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Background: 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 pregnancy. However, breastfeeding rates are generally lower amongst this group of women than the general population. This review's objective is to identify the factors that influence breastfeeding by exploring the experiences and outcomes of women in in high-income health care contexts when there is a history of GDM in the corresponding pregnancy. Methods: A comprehensive search strategy explored the electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, Web of Science and Scopus for primary studies exploring breastfeeding practices for papers published between January 2011 and June 2023. All papers were screened independently by two researchers with included papers assessed using the Crowe Critical Appraisal tool. Findings were analysed using a narrative synthesis framework. Results: From an initial search result of 1037 papers, 16 papers representing five high-income nations were included in this review for analysis – the United States of America (n = 10), Australia (n = 3), Finland (n = 1), Norway (n = 1), and Israel (n = 1). Fifteen papers used a quantitative design, and one used a qualitative design. The total number of participants represented in the papers is 963,718 of which 812,052 had GDM and 151,666 did not. Women with an immediate history of GDM were as likely to initiate breastfeeding as those without it. However, they were more likely to have the first feed delayed, be offered supplementation, experience delayed lactogenesis II and or a perception of low supply. Women were less likely to exclusively breastfeed and more likely to completely wean earlier than the general population. Maternity care practices, maternal factors, family influences, and determinants of health were contextual and acted as either a facilitator or barrier for this group. Conclusion: Breastfeeding education and support need to be tailored to recognise the individual needs and challenges of women with a history of GDM. Interventions, including the introduction of commercial milk formula (CMF) may have an even greater impact and needs to be very carefully considered. Supportive strategies should encompass the immediate and extended family who are major sources of influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This paper outlines a pilot of a new memory aide for breastfeeding conducted in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria between April and August 2023. The United Kingdom has some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding, particularly in the Northeast of England, and as such more needs to be done to support mothers to breastfeed for as long as they would like to. Good support from health professionals can be effective in influencing decisions to breastfeed as well as helping to ensure initiation and continuation of breastfeeding but there is evidence to suggest that professionals and students do not always feel adequately trained and it is here, where memory aides may have value. Methods: Key breastfeeding practitioners and educators were brought together to select one of two memory aides for principles of attachment for effective breastfeeding. The selected memory aide, LATCHS, was piloted with 57 participants with a key role in promotion and support of breastfeeding in the Northeast of England and North Cumbria. Results: Participants conveyed mixed views about the proposed memory aide with more experienced staff reporting more favourable opinions than student midwives and early years practitioners. Experienced staff felt the new memory aide would complement an early memory aide, CHINS, which focused on principles of positioning. Discussion: Findings of the pilot indicate there is a role for a mnemonic to help practitioners understand, recall, and retain theory around attachment for effective breastfeeding and that memory aides can play an important role in complementing existing approaches to education and practice. The participants felt the proposed memory aide had some limitations and suggested important ways for it to be improved, particularly in adding an E to reflect the expecting wording. This produced the final memory aide: LATCHES. Conclusion: Using data from the pilot, the memory aide was refined, and the final version LATCHES agreed for wider dissemination. Future research is needed to understand the value of LATCHES on the wider breastfeeding workforce and whether any future improvements can be made to enhance its utility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, mothers have identified work as one of the main obstacles to exclusive and continued breastfeeding. The support a woman receives in her workplace in terms of workplace arrangements can be critical to enable women to continue breastfeeding. This study aimed to develop and assess the face validity of a practice model to support exclusive and continued breastfeeding in workplaces in the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods: An explanatory, sequential, mixed-method research design, was conducted (June 2017 to March 2019) in three distinct phases. Phase one employed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study design. Phase 2 used a qualitative, multiple case study. Phase three involved the development and face validity of a practice model to support exclusive breastfeeding in workplaces. The face validity included two Delphi rounds for experts to provide input on the draft practice model. This paper will only report on phase 3 of the study. The practice model was developed, drawing