐verbal intelligence from 7 to 11 years of age (0.02 [95% CI, 0.01–0.04], p < 0.001). No significant relation was found between the breastfeeding duration and executive functions in 15 years old. Conclusion: These results support a dose–response relationship between breastfeeding duration and language skills and non‐verbal intelligence during childhood and early adolescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We compared milk volumes, skin‐to‐skin contact and breastfeeding by the mothers of very preterm twins and singleton infants born at 28–32 weeks of gestation. Methods: This Norwegian longitudinal prospective comparative study was carried out in two neonatal intensive care units: one with single family rooms and one open bay unit. It comprised 49 singleton infants, 28 twins and their mothers. The mothers' milk volume and direct breastfeeding were recorded from birth until 4 months' of corrected age. They also answered the breastfeeding self‐efficacy scale and skin‐to‐skin contact was recorded. Results: The mothers of preterm twins produced doubled the volume of expressed milk at day 14, compared to the mothers of singletons (mean 816 ± 430 mL vs. 482 ± 372 mL, p < 0.05) and this difference was still sustained at 34 + 0 weeks/days (p < 0.02). Mothers of twins had their first breastfeeding attempt later than mothers of singletons (median of 133 h compared to 56 (p < 0.002). Preterm twins received less daily skin‐to‐skin contact (mean 157 ± 66 min each vs. 244 ± 109) (p < 0.001). There were no differences in receiving mother's own milk, exclusively direct breastfeeding or perceived breastfeeding self‐efficacy. Conclusion: Breastfeeding was initiated as successfully in preterm twins as singletons as the mothers' milk production doubled. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a survey of healthcare professional and parental experience in accessing support for breastfeeding during an acute hospital admission in the U.S. The topics addressed include details on the factors which impact on the parental experience of breastfeeding in a hospital setting comprising modes of feeding, maternal stress or anxiety, and access to support and equipment.

Aim: A number of studies have indicated the potential benefits that breastfeeding has on reducing childhood obesity, but few studies have evaluated the effect on adolescent obesity. We examined the association between breastfeeding and overweight or obesity at 15 years of age using data from a large nationwide longitudinal study launched by the Japanese Government in 2001. Methods: We analysed data for 26 164 participants with known infant feeding practices at 6 months of age, namely the duration of breastfeeding or formula feeding. Overweight or obesity at 15 years of age were calculated based on the subject's self‐reported height and weight. Multinomial logistic regression analysis adjusted the data for child factors, namely sex, siblings, birth weight and physical activity clubs and the maternal factors of age, educational attainment and smoking status. Results: Formula feeding was associated with an increased risk of overweight or obesity at 15 years of age. The adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 0.99 (0.89–1.09) for partial breastfeeding and 1.23 (1.02–1.48) for formula feeding, when exclusive breastfeeding was the reference category. Conclusion: Breastfeeding during infancy had potential benefits for overweight or obesity among 15‐year‐old adolescents. Our results provide further evidence of the importance of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To update a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the association of breastfeeding with overweight or obesity that had been commissioned by the World Health Organization. We also assessed the likelihood of residual confounding. Methods: Two independent reviewers searched MEDLINE, LILACS and Web of Science for manuscripts published between August 2014 and May 2021. Studies that only evaluated infants were excluded. Random‐effects models were used to pool the estimates. Results: The review comprised 159 studies with 169 estimates on the association of breastfeeding with overweight or obesity, and most of the studies were carried out among individuals aged 1–9 years (n = 130). Breastfeeding protected against overweight or obesity (pooled odds ratio:0.73, 95% confidence interval:0.71; 0.76). And, even among