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Background: In the UK, approximately 8% of live births are preterm (before 37 weeks gestation), more than 90% of whom are born between 30 and 36 weeks, forming the largest proportion of a neonatal units' workload. Neonatologists are cautious in initiating full milk feeds for preterm infants due to fears of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). There is now evidence to dispute this fear. Small studies have shown that feeding preterm infants full milk feeds enterally from birth could result in a shorter length of hospital stay, which is important to parents, clinicians and NHS services without increasing the risk of NEC. This trial aims to investigate whether full milk feeds initiated in the first 24 h after birth reduces the length of hospital stay in comparison to introduction of gradual milk feeding with IV fluids or parenteral nutrition.Methods: FEED1 is a multi-centre, open, parallel group, randomised, controlled superiority trial of full milk feeds initiated on the day of birth versus gradual milk feeds for infants born at 30+0 to 32+6 (inclusive) weeks gestation. Recruitment will take place in around 40 UK neonatal units. Mothers will be randomised 1:1 to full milk feeds, starting at 60 ml/kg day, or gradual feeds, as per usual local practice. Mother's expressed breast milk will always be the first choice of milk, though will likely be supplemented with formula or donor breast milk in the first few days. Feeding data will be collected until full milk feeds are achieved (≥ 140 ml/kg/day for 3 consecutive days). The primary outcome is length of infant hospital stay. Additional data will be collected 6 weeks post-discharge. Follow-up at 2 years (corrected gestational age) is planned. The sample size is 2088 infants to detect a between group difference in length of stay of 2 days. Accounting for multiple births, this requires 1700 women to be recruited. Primary analysis will compare the length of hospital stay between groups, adjusting for minimisation variables and accounting for multiple births.Discussion: This trial will provide high-quality evidence on feeding practices for preterm infants. Full milk feeds from day of birth could result in infants being discharged sooner.Trial Registration: ISRCTN ISRCTN89654042 . Prospectively registered on 23 September 2019: ISRCTN is a primary registry of the WHO ICTRP network, and all items from the WHO Trial Registration dataset are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal nutrition during the post‐partum period (PPP) is important for optimal health. The aim of this study was to explore dietary habits, lifestyle patterns and barriers to healthy eating in post‐partum women. An online survey exploring eating habits, weight status, sleep duration, breastfeeding, nutrition knowledge, physical activity, provision of advice and barriers to healthy eating was completed by 228 women (56.1% were 25–34 years, mean PPP of 5.73 ± 3.31 months). A sub‐sample of 34 women (50% were 35–44 years) completed an optional online multiple‐pass 24‐hour recall. At 6 months post‐partum (n = 60), 72.3% of participants weighed more than their pre‐pregnancy weight (mean 5.56 ± 4.61 kg). In addition, while 60.8% (n = 107) of women had a healthy body mass index (BMI) pre‐pregnancy, this dropped to 46.7% (n = 77) in the PPP. Only 2.2% of women were meeting current UK physical activity guidelines and 73.7% were not meeting the 5 A DAY fruit and vegetable recommendations. Consumption of high calorie snacks and meal skipping were significantly higher during the PPP compared to pre‐pregnancy (P < 0.01). Meal skipping was significantly associated with poor nutrition knowledge (P < 0.05). Women who were breastfeeding had significantly lower BMI than those who were bottle‐feeding after adjusting for age of baby, education, socio‐economic status and BMI pre‐pregnancy (P < 0.05). Fatigue, lack of time and feeling stressed were the most common self‐reported barriers to healthy eating, and these were greater for women with low combined household income and those having ≥3 children (P < 0.05). Dietary analysis showed that women were not meeting the national recommendations for energy, fibre, iron and vitamin D. Diet and lifestyle advice given to post‐partum women needs to be tailored to different sociodemographic characteristics, pre‐pregnancy health status and baseline nutrition knowledge, with a greater focus on those experiencing more barriers to healthy eating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about bottle refusal by breastfed babies; however, an informal review of global online forums and social media suggested large numbers of mothers experiencing the scenario. This study aimed to explore UK mothers' experiences of bottle refusal by their breastfed baby in order to provide understanding of the scenario and enhance support for mothers experiencing it. A 22‐point online questionnaire was developed and completed by 841 UK mothers. Findings suggest that mothers introduced a bottle to their breastfed baby due to physical, psychological and socio‐cultural factors. Advice and support for mothers experiencing bottle refusal was not always helpful, and 27% of mothers reported bottle refusal as having a negative impact on their breastfeeding experience. When compared with eventual bottle acceptance, bottle refusal was significantly associated with previous experience of bottle refusal (p <.001), how frequently mothers intended to feed their baby by bottle and babies being younger at the first attempt to introduce a bottle (p <.001). This study provides a unique insight into the complexities of bottle refusal by breastfed babies and the impact it can have upon mothers' breastfeeding experiences. It generates knowledge and understanding that can help to inform practice and policies. In addition, a 'normalising' of the scenario could enable mothers, and those supporting them, to view and manage it more positively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Efforts to evaluate HRQoL and calculate quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) for infants less than 12 months of age are hampered by the lack of preference-based HRQoL instruments for this group. To fill this gap, we developed the Infant Quality of life Instrument (IQI), which is administered through a mobile application. This article explains how weights were derived for the 4 levels of each health item.Methods: The IQI includes 7 health items: sleeping, feeding, breathing, stooling/poo, mood, skin, and interaction. In an online survey, respondents from the general population (n = 1409) and primary caregivers (n = 1229) from China, the United Kingdom, and the United States were presented with 10 discrete choice scenarios. Coefficients for the item levels were obtained with a conditional logit model.Results: The highest coefficients were found for sleeping, feeding, and breathing. All coefficients for these items were negative and logically ordered, meaning that more extreme levels were less preferred. Stooling, mood, skin, and interaction showed some irregularities in the ordering of coefficients. Results for caregivers and the general population were about the same.Conclusions: The IQI is the first generic instrument to assess overall HRQoL in infants up to 1 year of age. It is short and easy to administer through a mobile application. We demonstrated how to derive values for infant health states with a discrete choice methodology. Our next step will be to normalize these values into utilities ranging from 0 (dead) to 1 (best health state) and to collect IQI values in a clinical population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Internationally, breast milk is recognised as the best form of infant feeding, yet in the UK, bottle feeding rates are among the highest in the world. Aims The aim of this research study was to investigate the relationship between socioeconomic, demographic, family-related, pregnancy and birth factors, and bottle feeding in the UK. Methods A secondary analysis of the Infant Feeding Survey 2010 was conducted and two time points differentiated: bottle feeding from