on the analysis of data from phases one and two and using programme theory approaches and a logic model. Results: The practice model was positively perceived. Participants viewed it as informative, well designed and easy to follow, even for those not knowledgeable about the subject. It was viewed as an ideal tool, if accompanied by some training. Participants were positive that the model would be feasible and most commended the tiered approach to implementation. They felt that workplaces would be more open to a step-by-step approach to implementation and if only a few activities are implemented it would be a start to make the work environment more conducive for breastfeeding employees. There were mixed opinions regarding commitment; a few participants mentioned commitment as a challenge they anticipated in the male-dominant environments in which they worked. The provision of space for breastfeeding at the workplace was also highlighted as a potential challenge. Conclusions: Advocacy around creating an enabling workplace environment for breastfeeding is needed. The practice model has the potential to be internationally relevant, locally applied and may be of particular use to workplaces that want to initiate and/or strengthen breastfeeding support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 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 breastfeeding remain suboptimal in many sub-Saharan countries, including Ethiopia. This paper aimed to estimate the prevalence and identify determinants of breastfeeding initiation within the first hour after birth and exclusive breastfeeding in Ethiopia. Methods: Data from the Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia project, a national survey conducted from August 2019 to September 2020, were used. The analytical sample comprises 2564 postpartum women and their children; data reported at baseline during enrollment and six weeks postpartum were used in this analysis. A multi-level binary logistic regression model was employed to identify determinant factors linked with initiation breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding. Results: Of the 2564 mothers, 77.8% of infants breastfed within the first hour of birth and 68.4% of women practiced exclusive breastfeeding at six weeks postpartum with significant variation across regions. In the multivariate analysis, mothers who had cesarean delivery were less likely to initiate early breastfeeding as compared to mothers with vaginal delivery (AOR 0.27; 95% CI 0.17, 0.41). The odds of early initiation of breastfeeding were higher for mothers whose baby cried immediately after birth (AOR 3.31; 95% CI 1.95, 5.62) and who had skilled assisted delivery (AOR 2.13; 95% CI 1.01, 4.48). Other factors that were significantly associated with early initiation of breastfeeding were obstetric complication(s), parity, immediate mother-to-baby skin-to-skin contact, immediate postnatal care and the region. Similarly, mothers whose babies had a good neonatal birth status (AOR 1.81; 95% CI 1.09, 2.99) were more likely to exclusively breastfeed their child at six weeks postpartum. Conclusions: Early initiation of breastfeeding and exclusive breastfeeding is sub-optimal in Ethiopia. Nutrition programmers should consider regional variations in designing intervention programs to enhance breastfeeding practices. Healthcare providers should give special attention to women at risk such as those giving birth through cesarean section and having obstetric complications during delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the many benefits of exclusive breastfeeding to infants and mothers, only 33% of Jamaican infants are exclusively breastfed up to the recommend six months. This study was conducted to identify factors affecting mothers' feeding choices focusing on barriers to exclusive breastfeeding of infants six weeks to less than six months old. Methods: A qualitative study consisting of four focus group discussion sessions was conducted among 22 mothers attending postnatal clinics in western Jamaica from May to August 2016. The transcripts were coded by three independent coders and content analysis conducted to generate themes. Results: Four themes were identified namely, perceived advantages of breastfeeding centered mainly on the benefits of breastfeeding for the infant and mother, perceived barriers of breastfeeding highlighting physical pain and fatigue, supplementing culturally acceptable complementary foods and herbal remedies, and cultural norms including perception of how breastfeeding affects a woman's body, societal sources of breastfeeding information, satiation of infants, and family and other support. Mothers overwhelmingly agreed that breastfeeding was inexpensive, allowed them to bond with their infants and was good for the overall health and intellectual development of the infants. They identified painful nipples, engorged breasts, lack of sleep, physical exhaustion and pressure to return to work as barriers to breastfeeding. Mothers named a number of complementary foods, such as pumpkin, carrots, potato, banana, and chocho (Chayote), that were culturally accepted for feeding infants in Jamaica and discussed herbs that were considered to aid in infants' nutrition and overall health. Other cultural factors that were noted to influence exclusive breastfeeding were mothers feeling that breastfeeding would help their bodies, especially their bellies, go back to their pre-maternity figure, sources of breastfeeding information in the society including the internet, belief that breast milk alone does not satisfy