Current lifestyle and exclusive breastfeeding: an impossible balance?

427 women were included in this observational cohort study to determine the rate of exclusive (EB), mixed (MB) and artificial breastfeeding (AB) and the personal reasons and social factors influencing this decision. An initial survey was conducted within the first 36 h postpartum and a second wave was carried out 3 months after delivery. 55.74% (238) of the patients intended to EB, 32.55% (139) AB and 11.71% (50) MB. After 3 months, a high percentage in group EB (75.23%) maintained EB. The main reason for switching to AB was the absence of milk or weight loss of the newborn. In conclusion, EB is the preferred form for feeding newborns. When these women returned to their workplace, most of them wanted to continue with EB. Women with higher academic degrees chose more often EB.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known on this subject? The benefits of exclusive breastfeeding are well known. However, in modern western societies, it is not easy to combine breastfeeding with day-to-day activity. Work activity, age or previous parity are some of the factors that may influence the election of the type of lactation.What do the results of this study add? Exclusive breastfeeding is the preferred method for feeding newborns immediately postpartum and 3 months later. Work activity does not seem to influence or to switch the choice. However, the level of education could be a determinant of adherence to exclusive breastfeeding.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Assessing the factors that favour adherence to exclusive breastfeeding might be a useful tool to its promotion. This study warrants further multivariate analyses on the same topic and additional studies in other social contexts.

A trial of oral nifedipine and oral labetalol in preeclampsia hypertensive emergency treatment.

This observational retrospective cohort study was conducted to compare oral nifedipine and labetalol for emergency treatment of hypertension in preeclamptic patients. Time (minutes) and necessary doses were outlined to achieve blood pressure lower than 150/95 mmHg. In 14 patients with preeclampsia, 55 hypertensive emergencies were identified (BP >150/95). Of these emergencies, 43 were treated with oral nifedipine 10 mg (10 patients) and 12 with oral labetalol 100 mg (4 patients). To achieve a target blood pressure under 150/95, these doses were repeated as necessary every 20 min, up to a maximum of 4 doses. Oral nifedipine reduced BP more rapidly (31.30 vs. 53.50 min, p = .03). No maternal or foetal adverse events were observed and no major differences were found according to the type of delivery. Oral nifedipine is faster than and at least as safe as labetalol in pre-eclampsia hypertensive emergency treatment.