birth and early breastfeeding cessation. Findings Results demonstrated that bottle feeding from birth was predicted by a range of independent social disadvantage factors, namely being young, single, unemployed, white British and poorly educated. Other influencing factors were the increased number of children, having a caesarean section, no underlying health problems post birth and having friends who bottle-fed. Early breastfeeding cessation was predicted by the same independent determinants except for working in intermediate or routine/manual occupations, having friends that mix-fed, and developing health problems post birth. Conclusions The context in which mothers live is a key determinant of how they feed their babies and that, for many women, feeding method is a consequence of their social context and not a choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Exclusive breastfeeding is the best start an infant can receive. However, in many high-income countries breastfeeding rates are low and this may be a reflection of social norms which in turn may be influenced by the media. This study therefore explored the portrayal of infant feeding in women's general interest magazines. Methods The five top selling women's weekly magazines in Britain and Ireland for 2013 overa 4-month period were included. A quantitative and qualitative content analysis was conducted for both written and visual content. Results In 58 magazines, there were 90 references to infant feeding with an average of 1.5 (range: 0-5) per magazine. Breastfeeding and formula feeding references were present in equal number and both were predominantly portrayed positively. There was only 1 visual representation of breast feeding compared with 11 of bottle feeding. Potential drivers for breastfeeding included its role in post-pregnancy weight loss and celebrity endorsement while family routine, the role of males in the house and concerns about adverse health effects were identified as barriers to breastfeeding. Conclusion An improvement in visual representations of breast feeding and factual information in women's weekly magazines may be helpful in re-defining social norms regarding infant feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Breastfeeding is currently strongly recommended by midwives and paediatricians, and the recommendations are based on documents provided by the World Health Organization and public health authorities worldwide. Research question: The underlying question is, how are non-breastfeeding mothers affected emotionally when informed that breastfeeding is the safest and healthiest option? Research design: The method used is an anonymous web-based qualitative survey exploring the narratives of non-breastfeeding mothers, published on Thesistools.com. The aim is to achieve qualitative knowledge about the emotions of non-breastfeeding mothers. Participants and research context: Participants were based in Sweden, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands and were selected through a purposeful sample. Ethical considerations: The online survey anonymizes responses automatically, and all respondents had to tick a box agreeing to be quoted anonymously in scientific articles. The study conforms to research ethics guidelines. Findings: Respondents describe how they were affected, and the following themes emerged in studying their descriptions: depression, anxiety and pain, feeling failed as a mother and woman, loss of freedom/feeling trapped, relief and guilt. Discussion: The themes are discussed against the background of the ethics of care and a theory of ethically responsible risk communication. Conclusion: Three conclusions are made. First, the message should become more empathetic. Second, information should be given in an attentive dialogue. Third, information providers should evaluate effects in a more inclusive way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gypsies and Travellers are known to have poor health status and access to health services, even in comparison with other ethnic minority groups. People from this stigmatized ethnic group are rarely consulted about their health needs or health service provision. Optimal infant feeding in the first year of life has the potential to improve lifelong health. Objective: The aim of this study was to explore mothers and grandmothers’ views on feeding in the first year of life, including the support provided by health professionals. Methods: Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of 22 mothers and grandmothers of English Gypsy, Irish Traveller and Romanian Roma ethnicity between November 2011 and February 2012 in a city in south‐west England. Results: Few women perceived themselves as requiring help from health professionals in infant feeding, as acceptable and accessible support was available from within their own communities. Roma mothers described a tradition of breast‐feeding and appropriately timed weaning, while English Gypsies and Irish Travellers customarily practised less healthy infant feeding. When mothers requested support, health service provision was often found inadequate. Conclusion: Exploring the views of Gypsies and Travellers is important to gain insight into the provision of health services for this marginalized ethnic group. This study has implications for policy and the practice of health professionals, in indicating the customary feeding behaviours of some Gypsy and Travellers, and highlighting areas meriting culturally sensitive health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Promoting and supporting breastfeeding is an integral part of the role of the midwife. These aspects of the role, however, can cause dilemmas and conflict for midwives. Conflicts arise from how midwives acquire their knowledge of breastfeeding, which if used inappropriately can disempower breastfeeding women. Promotion of breastfeeding can cause dissonance between providing informed choice and what midwives see as coercion. The issue of time can greatly undermine midwives support for breastfeeding mothers and the dichotomies between evidence-based practice and experiential/personal experiences can result in inappropriate care being provided for breastfeeding mothers. Midwives can overcome some of the conflicts within their role by gaining more knowledge of breastfeeding, learning the art of good communication and by reflecting personal experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A number of studies suggest that breast-feeding has beneficial effects on an individual's cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood, although the mechanisms involved are unknown. One possible explanation is that adults who were breastfed differ in their health behaviours. In a historical cohort, adult health behaviours were examined in relation to type of milk feeding in infancy. From 1931 to 1939, records were kept on all infants born in Hertfordshire, UK. Their type of milk feeding was summarised as breastfed only, breast and bottle-fed, or bottle-fed only. Information about adult health behaviours was collected from 3217 of these men and women when they were aged 59–73 years. Diet was assessed using an administered FFQ; the key dietary pattern was a ‘prudent’ pattern that described compliance with ‘healthy’ eating recommendations. Of the study population, 60 % of the men and women were breastfed, 31 % were breast and bottle-fed, and 9 % were bottle-fed. Type of milk feeding did not differ according to social class at birth, and was not related to social class attained in adult life. There were no differences in smoking status, alcohol intake or reported physical activity according to type of milk feeding, but there were differences in the participants' dietary patterns. In a multivariate model that included sex and infant weight gain, there were independent associations between type of feeding and prudent diet scores in adult life (P= 0·009), such that higher scores were associated with having been breastfed. These data support experimental findings which suggest that early dietary exposures can have lifelong influences on food choice. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