the 19 studies that were less susceptible to publication bias, residual confounding and misclassification, a benefit was observed (pooled odds ratio:0.85, 95% confidence interval:0.77; 0.93). Among those studies that were clearly susceptible to positive confounding by socioeconomic status, a benefit of breastfeeding was observed even after adjusting for socioeconomic status (pooled odds ratio:0.76, 95% confidence interval: 0.69; 0.83). Conclusion: Breastfeeding reduced the odds of overweight or obesity, and this association was unlikely to be due to publication bias and residual confounding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports on two male infants with abnormally high levels of serum triacylglycerols (>15.00&ThickSpace;mmol/l) and massive accumulation of chylomicrons. Pathological lipidograms were observed during breastfeeding only and were typical of a&ThickSpace;rare chylomicronaemia syndrome. Laboratory abnormalities were detected accidentally in the otherwise healthy infants. An unrecognized modulating factor in fresh mother's milk caused transitory decreased activity of hydrolytic complex for chylomicrons and very-low-density lipoproteins, probably due to a dysfunction of lipoprotein lipase. The normalization of lipidograms suggested that the catalytic activity of lipoprotein lipase rapidly recovered after weaning. Pathogenesis moved more towards an immune disorder, to the production of (auto)antibodies against a component of the lipolytic system. Mother's milk should be substituted with banked donor human milk, but this is not an unambiguous demand. Conclusion: Fresh mother's milk caused a decrease in the activity of lipolytic enzyme (lipoprotein lipase). The massive hypertriacylglycerolaemia quickly disappeared after weaning. Two infants with this transient chylomicronaemia syndrome were asymptomatic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We examined if a range of factors were associated with how ready mothers were for their infants to be discharged from a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a study on the well‐being of mothers whose infants were hospitalised in the level 3 NICU at the Jewish General Hospital in Canada. We studied 132 mother–infant dyads: 70 from an open ward NICU and 62 from the purpose‐built NICU with pods or single‐family rooms that replaced it in 2016. The mothers completed a questionnaire on NICU stress and their perceptions of family‐centred care on enrolment and another on breastfeeding self‐efficacy and readiness to go home a week before discharge. The infants' characteristics were retrieved from the medical files. Results: The infants were born at a mean age of 29.8 ± 3.1 weeks. Greater family‐centred care during early hospitalisation (p = 0.01) and greater breastfeeding self‐efficacy in the period before discharge (p = 0.04) were significantly associated with higher readiness for discharge. The unit design was not significantly associated with readiness for discharge. Conclusion: The quality of early family‐centred care and breastfeeding self‐efficacy were significantly associated with how ready mothers were for their preterm infant to be discharged from the NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Baby‐friendly Hospital Initiative for Neonatal Wards (Neo‐BFHI) is an expansion of the WHO/UNICEF Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding to address the needs of infants and families in all levels of neonatal care. The Neo‐BFHI includes Three Guiding Principles as basic tenets, Ten Steps to protect, promote and support breastfeeding closely following the original Baby‐friendly Hospital Initiative, and adherence to the International Code of Marketing of Breast‐milk Substitutes. In 2020, the WHO/UNICEF published recommendations for breastfeeding small, sick and preterm newborns that aligns with the Neo‐BFHI. Conclusion: This mini review provides a brief description of the content in the Neo‐BFHI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A biography of Professor Jan Winberg is presented. He was born in 1923 in Stockholm, and trained at the Karolinska Hospital in the city to become a paediatrician. He did research work on urinary tract infection (UTI) focusing on things like its diagnosis, the importance of faecal bacterial flora in it, and the promotion of breastfeeding by him. He also started a clinic that provided services for children with UTI.