babies, and family and other support. Conclusion: Mothers in this study identified unique challenges to exclusive breastfeeding that if addressed, would help to increase exclusive breastfeeding so that the World Health Organization's exclusive breastfeeding recommendations can be achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breastfeeding is widely recognized for its potential to reduce childhood obesity. However, research investigating these benefits in children breastfed for a short duration (up to 6 months) remains limited despite this being a common practice globally. Methods: This study focused on a population breastfed for 6 months or less to determine the potential benefits of short-term breastfeeding for preventing childhood obesity. Data were collected from five survey cycles of an US-based population study (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)), spanning 2009–2020. A sample of 3,211 children aged 2–6 years was selected, including 1,373 never breastfed and 1,838 ever breastfed. Logistic regression analysis examined the direct association between short-term breastfeeding and childhood obesity. Subsequent subgroup analyses were conducted. Additionally, stratified logistic regression explored the relationship between childhood obesity and the introduction of other early nutrition in both ever-breastfed and never-breastfed children. Results: Overall, breastfeeding for 6 months or less did not directly prevent childhood obesity. However, among participants with older mothers (aged 35 or above), short-term breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of childhood obesity compared to never being breastfed (OR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.59). Similarly, children aged 3–4 years who were breastfed for > 3 ~ 6 months exhibited a lower obesity risk (OR 0.56, 95% CI: 0.35, 0.89). In ever-breastfed children, delayed infant formula introduction was linked to a lower risk of obesity (P-trend < 0.05: introduction at age ≤ 1 vs. >1 ~ 3 vs. >3 months). Conversely, for non-breastfed children, introducing milk (other than breast milk or formula) later (≥ 12 versus < 12 months) and introducing alternatives to whole cow's milk were associated with lower obesity risks (OR 0.54, 95% CI: 0.37, 0.78; OR 0.21, 95% CI: 0.08, 0.60, respectively). Notably, these trends were not observed in ever-breastfed children. Conclusions: Short-term breastfeeding may offer some benefits in preventing childhood obesity for specific populations. Additionally, it could potentially mitigate risks associated with the introduction of formula and cow's milk at inappropriate times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breastfeeding is the biological norm for feeding infants and young children. When mothers' breastmilk is unavailable, donor human milk (DHM) from a human milk bank (HMB) becomes the next option for small vulnerable newborns. A comprehensive cost analysis is essential for understanding the investments needed to establish, operate, and scale up HMBs. This study aims to estimate and analyze such costs at the first facility established in Vietnam. Methods: An activity-based costing ingredients (ABC-I) approach was employed, with the cost perspective from service provision agencies (specifically, the project conducted at Da Nang Hospital for Women and Children and Development Partners). Estimated financial costs, based on actual expenditures, were measured in 2023 local currency and then converted to 2023 US dollars (USD). We examined three scenarios: 1) direct start-up costs + indirect start-up costs + implementation costs, 2) direct start-up costs + implementation costs, and 3) capital costs + implementation costs over the 6.5 years of operation. Results: The total start-up cost was USD 616,263, with total expenditure on direct activities at USD 228,131 and indirect activities at USD 388,132. Investment in equipment accounted for the largest proportion (USD 84,213). The monthly costs of Da Nang HMB were USD 25,217, 14,565, and 9,326, corresponding to scenarios 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Over HMB's 6.5 years of operation, on average, the unit costs were USD 166, USD 96, and USD 62 for DHM received and USD 201, USD 116, and USD 74 for pasteurized DHM meeting specified criteria in the corresponding scenarios. Unit costs were highest in the initial six months, decreased, and reached their lowest levels after a year. Then, the unit costs experienced an increase in late 2020 and early 2021. Conclusion: Although the unit cost of DHM in Da Nang HMB is comparable to that in certain neighboring countries, intentional measures to reduce disposal rates, improve HMB efficiency, motivate more community-based donors, and establish an HMB service network should be implemented to lower costs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fathers can be a critical source of breastfeeding support for their partner, but little is known about what fathers would like to learn about breastfeeding. Partner's support and encouragement enhances mother's breastfeeding confidence and boost the capacity to address breastfeeding difficulties effectively. The aims of this study were to explore what fathers regard as important to learn around breastfeeding, and their current and preferred sources of information. Methods: A structured online survey was conducted, between September 2022 and November 2022, with fathers containing three sections: (1) sociodemographic variables; (2) perceived importance of 26 breastfeeding topics; and (3) sources of breastfeeding information. A convenience sample of