As part of a larger study investigating why mothers in a socially disadvantaged area did not breastfeed, a survey of local schoolchildren was commissioned to establish the views of future parents. Examining the attitudes of both boys and girls towards infant feeding, 81 pupils (60% female, 40% male) from Years 9 and 10 (aged 13-15) completed the questionnaire. The school pupils were asked to record whether they agreed or disagreed with a range of statements about breast and bottle feeding in general, with additional comments invited. The study showed that school pupils are aware that breast is best' but that this does not necessarily reflect future feeding intentions. Feeding in public was viewed as unacceptable and there appeared to be conflict between breastfeeding as 'physiologically natural' and bottle feeding as 'socially natural'. Differences in attitude towards infant feeding between boys and girls or between different ethnic groups were not apparent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How to cite this article Milton J. & King C. (2012) Cup introduction, drink type and vitamin supplementation in preterm babies at 11-25 months. J Hum Nutr Diet. 25, 148-154 Abstract Background: To avoid adverse effects of prolonged bottle use, the recommendations are that full-term babies are introduced to cups from 6 months and discouraged bottles from 12 months old. There are no recommendations for preterm babies. In the UK, the Department of Heath recommends the introduction of vitamin supplements, alongside the transition from formula to cow's milk. The present study aimed to determine age of cup introduction in a group of preterm babies, identify drinks offered from bottles versus cups and the types of cups used, and establish the prevalence and appropriateness of vitamin supplementation. Methods: A validated postal questionnaire was sent to the parents of 369 babies born <34 weeks of gestation at Queen Charlottes Neonatal Unit; 104 sent in 2003 and 265 sent in 2004-2005. The questionnaire was sent when the babies were calculated to be between 12 and 18 months (all ages stated are uncorrected). A separate questionnaire was sent for each baby from multiple pregnancies. Results: The questionnaire return rate was 46% ( n = 169). Length of gestation ( P < 0.001), hospital stay ( P = 0.009), birth weight ( P = 0.002) and maternal age ( P < 0.001) were significantly greater and more mothers were of European origin ( P = 0.036) for those babies for whom questionnaires were returned compared to nonresponders. Infant gender did not differ. Fifty-seven percent had been introduced to a cup before 12 months, distribution was: 58% ( n = 53) of singletons, 54% ( n = 37) of twins and 67% ( n = 6) of triplets. This rose to 80% before 13 months. Thirteen percent ( n = 22) had not started drinking from a cup and 17% ( n = 29) only used cups at the time of the questionnaire. Cow's milk had been introduced to 69% ( n = 117) of all babies and 32% ( n = 54) were still on formula (10 on both and eight were on neither; hence, the figures do not sum to 100%). Cow's milk was drunk from bottles by 56% ( n = 95) and formula by 31% ( n = 52). A significantly greater proportion of twins and triplets were drinking cow's milk compared to singletons [80% ( n = 62) versus 60% ( n = 55) P = 0.005] and significantly fewer were drinking formula [22% ( n = 17) versus 40% ( n = 37) P = 0.012]. Water was the drink most commonly given from a cup (80%) ( n = 135) followed by juice, which was given to 64% ( n = 108). Juice drinks were given by bottle in 16% ( n = 27). Fifty-two percent ( n = 88) used a 'spill-proof' cup some of the time. Vitamins were given as recommended in 18% ( n = 31), given even though not recommended in 12% ( n = 20), not given but recommended in 49% ( n = 83) and appropriately not given in 21% ( n = 35). A greater percentage of twins and triplets, compared to singletons, were not commenced on vitamins, even though they were no longer drinking formula. Conclusions: The present study reports baseline data on cup introduction in preterm babies both from singleton and multiple births. The data suggest that education about appropriate bottle drinks, timing of cup introduction, suitable cups and the correct use of vitamin drops is required. However, because the profile of responders differed from nonresponders, these results may not be applicable to all preterm babies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

