Breastfeeding medicine : the official journal of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
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Oxytocin and prolactin stimulate milk ejection and milk production during breastfeeding. The aim of the present study was to make a detailed analysis of maternal release of oxytocin and prolactin in response to breastfeeding during the second day postpartum in mothers who had received oxytocin either intravenously for stimulation of labor or intramuscularly for prevention of postpartum hemorrhage and/or epidural analgesia or those who had received no such treatment in connection with birth. ⋯ Oxytocin, released in a pulsatile way, and prolactin were released by breastfeeding during the second day postpartum. Oxytocin infusion decreased endogenous oxytocin levels dose-dependently. Furthermore, oxytocin infusion facilitated the release of prolactin. Epidural analgesia in combination with oxytocin infusion influenced endogenous oxytocin levels negatively.
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The objective was to evaluate implementation of the WHO/UNICEF "Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding" as defined by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in eight maternity hospitals in the Moscow region. Four maternity hospitals had been certified Baby- Friendly Hospitals (BFHs), the experimental group; and four maternity hospitals Not-as-Yet Baby Friendly, the control group (NBFHs). ⋯ BFH practices can increase breastfeeding rates as well as maternal satisfaction. However, shortcomings in the training and support for mothers, and limited help of the medical personnel were noted. It is recommended that BFHs pay attention to maintaining adherence to the criteria of the 10 steps of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative. Since 2003 to control the implementation of the Baby Friendly Initiative principles and sustain the progress in the hospitals designated as Baby Friendly reassessment of maternity hospitals is held in Russia in conformity with the requirements of WHO and UNICEF.