expectant and current fathers aged 18 years or older, who were expecting a baby or had a child aged one year or younger, living in Australia, and able to complete survey in English was recruited. Participants were recruited on Facebook advertisement. Results: A total of 174 fathers participated in the study, majority (75%) were aged 30–39 years, current dads (74%), and university educated (69%). The breastfeeding topics that fathers perceived as the most important/ important to learn about were how to work with their partner to overcome breastfeeding challenges, how fathers can be involved with their breastfed baby, the types of support fathers can provide to breastfeeding mothers, what to expect in the first week and the benefits of breastfeeding. The most preferred health professional sources of breastfeeding information were midwives, child and family nurses and doctors. Among non-health professional sources of support, mobile app, friends and family were most popular. Conclusion: Breastfeeding information to enhance fathers' knowledge and awareness of common breastfeeding challenges, and fathers' role in supporting their breastfeeding partner, appear to be (most) important for fathers. Mobile app appears to be among the most preferred non-health professional ways to provide breastfeeding information to fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) in the first six months remains low globally, despite known benefits of lower morbidity and mortality among breastfed infants. It is important to understand factors associated with breastfeeding to support optimal breastfeeding practices, particularly in settings with a high burden of HIV. Methods: We analyzed data from a population-level survey of mother-infant pairs attending 6-week or 9-month immunizations at 141 clinics across Kenya. Primary outcomes included maternal report of (1) EBF at 6-week visit, defined as currently feeding the infant breast milk only, (2) EBF for the first 6-months of life, defined as breastfeeding or feeding the infant breast milk only with no introduction of other liquids or solid foods until 6 months, and (3) continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding at 9-months. Correlates of breastfeeding practices were assessed using generalized Poisson regression models accounting for facility-level clustering. Results: Among 1662 mothers at 6-weeks, nearly all self-reported breastfeeding of whom 93% were EBF. Among 1180 mothers at 9-months, 99% had ever breastfed, 94% were currently breastfeeding and 73% reported 6-month EBF. At 6-weeks, younger age (< 25 years) (adjusted Prevalence Ratio (aPR) 0.96; 95% CI 0.93, 0.99), lower education (aPR 0.96; 95% CI 0.93, 0.99) and recent infant illness (aPR 0.97; 95% CI 0.94, 1.00) were associated with lower EBF prevalence while women living with HIV (WLWH) had higher EBF prevalence (aPR 1.06; 95% CI 1.02, 1.10) than women without HIV. 6-month EBF prevalence was 26% higher in WLWH (aPR 1.26; 95% CI 1.15, 1.35) than women without HIV, 14% lower in women reporting mild or above depressive symptoms (aPR 0.86; 95% CI 0.76, 0.99) than those with none or minimal depressive symptoms, and 15% lower in women with versus without history of intimate partner violence (aPR 0.85; 95% CI 0.74, 0.98). At 9-months, WLWH had a lower prevalence of continued breastfeeding with complementary feeding (aPR 0.73; 95% CI 0.64, 0.84) than women without HIV. Conclusion: WLWH had higher EBF prevalence in the first 6-months, but lower prevalence of continued breastfeeding at 9-months. Strategies to support EBF and continued breastfeeding beyond 6-months postpartum, particularly among WLWH, are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the known benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, global rates remain below recommended targets, with Ireland having one of the lowest rates in the world. This study explores the efficacy of Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Work-Based Learning Groups (WBLGs) to enhance breastfeeding practices within Irish healthcare settings from the perspective of WBLG participants and facilitators. Methods: Employing a PAR approach, interdisciplinary healthcare professionals across maternity, primary, and community care settings (n = 94) participated in monthly WBLGs facilitated by three research and practice experts. These sessions, conducted over nine months (November 2021 – July 2022), focused on critical reflective and experiential learning to identify and understand existing breastfeeding culture and practices. Data were collected through participant feedback, facilitator notes, and reflective exercises, with analysis centered on participant engagement and the effectiveness of WBLGs. This approach facilitated a comprehensive understanding of breastfeeding support challenges and opportunities, leading to the development of actionable themes and strategies for practice improvement. Results: Data analysis from WBLG participants led to the identification of five key themes: Empowerment, Ethos, Journey, Vision, and Personal Experience. These themes shaped the participants' meta-narrative, emphasising a journey of knowledge-building and empowerment for breastfeeding women and supporting staff, underlining the importance of teamwork and multidisciplinary approaches. The project team's evaluation highlighted four additional themes: Building Momentum, Balancing, Space Matters, and Being Present. These themes reflect the dynamics of the PAR process, highlighting the significance of creating a conducive environment for discussion, ensuring diverse engagement, and maintaining