Aim: Little attention has been paid to breastfeeding late preterm (LPT) infants. This study compared breastfeeding, worries, depression and stress in mothers of LPT and term‐born infants throughout the first year. We also described factors associated with shorter breastfeeding duration of LPT infants. Methods: This longitudinal cohort study of the mothers of singleton infants—129 born LPT and 277 born at term—was conducted at Landspitali—The National University Hospital of Iceland, which has the country's only neonatal intensive care unit. The mothers answered questionnaires when their infants were 1, 4, 8 and 12 months of age. Results: Mothers breastfed LPT infants for a significantly shorter time than term infants: a median of 7 months (95% confidence interval 5.53‐8.48) vs 9 months (95% confidence interval 8.39‐9.61) (P <.05). Starting solids at up to 4 months was the strongest risk factor for LPT breastfeeding cessation during the first year, after adjusting for confounders (P <.001). Their mothers reported more worries about their infants' health and behaviour during the first year and were more likely to experience depression at 4 months. Conclusion: Mothers with LPT infants are vulnerable and need greater practical breastfeeding and emotional support in hospital and at home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Breastfeeding has numerous advantages. Our aim was to investigate whether breastfeeding initiation and duration in women with pregnancies conceived through in vitro fertilisation differ from spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Methods: This is a comparative cross‐sectional study about breastfeeding behaviour performed at the Bern University Hospital including mothers of singletons conceived by in vitro fertilisation (n = 198) with or without gonadotropin stimulation between 2010 and 2016 (in vitro fertilisation group). They were compared to a population‐based control group (n = 1421) of a randomly selected sample of mothers in Switzerland who delivered in 2014. Results: A total of 1619 women were included in this analysis. Breastfeeding initiation rates were high, similar between the in vitro fertilisation group (93.4%) and the control group (94.8%). No increased risk of stopping breastfeeding earlier after in vitro fertilisation treatment compared to the control group could be found over the observational period of 12 months (HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.83‐1.20, P =.984). There was no difference in breastfeeding initiation or duration after gonadotropin‐stimulated vs unstimulated in vitro fertilisation. Conclusion: In Switzerland, in vitro fertilisation treatments were not associated with earlier breastfeeding cessation. This result is reassuring for mothers undergoing in vitro fertilisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author discusses the legitimate functions and affirmed benefits of breastsleeping which is beneficial to infants. It cites that sleep position, pacifier use, and drug or alcohol use are risk factors for the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). The article also presents epidemiological, laboratory and observational data as evidence that mother's presence and skin to skin contact with infants is not a risk of SIDS.

The breastfed infant has limited sources of vitamin K, as it is transmitted poorly across the placenta and is present in very low concentrations in human milk. The author of this paper reports a concentration of vitamin K in human milk (0.517 ±; 1.521 μ-g/dl) that is about twice the average of earlier reports (0.25 μg/dl). About half of the increased concentration (0.235 ±; 0.144 μ/dl) is accounted for by vitamin K2 (menaquinone) rather than vitamin K1 (phylloquinone); the latter generally thought to be more important in human nutrition. The significance of these findings is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aims of this systematic review were to first identify and summarise original research that compared symptoms of problematic feeding in infants with tongue tie before and after frenotomy and then evaluate the quality of measures used to assess problematic feeding. Methods: CINAHL and PubMed were searched for ((tongue‐tie) or (ankyloglossia)) and ((feeding) or (breastfeeding) or (bottle‐feeding)) and ((frenotomy) or (frenectomy) or (frenulectomy) or (frenulotomy)). Original research reporting on feeding before and after frenotomy in infants under 1 year old was included. Results: Maternal nipple pain, breastfeeding self‐efficacy and LATCH scores improved after frenotomy. Few data are available on the effect of frenotomy on infant feeding. The measures used to assess infant feeding were not comprehensive and did not possess strong psychometric properties. Conclusion: Literature suggests that maternal nipple pain, self‐efficacy and LATCH scores improve in breastfeeding mother‐infant dyads after frenotomy. However, current literature does not provide adequate data regarding the effect of frenotomy on the infant's ability to feed or which infants benefit from the procedure. Future research should utilise comprehensive, psychometrically sound measures to assess infants for tongue tie and to evaluate infant feeding to provide stronger evidence for the effect of frenotomy on feeding in infants with tongue tie. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Our aim was to describe the clinical features of mothers infected with COVID‐19 and examine any potential vertical mother to newborn transmission. We also assessed how effective the discharge recommendations were in preventing transmission during the first month of life. Methods: This multicentre descriptive study involved 16 Spanish hospitals. We reviewed the medical records of 42 pregnant women diagnosed with COVID‐19 from March 13, 2020, to March 29, 2020, when they were in their third trimester of pregnancy. They and their newborn infants were monitored until the infant was 1 month old. Results: Over half (52.4%) of the women had a vaginal delivery. The initial clinical symptoms were coughing (66.6%) and fever (59.5%), and one mother died due to thrombo‐embolic events. We admitted 37 newborn infants to the neonatal unit (88%), and 28 were then admitted to intermediate care for organisational virus‐related reasons. No infants died, and no vertical transmission was detected during hospitalisation or follow‐up. Only six were exclusively breastfed at discharge. Conclusion: There was no evidence of COVID‐19 transmission in any of the infants born to COVID‐19 mothers, and the post‐discharge advice seemed effective. The measures to avoid transmission appeared to reduce exclusive breastfeeding at discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for all newborn in the first 6 months of life, only 13% of Danish premature infants complies with this. This trial aimed to examine whether oral stimulation prolonged exclusive breastfeeding in premature infants. Method: A randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark between 2016 and 2018. Systematic oral stimulation was performed by the parents after training by occupational therapists. Primary outcome was exclusive breastfeeding duration with 6 months' follow‐up, analysed by intention‐to‐treat. Results: Included were 211 infants (53% boys) with a mean gestational age of 231 days, allocated in ratio 1:1 to oral stimulation or standard care. There was no difference in exclusive breastfeeding duration between infants orally stimulated and control infants. Thus, for orally stimulated infants, median duration was 122 days (interquartile range 40‐183) in contrast to 154 days (interquartile range 61‐183) for the controls, P value.16. At 6 months of age, 27% of orally stimulated infants were exclusively breastfed compared with 25% of controls. Conclusion: In healthy premature infants, oral stimulation performed by parents has no long‐lasting effect on breastfeeding duration. Attention should be directed to parental education and involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Child obesity is becoming a serious public health concern, and major research effort is being devoted both to understand its aetiology and to improve the effectiveness of prevention strategies. Early growth patterns, both prenatally and postnatally, are emerging as important markers of later obesity risk, with rapid neonatal weight gain a clear risk factor for later obesity and metabolic syndrome. Thus, in two distinct senses child obesity is a growing problem. The paper summarises current evidence on growth pattern and obesity, relating it to infant feeding practice and appetite regulation, and highlights the areas in which public health interventions are feasible. Of the conclusions drawn, one involves a futuristic solution to child obesity where neonates are given an infusion of the hormone leptin to reset their appetite regulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unlabelled: Infant-mother bodily contact is believed to be the species-typical pattern of immediate postpartum child care. Mothers and newborns engage in mutually beneficial interactions. Maternal odours stimulate breastfeeding activity and are implicated in individual recognition. Conclusion: Skin-to-skin contact and exposure to maternal odours facilitate infants' adaptation to the early postnatal environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with high rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission, morbidity and mortality in the general population. Evidence-based guidance on caring for babies born to mothers with COVID-19 is needed. There is currently insufficient evidence to suggest vertical transmission between mothers and their newborn infants. However, transmission can happen after birth from mothers or other carers. Based on the currently available data, prolonged skin-to-skin contact and early and exclusive breastfeeding remain the best strategies to reduce the risks of morbidity and mortality for both the mother with COVID-19 and her baby. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Breastfeeding is associated with IQ, school attendance and income. Despite the known benefits of breastfeeding, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding up to 6 months is low globally. We examined the effect of short-term breastfeeding on long-term IQ.Methods: In this secondary analysis of the prospective Cork BASELINE Birth Cohort Study, children were categorised as predominantly breastfed (n = 288) versus exclusively formula-fed (n = 254) at 2-months of age. Infants (n = 404) receiving mixed feeding were excluded. Outcome was assessed using the KBIT-II at 5 years. Multivariable linear regression was used to adjust for confounding variables.Results: Following adjustment for confounding variables, children, predominately breastfed at 2 months of age, demonstrated increased overall IQ (2.00 points (95% CI: 0.35 to 3.65); P = .018) and non-verbal IQ at 5 years of age (1.88 points (95% CI: 0.22 to 3.54); P = .027) compared with those never breastfed. No significant relationship was found with verbal IQ (P = .154).Conclusion: A significant increase in composite and non-verbal IQ at 5 years of age was associated with short-term breastfeeding. This study adds to a growing body of evidence that short-term breastfeeding promotes healthy cognitive development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Current care of very preterm infants in an incubator implies separation of the mother-infant dyad. The aim of this study was to determine whether skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between parent and very preterm infant from birth and during the first postnatal hour is feasible.Methods: Infants born in 2014-16 in Stockholm at gestational age 28 + 0-33 + 6 weeks were randomised to care provided in SSC with a parent or on a resuscitaire and later in an incubator or bed during the first postnatal hour. Infant body temperature was measured on admission to the neonatal unit and at one postnatal hour. Data on respiratory support and breastfeeding were prospectively collected.Results: We studied 55 infants at 32 + 0 ± 1.4 weeks (range 28 + 2-33 + 6), with birthweight 1760 g ± 449 g (range 885-2822). 60% were boys. Mean body temperature in the SSC group was 0.3°C lower 1 hour after birth, 36.3°C ± 0.52 (range 34.4-37.2) vs 36.6°C ± 0.42 (range 36.0-37.4, P = .03). No differences between groups were seen in respiratory support or breastfeeding.Conclusion: Stabilisation of very preterm infants can be performed while in SSC with a parent, but caution needs to be paid to maintain normothermia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Elevated total cholesterol (TC) and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) are risk factors for cardiovascular disease; however, little is known about their determinants in infants. We aimed to describe TC and HbA1c concentrations in infants aged 8-14 months and explore the relation between infant TC, HbA1c, breastfeeding, infant diet, and maternal TC and HbA1c.Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, mothers of infants aged 6 and 12 months were invited to complete a food frequency questionnaire and to take home-based dried blood spot samples from themselves and their infants.Results: Among the 143 included infants, the mean (SD, range) concentration was 4.1 (0.8, 2.3-6.6) mmol/L for TC and 4.9 (0.4, 3.7-6.0)% for HbA1c. There was no significant difference between age groups and sexes. There was a positive relation between TC concentrations of all infants and mothers (B = 0.30 unadjusted, B = 0.32 adjusted, P < .001 for both) and a negative relation between infant TC and intake of unsaturated fatty acids in the oldest age group (B = -0.09, P = .03 unadjusted, B = -0.08, P = .06 adjusted). Infant HbA1c was not significantly related to diet or maternal HbA1c.Conclusion: TC and HbA1c concentrations varied widely among infants aged 8-14 months. Infant TC was associated with macronutrient intake and maternal TC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the common methods of monitoring growth patterns of breastfed infants. Weaknesses of the National Center for Health Statistics growth references for infants; Influence of dietary formulas on infant growth patterns; Effect of ethnic variation on monitoring growth patterns of breastfed infants.

This assumed maximal maternal duty to benefit has unacceptable duties for the mother's self-ownership and well-being. 5 Lee E, Furedi F. Mothers' experience of, and attitudes to, using infant formula in the early months. [Extracted from the article]

The article provides an overview on various articles within the issue. Topics discussed include tuberculosis (TB) screening for refugees in Sweden in response to migrant health issue, bed sharing with infants promotes longer breastfeeding according to infant sleep researcher Dr. Peter Blair who also gives correct advice on bed-sharing, breastfeeding and Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and carbohydrates and fat content in breastmilk as factors to infant weight gain and body mass index.