brown a., raynor p. & lee m. (2011) Healthcare professionals' and mothers' perceptions of factors that influence decisions to breastfeed or formula feed infants: a comparative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing 67(9), 1993-2003. Abstract Aim. This article is a report of a study comparing healthcare professionals' and mothers' perceptions of factors that influence the decision to breastfeed or formula feed an infant. Background. The World Health Organisation recommends that mothers should breastfeed exclusively for the first 6 months of age and then continue to do so alongside complementary foods for the first 2 years and beyond. However, levels of breastfeeding in the United Kingdom are below the recommended targets. Low levels of actual or perceived professional support and understanding are associated with formula use. Methods. Twenty professionals working closely with mothers of young infants completed a semi-structured interview exploring the reasons they believed mothers chose to use formula milk. Twenty-three mothers with an infant aged 6-12 months also reflected on their experiences of milk feeding. The data were collected during 2007-2008. Results. Professionals described a range of influences on maternal decisions to breastfeed or formula feed including lack of knowledge, support and help with difficulties. These were strongly echoed in the reasons mothers gave for formula use, suggesting clear professional understanding of the challenges relating to breastfeeding. Although keen to give further support, professionals raised issues of lack of time and resources to support mothers. Conclusion. Contrary to maternal beliefs of poor professional understanding, professionals had a clear perception of influences affecting early milk feeding choice. Further resources and recognition are needed for healthcare professionals working with new mothers to enable them to offer increased support, with the aim of increasing breastfeeding duration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the 2011 guidelines from the British HIV Association and Children's HIV Association (BHIVA/CHIVA) for the prevention of breastfeeding-related HIV transmissions in Great Britain. It states that BHIVA/CHIVA discourage HIV-positive mothers to breastfeed, eligibles should be supplied with formula milk, and weaning period breastfeeding must not exceed six months. The Infant Formula Milk Scheme (IFMS) and the guidelines for seeking financial assistance are also discussed.