energy and focus to foster meaningful practice changes in breastfeeding support. Conclusion: This study highlights the potential of WBLGs and PAR to enhance the understanding and approach of healthcare professionals towards breastfeeding support. By fostering reflective and collaborative learning environments, the study has contributed to a deeper understanding of the challenges in breastfeeding support and identified key areas for improvement. The methodologies and themes identified hold promise to inform future practice and policy development in maternal and child health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The European Region has the lowest rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months worldwide. Improving work-related breastfeeding issues is important given that women may have difficulties combining work and breastfeeding, especially those in precarious working situations, which adds to their adversity. This scoping review overviews research on the maternal employment characteristics that support breastfeeding continuation after return to work in the European Region. Methods: Studies published from 2013 to 2023 were collected from Scopus, PubMed, and PsycInfo. Quantitative and qualitative studies published in English or French that explored the association between maternal employment characteristics and any breastfeeding status, duration, or experience were included. Participants included were mothers of healthy children who continued breastfeeding after resuming work. The main determinants were work-related factors that can lead to socially differentiated working conditions, including type of employment (e.g., occupation, employed/self-employed status, type of contract, working time, occupational prestige), working conditions (e.g., work schedule, decision latitude, latitude to organize worktime), and work environment (e.g., occupational exposure, family-friendly workplace policy, social support). The geographic area encompassed countries included in the World Health Organization European Region. Results: Of the 693 single studies retrieved and screened, 13 were included in the review. Eight studies focused on combining work and breastfeeding, while the others had a broader spectrum by investigating breastfeeding determinants. The represented countries were Spain (n = 4), France (n = 4), UK (n = 2), Ireland (n = 2), and the Netherlands (n = 1). Results highlighted the heterogeneity of measures, time frames, and fields of inquiry, thus revealing a lack of conceptual framework regarding the links between work, breastfeeding, and social health inequalities. Nonetheless, being self-employed, working in a non-manual profession with time flexibility, having lactation rooms at work, being supported by co-workers, and having a breastfeeding workplace policy were salient factors that supported breastfeeding in working mothers. Conclusions: Supporting working mothers who choose to breastfeed is important given the myriad of adverse factors faced by mothers and their children. These results advocate for targeted actions at the workplace such as time flexibility, breastfeeding facilities, and the promotion of breastfeeding-friendly policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Remote forms of breastfeeding support, such as helplines and social media, offer a flexible and convenient form of support to offer help at critical points, e.g., when the risk of breastfeeding cessation is high. Currently, there is little known about who accesses different forms of remote breastfeeding support and what factors impact overall satisfaction. As part of an evaluation of the UK National Breastfeeding Helpline (NBH) (which offers breastfeeding support via a helpline and online media), we aimed to (a) understand who accesses different forms of NBH support, and (b) identify key factors associated with overall satisfaction for helpline and online media support. Methods: All service users who contacted the NBH between November 2021 and March 2022 were invited to participate in the evaluation via an online survey. Survey questions explored the type and timing of support, reasons for the contact, attitudes towards the help and support received, impact of the support on breastfeeding experiences and demographic factors. Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney tests explored variations in who accessed the helpline or online media. Multiple linear regression models were fitted to explore the factors related to the service users' 'overall satisfaction'. The quantitive data were combined with qualitative comments into descriptive themes. Results: Overall, online media users were significantly more likely to be younger, White, multiparous, less educated and have English as a first language compared to those who contact the helpline. Similar factors that significantly influenced overall satisfaction for both support models were the service being easy to access, receiving helpful information that met expectations, resolving breastfeeding issues, and feeling reassured and more confident. Significant factors for the helpline were callers feeling understood and more knowledgeable about breastfeeding following the call, being able to put into practice the information provided, feeling encouraged to continue breastfeeding, feeling that the volunteer gave the support that was needed, and seeking out additional support. Conclusions: Online and helpline forms of breastfeeding support suit different demographics and call purposes. While optimal breastfeeding support needs to be accessible, flexible and instrumental, helpline