Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
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Despite high rates of intention to exclusively breastfeed, rates of exclusive breastfeeding in Canada are low. Supplementation may begin in hospital and is associated with reduced breastfeeding duration. Research aim: The aim of this investigation was to explore determinants of in-hospital nonmedically indicated supplementation of infants whose birthing parents intended to exclusively breastfeed. ⋯ Elements of the hospital experience, self-efficacy, and attitudes toward infant feeding are determinants of nonmedically indicated supplementation of infants whose birthing parents intended to exclusively breastfeed.
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Detailed data on lactation practices by gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) history are lacking, precluding potential explanations and targets for interventions to improve lactation intensity and duration and, ultimately, long-term maternal and child health. ⋯ Additional research is needed to understand why women with GDM engage in different early lactation and infant feeding practices, and how best to promote and sustain breastfeeding among these women.
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Despite widespread use of epidural analgesia during labor, no consensus has been reached among obstetric and anesthesia providers regarding its effects on breastfeeding. The purpose of this review was to examine the relationship between labor epidural analgesia and breastfeeding in the immediate postpartum period. PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were searched for articles published in 1990 or thereafter, using the search term breastfeeding combined with epidural, labor epidural analgesia, labor analgesia, or epidural analgesia Of 117 articles, 23 described empirical studies specific to labor epidural analgesia and measured a breastfeeding outcome. ⋯ Other limitations were related to small sample size or inadequate study power; variation and lack of information regarding type and dosage of analgesia or use of other intrapartum interventions; differences in timing, definition, and method of assessing breastfeeding success; or failure to consider factors such as mothers' intention to breastfeed, social support, siblings, or the mother's need to return to work or school. It is also unclear to what extent results are mediated through effects on infant neurobehavior, maternal fever, oxytocin release, duration of labor, and need for instrumental delivery. Clinician awareness of factors affecting breastfeeding can help identify women at risk for breastfeeding difficulties in order to target support and resources effectively.
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In cases of pharmacotherapy, mothers are confronted with the dilemma of breastfeeding and giving up the medication or discontinuing breastfeeding in order to take the drug, thus avoiding any potential risk for the infants. ⋯ In the dilemma of the mothers needing drug treatment, health professionals play a crucial role. They should convey evidence-based information on the compatibility of drugs with breastfeeding and provide individualized treatments, tailored to the single mother-baby case.
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Suboptimal infant feeding practices, including the failure to exclusively breastfeed, are modifiable risk factors that affect multiple maternal and child health outcomes. Women who are overweight or obese prenatally are more likely to fail to exclusively breastfeed. In the United States, Latinas represent a high-risk population with respect to overweight, obesity, and suboptimal infant feeding practices. ⋯ Maternal prepregnancy obesity class is an important predictor of exclusive breastfeeding status at hospital discharge among overweight and obese Latinas. Future research should examine why in-hospital exclusive breastfeeding behaviors differ by obesity class to subsequently inform the design of breastfeeding promotion and support interventions tailored to the needs of Latinas by obesity class. Culturally appropriate prenatal breastfeeding promotion interventions emphasizing action and coping planning should be considered.