Background: To investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and socio-economic status as measured by the English and Welsh Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). Methods: Total 216 multiparous women whose youngest or only child was between 6 and 24 months completed a retrospective questionnaire study of infant feeding between birth and 26 weeks. Measurements included breast-feeding history; socio-economic demography and IMD. Results: Breastfeeding duration was associated with levels of multiple deprivation in both English and Welsh samples. Deprivation level and breastfeeding duration were associated with traditional indicators of socio-economic status. When considered in combination with other socio-economic indicators of breastfeeding duration, the deprivation level remained a strong predictor of breastfeeding duration over and above other socio-economic measures. Conclusions: Deprivation, as assessed by the IMD is predictive of breastfeeding duration. Postcode and thus deprivation level can be used as a non-intrusive way to identify women most at risk of low breastfeeding rates. Service provision can be targeted directly at women in areas recognized at being high in deprivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NHS advises parents not to use bottled water to make up infant formula feed, so parents face a dilemma when this is all that is available. Unfortunately, when they turn to their local healthcare professional, many are not given the correct advice. When mains water supplies are disrupted or there is a problem with water quality, water utilities make limited quantities of safe drinking water available, and one increasingly popular option is to distribute bottled water to affected households. Healthcare professionals regularly caution parents against using this for infant formula preparation because of its perceived unsuitability. This advice is usually given without recommending appropriate alternatives, leading to confusion and anxiety. Under these circumstances, there is a serious risk that parents will turn to unsuitable or unsafe forms of infant feeding. A review of the chemical quality of bottled waters readily available in supermarket chains established that healthcare professionals' concerns are not justified. There appears to be a serious deficit in the information provided by the NHS, and in the education and training of healthcare professionals. In order to protect the lives of infants, it is important that this is rectified quickly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer support for breastfeeding mothers has often been promoted as a way of increasing rates in communities with low breastfeeding prevalence, where there are few breastfeeding role models and a bottle-feeding culture predominates. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a peer support initiative, which trained peer supporters who then set up a support group, in an area of social and economic deprivation in South Bristol, UK. The effects of training on 6 local women were explored; the combined effect of peer support and the group on breastfeeding prevalence assessed; and mothers’ views on what they had gained from the breastfeeding support group reported. Focus groups were held with the peer supporters, who also completed questionnaires before and after their training. Questionnaires were sent to all mothers (35) who attended the support group over the first 5 months to ascertain their views. Breastfeeding rates were extracted from routinely collected sources for both the local area and the wider Bristol population (excluding the peer support area). The initial training increased the peer supporters’ knowledge about breastfeeding and their confidence in talking to and supporting mothers. The number of mothers attending the breastfeeding support group increased from 3 per week in May to 10 per week by September 2001. Mothers who attended the group particularly appreciated being able to talk about breastfeeding and getting consistent breastfeeding advice. Breastfeeding rates in the area for 12-months before and after the start of the peer support initiative showed a significant increase at 8 weeks (7%), which was higher than the overall increase in the wider Bristol area (3%). This evaluation suggests that peer supporters combined with a breastfeeding support group are an effective way of increasing breastfeeding prevalence in areas of low continuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An interview with five new mothers on their breastfeeding experiences in Great Britain as of May 2014 is presented. When asked on whether they are breastfeeding their babies, Chloe replies that she does it exclusively. Sonja notes that she just knew that she was going to breastfeed her baby. Natalie states that a midwife who came to her home showed her how to latch the baby and was very helpful about breastfeeding.