users need real-time relational support to deal with more complex challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The discontinuation of "Mother-Baby Friendly" accreditation, coupled with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, has contributed to reduced breastfeeding rates observed in parts of South Africa. Consequently, the Child, Youth and School Health cluster of the National Department of Health, with support from the World Health Organization and United Nations Children's Fund, organised a Mother-Baby Friendly initiative revitalisation workshop. Methods: Held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on June 29–30, 2022, the workshop brought together local and international breastfeeding promotion experts to engage on issues related to the revitalisation of the Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative. The workshop included presentations and group sessions aimed at setting expectations, evaluating the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, and developing actionable revitalisation strategies. Results: Inadequate monitoring of the Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative implementation and adherence to the Ten Steps was identified as a major implementation bottleneck. Participants identified steps ten (coordinating discharge so that parents and their infants have timely access to ongoing support and care), five (supporting mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and manage common difficulties), and two (ensuring that staff have sufficient knowledge, competence, and skills to support breastfeeding) of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative as the most difficult to implement. Step seven (enabling mothers and their infants to remain together and to practise rooming-in 24 h a day) was the least difficult to implement. Workshop participants identified the following proposed solutions to revitalise breastfeeding promotion: strengthening capacity building and mentorship, improving monitoring and accountability measures, and certification of facilities meeting the initiative's standards. Conclusion: Current breastfeeding policies and practices must be evaluated by the National Department of Health in collaboration with provincial and private representatives of the initiative to effectively revitalise the Mother-Baby Friendly Initiative. Moreover, an integrative monitoring framework must be developed through stakeholder engagement, role clarification, and ownership. While collaboration between the private and public sectors is required to promote training and communication within healthcare facilities and communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Healthcare providers play important roles in supporting breastfeeding. Although there has been insufficient actual breastfeeding support from healthcare providers in China, little research has been conducted to understand Chinese healthcare providers' perceived barriers to providing breastfeeding support, especially in rural China. This study aims to identify these perceived barriers to providing breastfeeding support in Northwestern rural China. Methods: This study was conducted during the period from March 2018 to December 2018. Forty-one healthcare providers were recruited through purposive sampling in two rural counties in Northwest China that are in close proximity to each other and share similar demographic features. Participants included obstetrician-gynecologists, midwives, nurses, "village doctors", and township and village maternal and child health workers. Qualitative data were collected through one-on-one in-depth semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. Transcripts were thematically analyzed. Results: Analysis of interview data resulted in four themes that the participants perceived as barriers to supporting breastfeeding: (1) lack of medical resources, within which inadequate staffing, and lack of financial incentives were discussed, (2) lack of clear and specific responsibility assignment, within which no one takes the lead, and mutual buck-passing were discussed, (3) healthcare providers' lack of relevant expertise, within which lack of knowledge and skills, and low prestige of village healthcare providers were discussed, (4) difficulties in accessing mothers, within which medical equipment shortages reduce services utilization, mothers' housing situation, mothers' mobility, and cultural barriers were discussed. Conclusions: The study identified HCPs perceived barriers to providing breastfeeding support. Unique to China's Tri-Level Healthcare System, challenges like staffing and financial incentives are hard to swiftly tackle. Recommendations include mHealth enhancement and clarified responsibilities with incentives and tailored training. Further research is crucial to evaluate these strategies in rural Northwestern China and comparable underdeveloped areas nationwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a reflex that causes temporary discomfort during milk ejection. D-MER develops due to the effects of hormones involved in lactation, and it has been reported that it is a physiological symptom different from postpartum depression, but the actual situation is unknown in Japan. Methods: This study was conducted using a self-administered, anonymous survey of mothers of children who had undergone health checkups at three years of age at five health centers in Kagoshima city and aimed to clarify the reality and perceptions of mothers regarding D-MER. The survey period was from May to September, 2022. The questionnaires were