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses the health effects of breastfeeding including less risk from malnutrition, infectious diseases and breast cancer among mothers, the health intervention of breastfeeding practices, and the disadvantages among children who were not breastfed.

Aim: To scrutinize to what extent modern ideas about nutrition effects on growth are supported by historic observations in European populations.Method: We reviewed 19th and early 20th century paediatric journals in the Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, the third largest European library with an almost complete collection of the German medical literature. During a three-day visit, we inspected 15 bookshelf meters of literature not available in electronic format.Results: Late 19th and early 20th century breastfed European infants and children, independent of social strata, grew far below World Health Organisation (WHO) standards and 15-30% of adequately-fed children would be classified as stunted by the WHO standards. Historic sources indicate that growth in height is largely independent of the extent and nature of the diet. Height catch-up after starvation was greater than catch-up reported in modern nutrition intervention studies, and allowed for unimpaired adult height.Conclusion: Historical studies are indispensable to understand why stunting does not equate with undernutrition and why modern diet interventions frequently fail to prevent stunting. Appropriateness and effect size of modern nutrition interventions on growth need revision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To explore the role of breastfeeding as a possible link between maternal and infant cortisol attunement across the first postpartum year.Methods: Mothers (n = 93) provided salivary samples for cortisol levels over a two-day period during mid-pregnancy and at three, six and 12 months and infants at six and 12 months postpartum. Breastfeeding status was established at these same time points.Results: Among breastfeeding mothers, positive correlations were found between maternal cortisol levels during pregnancy and at three months postpartum and infant cortisol at six or 12 months postpartum. Among nonbreastfeeding mothers, these same maternal and infant cortisol relations were inverse and less pronounced. Further, in breastfeeding mothers, the relationship between maternal prenatal cortisol and infant cortisol at 12 months was mediated through maternal cortisol at three months postpartum.Conclusion: These results suggest that maternal cortisol levels are positively associated with cortisol levels of the infant, among mothers who breastfeed. This relationship persists over a one-year period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of proactive telephone support provided to breastfeeding mothers of preterm infants after discharge from neonatal intensive care units (NICU).Methods: Between March 2013 and December 2015, a randomised controlled trial was conducted at six NICUs across Sweden. At each NICU, a breastfeeding support team recruited, randomised and delivered the support to participating mothers. The intervention group received a daily proactive telephone call up to 14 days after discharge from the support team. The control group could initiate telephone contact themselves. Primary outcome was exclusive breastfeeding eight weeks after discharge. Secondary outcomes were maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding, attachment, quality of life and parental stress.Results: In total, 493 mothers were randomised, 231 to intervention group and 262 to control group. There were no differences between the groups for exclusive breastfeeding, odds ratio 0.96, 95% CI 0.66-1.38, nor for maternal satisfaction with breastfeeding, attachment or quality of life. The intervention group reported significantly less parental stress than the controls, t = 2.44, 95% CI 0.03-0.23, effect size d = 0.26.Conclusion: In this trial, proactive telephone support was not associated with increased exclusive breastfeeding prevalence eight weeks following discharge. However, intervention group mothers showed significantly lower parental stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A medical report is presented on the Survey of healthcare professional and parental experience in accessing support for breastfeeding during an acute hospital admission. The article mentions about the advantages Breastmilk to infants and mothers as well as promoting the formation of the parental bond; and breastmilk should be the preferred choice of feed for infants, and with current guidelines from the World Health Organization (WHO).

Unlabelled: We conducted a literature review on the effect of breastfeeding and dummy (pacifier) use on sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). From 4343 abstracts, we identified 35 relevant studies on breastfeeding and SIDS, 27 on dummy use and SIDS and 59 on dummy use versus breastfeeding.Conclusion: We found ample evidence that both breastfeeding and dummy use reduce the risk of SIDS. There has been a general reluctance to endorse dummy use in case it has a detrimental effect of breastfeeding. However, recent evidence suggests that dummy use might not be as harmful to breastfeeding as previously believed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]