• Over 1 in 3 beef calves had a serum IgG concentration ([sIgG]) under 24 g/L at 1–13 days old. • 1 in 7 calves had a [sIgG] under 10 g/L. • Risk factors for [sIgG] <10 g/L included: assistance at calving, assistance with colostrum feeding and being male. • Risk factors for [sIgG] <24 g/L include: assistance at calving, with colostrum feeding, being a twin or born to a heifer. • On 1 in 4 farms, all calves sampled had a [sIgG] >10 g/L. Calves are born agammaglobulinemic and are dependent on the intake and uptake of immunoglobulins from colostrum for protection against infectious diseases in early life. Failure to absorb sufficient immunoglobulins in the correct timeframe after birth is termed failure of transfer of passive immunity (FPT). FPT has been defined as a serum IgG concentration ([sIgG]) of under 10 g/L in dairy calves, as [sIgG] over 10 g/L has been associated with a decreased risk of mortality and morbidity. In beef calves, a [sIgG] of under 24 g/L has also been shown to be predictive of increased morbidity and mortality. Currently there is limited data relating to the prevalence and risk factors of FPT in the beef sector. This cross-sectional study quantified [sIgG] in 1131 blood samples taken from beef suckler calves born on 84 farms in Great Britain in spring 2018 (mean 13.5 calves sampled per farm, range 3–22). Age of calves at sampling ranged from 1 to 13 days. The estimated prevalence of calves with [sIgG] <10 g/L in this study population was 15 % (n = 145 calves), whilst 37 % (n = 396 calves) calves had a [sIgG] <24 g/L. 22 out of the 84 farms had no calves sampled with [sIgG] <10 g/L. Risk factors predictive of [sIgG] were calculated using generalised linear mixed models, with farm included as a random effect. Calving assistance was significant and increased the likelihood of [sIgG] concentrations <10 g/L and [sIgG] <24 g/L, Odds Ratio (OR) 1.66 (1.05–2.62 95 % CI) and 1.91 (1.33–2.74 95 % CI) respectively. All three levels of assistance with colostrum feeding used in this study were significant for calves having a [sIgG] <24 g/L (Lead to dam OR = 1.85 (1.11–3.06 95 % CI), Bottle/tube fed dam's colostrum OR = 2.35 (1.29–4.30 95 % CI), Bottle/tube fed artificial colostrum OR = 3.78 (1.86–7.70 95 % CI), whilst bottle/tube feeding either dam's or artificial colostrum were also significant for [sIgG] <10 g/L, OR 2.66 (1.32–5.36 95 % CI) and 2.34 (1.09–5.02 95 % CI) respectively. Male calves had a higher likelihood for [sIgG] <10 g/L, OR 1.68 (1.12–2.54 95 % CI) whereas being a twin or being born to a heifer were predictive of having a [sIgG] <24 g/L (OR 3.31 (1.64–6.71 95 % CI), OR 1.57 (1.05–2.35 95 % CI) respectively). This study raises important questions with respect to management practices around calving and highlights the need for reviewing protocols with respect to colostrum assistance and calving assistance on beef farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractObjective: To examine how breast feeding and bottle feeding are represented by the British media.Design: Content analysis.Subjects: Television programmes and newspaper articles that made reference to infant feeding during March 1999.Setting: UK mass media.Main outcome measures: Visual and verbal references to breast or bottle feeding in newspapers and television programmes.Results: Overall, 235 references to infant feeding were identified in the television sample and 38 in the newspaper sample. Bottle feeding was shown more often than breast feeding and was presented as less problematic. Bottle feeding was associated with "ordinary" families whereas breast feeding was associated with middle class or celebrity women. The health risks of formula milk and the health benefits of breast feeding were rarely mentioned.Conclusions: The media rarely present positive information on breast feeding, even though this feeding practice is associated with the most health benefits. Health professionals and policy makers should be aware of patterns in media coverage and the cultural background within which women make decisions about infant feeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This section offers news briefs of interest to health care professionals in Great Britain and Ireland as of October 1, 2018. An NHS Scotland report suggested the rebranding of nursing as gender-neutral to attract more men into the profession. The iFeed Project, an infant-feeding website, is designed to help health visitors encourage breastfeeding and bottle-feeding parents to bond with their babies. Proposals were made for all students to study compulsory health education.