distributed to 389 mothers, and 216 (55.5% recovery rate) responses were received, of which 202 (valid response rate 93.5%) were included in the analysis. Results: Regarding the experience of D-MER, 202 mothers in the study population had given birth to a total of 403 children and experienced D-MER when breastfeeding 62 children (15.4%). Of the 202 mothers included in the analysis, 47 (23.3%) answered that they had experienced D-MER with at least one child while breastfeeding. Sixty-six mothers (32.7%) knew about D-MER. Compared to those who had not experienced D-MER, those who had experienced D-MER had significantly higher scores on the items related to having had trouble breastfeeding (odds ratio (OR]: 3.78; 95% confidence interval (CI]: 1.57, 9.09) and knowing about D-MER (OR 2.41; 95% CI 1.20, 4.84). Regarding symptoms, irritability (n = 24, 51.1%), anxiety (n = 22, 46.8%), and sadness (n = 18, 38.3%) ranked high. Coping strategies included distraction, focusing on the child, and, in some cases, cessation of breastfeeding. Thirty mothers (63.8%) answered that they did not consult anyone, citing reasons such as a belief that no one would be likely to understand their symptoms, and that they could not sufficiently explain their symptoms. Conclusion: The low level of awareness of D-MER suggests that it is necessary to inform and educate mothers and the public about the physiological symptoms of D-MER. Moreover, it is necessary to listen to the feelings of mothers with D-MER and support them in coping with their symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 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 month of age from birth to 36 months. The objective of this study was to obtain these estimates for three cohort studies conducted in a region of Italy. Methods: Breastfeeding data from three cohort studies carried out in 1999, 2007 and 2016, with follow-up to 12, 24 and 36 months of 842, 400 and 265 children, respectively, were entered into the downloadable version of the tool. Breastfeeding rates charts and tables with estimates of breastmilk production and value for breastfeeding of children aged 0–36 months were produced. Results: The rates of initiation of breastfeeding were similar in the three cohorts, while the rates of any breastfeeding at subsequent ages increased over the years. The volumes and values of breastmilk per child increased accordingly, from around 130 L (13,000 USD) in 1999, to 200 L (20,000 USD) in 2007, to 226 L (22,600 USD) in 2016. The percentage of lost breastmilk decreased from 67.7% to 55.4% to 43.7%, respectively. Overall, the 1507 mothers of the three cohorts produced an estimated 250,000 L of breastmilk for their children aged 0–36 months. At 100 USD per litre, this would add up to around 25 million USD. Conclusions: Our study shows that the Mothers' Milk Tool can be used to estimate per child volumes and values of breastmilk produced and lost at local levels, and to provide simple indicators of the effects of breastfeeding interventions using the percentage of lost breastmilk, where datasets on rates of breastfeeding by month of age are available. The results of such studies can be used to advocate for better and adequately funded programmes for the protection, promotion and support of breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: 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 is lacking. A qualitative evaluation can provide insight and knowledge about the partner's experiences towards a breastfeeding support intervention and thus contribute to how forthcoming breastfeeding support policies are designed. The aim of this study was to explore partners' experiences regarding breastfeeding while participating in The Breastfeeding Study. Methods: An exploratory, longitudinal and qualitative design was used. This study was part of The Breastfeeding Study, which took place in Sweden. The intervention was performed in line with the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. Partners in the in the intervention group (IG) were part of a structured breastfeeding support programme. An individual breastfeeding plan was established in cooperation with the parents-to-be during pregnancy, and the plan was followed up at the child healthcare centre. A purposive sample was recruited from March to December 2021. Interviews and diary entries from IG (n = 8) and control group (CG) (n = 8) during pregnancy and 2 months after birth were analysed by content analysis, in accordance with the COREQ guidelines. Results: Partners' experiences can be summarised under the main category of 'Striving to be part of the family and important that the family's everyday life was well-functioning'. IG partners experienced that both parents were involved and cooperated in the breastfeeding process and that guidance from healthcare professionals (HCPs) helped them to feel secure. CG partners experienced feeling excluded and not receiving support from HCPs. Conclusion: Both parents need to be targeted in breastfeeding support policies to meet the support needs. Midwives at antenatal care and child healthcare nurses at the child healthcare centre have important roles to play in providing structured breastfeeding support and a breastfeeding plan. Both IG and CG partners strived to become a part of the infant's life and to make family life work. Midwives should involve both parents in a reflective dialogue on how the partner can be involved, apart from just feeding the infant. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in ACTRN12623000648628. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]