What should we be telling new mums about infant feeding? Paediatric dentist Claire Stevens offers some guidance based on the latest evidence [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown and social distancing led to changes to breastfeeding support available to women in the United Kingdom. Face-to-face professional support was reduced, and face-to-face peer support was cancelled. Anecdotal media accounts highlighted practices separating some mothers and babies in hospitals, alongside inaccurate stories of the safety of breastfeeding circulating. Meanwhile, new families were confined to their homes, separated from families and support networks. Given that we know breastfeeding is best supported by practices that keep mother and baby together, high-quality professional and peer-to-peer support, and positive maternal well-being, it is important to understand the impact of the pandemic upon the ability to breastfeed. To explore this, we conducted an online survey with 1219 breastfeeding mothers in the United Kingdom with a baby 0-12 months old to understand the impact of the pandemic upon breastfeeding duration, experiences and support. The results highlighted two very different experiences: 41.8% of mothers felt that breastfeeding was protected due to lockdown, but 27.0% of mothers struggled to get support and had numerous barriers stemming from lockdown with some stopped breastfeeding before they were ready. Mothers with a lower education, with more challenging living circumstances and from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds were more likely to find the impact of lockdown challenging and stop breastfeeding. The findings are vital in understanding how we now support those women who may be grieving their loss of breastfeeding and are affected by their negative experiences and how we can learn from those with a positive experience to make sure all breastfeeding women are better supported if similar future events arise., (© 2020 The Authors. Maternal & Child Nutrition published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Background: To protect children's right to optimal nutrition, WHO/UNICEF developed a Global Strategy for Infant and Young Child Feeding, endorsed by all 53 WHO/EURO Member States. The World Breastfeeding Trends Initiative (WBTi) is a tool for monitoring implementation of the Global Strategy. It comprises 15 indicators, ten referring to policies and programmes, and five to feeding practices. Each is scored on a scale of 10, giving a total score of 150 for Global Strategy implementation. To date, 18 WHO/EURO Member States - Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France, Georgia, Germany, Italy, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, Ukraine and United Kingdom - have conducted a WBTi assessment and produced a report., Methods: Between June 2018 and May 2019, all 18 WBTi European reports were carefully read and analysed by a group of national WBTi coordinators. Descriptive data analysis, including inter-country comparisons, was conducted using frequencies and percentages. This paper summarises the findings. The full 88-page report will be published on the WBTi website., Results: Three-quarters of 18 European countries have adequate maternity protection, and two-thirds have breastfeeding initiation rates of 50% or higher. However, 'Preparedness and planning for appropriate and safe Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) in emergencies' is seriously neglected. Breastfeeding duration is far below WHO recommendations, with an average of 8.7 months. Only three European countries have a budget allocated for implementing IYCF policies and plans, and a third currently have no Baby-friendly designated maternity facilities. Bottle feeding is prevalent, despite its inherent risks, monitoring of IYCF practices is inadequate, with most countries not routinely collecting data, and violations of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes are commonplace., Conclusions: European governments are not doing enough to protect, promote and support sound infant and young child feeding practices. Political commitment at the highest level and adequate funding are required to ensure optimal IYCF for Europe's babies. This report highlights worrying gaps, thereby providing governments, international organisations and other concerned parties with an opportunity to invest in priority areas and, by doing so, hopefully create a better future for our babies.

Investigates the factors attributing to the decision among mothers either to breast-feed or bottle-feed their babies in Great Britain. Influence of the knowledge of the mother regarding the choice of family and friends; Evidence of the skewing of the social class distribution; Importance of timing in the decision.

The article discusses how breastfeeding rates in Great Britain can be improved as of May 2014. Topics covered include the encouragement provided by support from partners and families, women's need for professional healthcare advice on breastfeeding, and the discomfort of women in breastfeeding babies in public. Also mentioned is the possible learning from breastfeeding practices in Norway.

This section offers nursing news briefs including the publication of the Formula Feed guidance by the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), the annual research award offered by Nursing Children and Young People and supported by the RCN's Research in Child Health community and the launching of the CAMHeleon website for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services which will help staff improve quality of life for children on wards.

The author reflects on the current use of donor breast milk banking in Great Britain. There are questions about the oversight of the banks and their practices as compared to the practices in North America. The author also questions the use and safety of donor milk in premature babies, given studies that show low weight gain compared to formula.

Examines the awareness of children at various age levels on the type of feeding used by mothers in Great Britain. Effect of less media promotion and education about breast feeding on the awareness level of children; Presumption of bottle feeding as natural; Advantages of breast feeding.

Examines the effects of solid foods on the growth of bottle-fed infants from birth to three months in Great Britain. Assessment on the benefits of solid foods to infants; Calculation on the rates of weight and length gains; Contributions of mixed feeding on hyperosmolar state.

Examines the attitudes of mothers regarding infant feeding in Great Britain. Inability to keep up with the intention of breast feeding; Reasons for the choice among mothers to bottle-feed; Essentials of careful advice and support for mothers deciding to breast-feed.

The article reports on the launch of a new baby starter pack for babies born with cleft palate in Great Britain by the Cleft Lip and Palate Association (CLAPA). The product comprises special feeding bottles, teats, and information for new parents. The packs will be given out for free once the baby has had a feeding assessment by a specialist cleft nurse. Feeding can be difficult and stressful until the baby is about six months old, when surgery to a cleft palate usually takes place.

The article focuses on the overfeeding of infants in Great Britain due to a delay in issuing new child growth charts by the World Health Organization (WHO). Mothers give their breast-fed babies more bottle feeding as they take resulting low growth rates as showing their children were underweight. A group of nutrition and child health experts concluded that the WHO study provided foundation for growth standards being based on healthy children living in conditions that achieved their full genetic potential.

Background: Increasing rates of exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life is important to ensure that infants achieve "optimal growth, development, and health" and could generate over £40 million in annual savings for the National Health Service. Interventions targeting young mothers are recommended because of low breastfeeding rates. Women's mothers have been identified as potential influences on whether women choose to breastfeed. This study explored health, social, and voluntary care professionals' perceptions of young mothers' attitudes to breastfeeding and the role of maternal grandmothers., Materials and Methods: Semistructured interviews were conducted with nine professionals working with young mothers. Thematic analysis was used to interpret data and identify key themes., Results: Professionals felt that prevalent attitudes among young mothers who bottle fed were that breastfeeding is embarrassing, deviant from the social norm, and detrimental to their social life and relationships but that women understand the health benefits. Grandmothers were identified as important influences on some women, and, in particular, concerns were raised that grandmothers sometimes undermined intentions to breastfeed by offering to bottle feed infants. However, potential problems with involving grandmothers in breastfeeding promotion strategies were identified, and more pressing issues were raised, particularly inadequate postnatal support for young mothers., Conclusions: Professionals recognize grandmothers as an important influence and source of support for many mothers but identified other priorities for interventions, particularly improving the level of support in postnatal care. Their ultimate focus is to build positive relationships with women and empower them to make informed decisions.

Focuses on the trend towards increased advertising for bottle feeding in Great Britain. Public perception of breast feeding and bottle feeding; Comparison of the benefits of breast feeding with bottle feeding; Costs of advertising for bottle feeding.

Objective: To evaluate compliance with the World Health Organization's International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes in primary care, after the introduction of strict local infant feeding guidelines., Design: An audit form was sent to all community-based health professionals with an infant feeding remit. Walking tours were conducted in a random sample of community care facilities., Setting: Greater Glasgow Primary Care Division., Subjects: (1) Primary-care staff with an infant feeding remit; (2) community health-care facilities., Main Outcome Measures: Contact with manufacturers of breast-milk substitutes (BMS) and BMS company personnel, free samples or incentives, and advertising of BMS., Results: Contact with company personnel was minimal, usually unsolicited and was mainly to provide product information. Free samples of BMS or feeding equipment were rare but childcare or parenting literature was more prevalent. Staff voiced concerns about the lack of relevant information for bottle-feeding mothers and the need to support the mother's feeding choice. One-third of facilities were still displaying materials non-compliant with the Code, with the most common materials being weight conversion charts and posters., Conclusions: Contact between personnel from primary care and BMS companies was minimal and generally unsolicited. The presence of materials from BMS companies in health-care premises was more common. Due to the high level of bottle-feeding in Glasgow, primary-care staff stated a need for information about BMS.