Factors associated with postpartum depression symptoms among postpartum women in five countries during the COVID-19 pandemic: an online cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine factors associated with postpartum depression (PPD) symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among postpartum women in five countries, a subject that has not been investigated thus far. METHODS: A multi-country, cross-sectional, online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 3,523 postpartum women in Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and the United Kingdom, from July to November 2021. Sociodemographic and obstetric data, food insecurity, COVID-19 positive status, COVID-19 vaccination, infant feeding, breastfeeding belief score, and social support were investigated. PPD and social support were measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and Maternal Social Support Scale, respectively. Descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests, and t-tests were used to identify associations with PPD symptoms. A binary logistic regression model was used to identify explanatory factors associated with PPD and adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. RESULTS: Women in Taiwan (AOR = 0.5; 95%CI 0.34, 0.73) and Thailand (AOR = 0.68; 95%CI 0.46, 0.99) had a lower risk of PPD symptoms than those in Brazil. In addition, women with planned pregnancies had a lower risk of PPD (AOR = 0.74; 95%CI 0.60, 0.91). Younger women (AOR = 1.62; 95%CI 1.05, 2.51), health problems during pregnancy, delivery, or postpartum (AOR = 1.71; 95%CI 1.42, 2.06), and no change or worse food insecurity during COVID-19 (AOR = 1.66; 95%CI 1.21, 1.27 for no change and AOR = 1.68; 95%CI 1.27, 1.23, respectively) presented a higher likelihood of having PPD. Feeding babies with expressed human milk (AOR = 1.25; 95%CI 1.03, 1.50) and/or complementary food (AOR = 1.51; 95%CI 1.17, 1.94) were associated with PPD symptoms. Women who received low (AOR = 7.74; 95%CI 5.43, 11.03) or medium support (AOR = 3.25; 95%CI 2.71, 3.88) had higher likelihoods of PPD. CONCLUSION: PPD symptoms during the pandemic were high in young women, particularly Brazilian women, with health problems in the puerperal pregnancy cycle who fed their babies expressed breast milk and/or complementary food. Low social support also impacted PPD symptoms. This study highlights the need for the professional screening for PPD and provision of virtual or personal support.

Protective measures feasibility for infants of low income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers: a prospective multicenter cohort study.

AIM: The aim was to evaluate the feasibility of protective measures for infants of low-income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers. BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding mothers with SARS-CoV-2 positive should avoid exposing the infant through protective measures (PM), but it could be challenging in a low-income population. METHODS: A prospective, multicenter study was conducted between July and October 2020 (BRACOVID). The participants were recruited at birth and interviewed through a structured questionnaire at seven and 14 days in the home environment. The feasibility of PM during breastfeeding at home was defined by guidelines recommendations (mask using, handwashing, and distancing from newborn when not breastfeeding). Three groups according to the feasibility of guidelines: complete guidelines feasibility (CG): all PM; partial guidelines feasibility (PG): at least one PM feasible; no guidelines (NG): infeasibility to all of PM. Flu-like neonatal symptoms, mothers' breastfeeding practices. We evaluated the association between PM feasibility and socioeconomic factors. RESULTS: 117 infected mothers from 17 Brazilian hospitals were enrolled. 47 (40%) mothers followed all recommendations, 14 (11.9%) could not practice at least one recommendation, and 50 (42.7%) did not execute any of them. The breastfeeding rate was 98%. Factors associated with infeasibility were monthly family income < 92.7 dollars/person, high housing density (>1 inhabitant/room), teenage mothers, responsive feeding, and poor schooling. Regarding infants' flu-like symptoms, 5% presented symptoms at fourteen days (NG group). CONCLUSION: The guidelines were not applied to infants of SARs-CoV-positive mothers in 54.6% of the dyads since the recommendations were unviable in their environments. During pandemics, we should look for feasible and effective guidelines to protect neonates from low-income populations. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: Poor socioeconomic conditions lead to the unfeasibility of protective measures for infants of low-income SARS-CoV-2 positive breastfeeding mothers during the isolation period in the pandemics. The orientations and the support provided to dyad should consider the socioeconomic factors to guide feasible measures in the home environment and promote adequate protections; only an individual approach will allow a safe environment for low-income infants.

The effect of a single irradiation of low-level laser on nipple pain in breastfeeding women: a randomized controlled trial.

Photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy (PBM-LLLT) has been introduced as a new tool to relieve nipple pain and repair nipple damage in breastfeeding women; however, evidence is needed to assess its effectiveness. The aim was to evaluate the effect of a single application of PBM-LLLT for breastfeeding women with nipple pain and damage; side effects were also collected. We conducted a randomized double-blinded controlled trial with women with nipple damage who were exclusively breastfeeding and rooming-in at Amparo Maternal maternity service, São Paulo, Brazil (May 2016 to May 2017). Women were randomly assigned into laser (n = 40) or control group (n = 40). Intervention was a single irradiation (660 nm, 100 mW, 2 J, 66.66 J/cm2, 3.3 W/cm2, 20 s of irradiation, punctual, and continuous mode) applied directly. Women reported pain levels at recruitment (before and immediately after irradiation), 6 and 24 h after the treatment. Pain level during a breastfeed was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (0 to 10). The primary outcome was the level of nipple pain immediately after the laser irradiation. Data were analyzed using hierarchical model and Wald test. At baseline, pain levels were similar (mean of 7.4 in laser group and 7.1 in control group). Women's perception of pain reduced approximately one point in both groups. Thirty-one percent of participants in the laser group (11/36) reported secondary effects, such as tingling (10/36) and pricking (2/36). The laser protocol of a single application was not effective in reducing pain in women with damaged nipples. Tingling sensation may be experienced by women receiving laser treatment for nipple damage.

Measurement tools and intensity of nipple pain among women with or without damaged nipples: A quantitative systematic review.

AIMS: To describe and evaluate pain scales used to measure nipple pain in breastfeeding women and to identify nipple pain intensity in women with or without nipple damage. BACKGROUND: Nipple pain is one of the most common reasons given for premature cessation of breastfeeding. However, there are no agreed tools to measure pain and no previous reviews have provided summary estimates of pain scores. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Medline, CINAHL, Scopus, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS. REVIEW METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. The guiding question was: How is nipple pain in breastfeeding women measured and how severe is it? We analysed articles published up to February 2018, excluded review articles and those that did not present the level of nipple pain or tools to estimate pain severity. RESULTS: A total of 1,023 articles were identified and 25 were included in the review after applying the exclusion criteria. The Numeric Rating Scale (nine studies) and Visual Analogue Scale (seven studies) were the most prevalent tools for measuring pain. Using a pain score between 0-10, women with nipple damage reported a weighted mean of 6.2 in the first week and 5.8 after that period; women without damage reported a weighted mean of 2.7. CONCLUSION: Women with nipple damage consistently reported a higher level of pain than women without damage. To prevent premature cessation of breastfeeding, it is important to help new mothers avoid nipple damage.

Factors associated to breast implants and breastfeeding. / Fatores associados à mamoplastia de aumento e o aleitamento materno.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the association between the surgical characteristics of breast implants, time elapsed since surgery, access route, implant placement and implanted volume and variables related to breastfeeding, type, first 'milk let-down', breast engorgement, pain, lesion, milk production and use of galactagogues. METHOD: A prospective cohort carried out during the hospital stay (12 to 72 hours after delivery), home care (5thto 7thday after delivery) and telephone contact (between the 30thand 32ndday postpartum) of 115 postpartum women with breast implants between 2015 and 2017. RESULTS: The first evaluation identified more frequent use of oral galactagogues (p=0.029) by puerperal women with prepectoral implants, and of oxytocin spray by those with implants up to 270 ml (p=0.040). The second evaluation showed a higher pain score among those with prepectoral implants (p=0.046). Around the 30thday postpartum, the presence of nipple lesion (p=0.021), pain (p=0.025) and a higher pain score (p=0.039) was more frequent among those with mammoplasty performed less than 10 years ago. CONCLUSION: The presence of pain and a higher pain score, the occurrence of lesion and the use of oral and nasal galactagogues were associated with implant placement, implant size and time elapsed since surgery.

Breastfeeding assessment instruments and their use in clinical practice. / Instrumentos de avaliação do aleitamento materno e seu uso na prática clínica.

OBJECTIVES: To identify breastfeeding assessment tools, their application in clinical practice, and their validation and cross-cultural adaptation. METHOD: This is an integrative review of literature obtained from six databases and an online library, conducted from August 2014 to December 2015, without a temporal delimitation. RESULTS: We identified 19 assessment tools, of which 12 were validated and five were cross-culturally adapted. In terms of adaptation, the tools were used to assess the risk of early weaning (BAPT) and the perception/behaviour of mothers during nursing (BSES-SF and IIFAS). CONCLUSIONS: The identification of the available instruments and their indications for breastfeeding assessments can help health workers choose the ideal instrument, and qualify maternal and child care.

Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Relieving Nipple Pain in Breastfeeding Women: A Triple-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

Pain accruing from nipple lesions caused by inadequate latching by the baby is a common complaint among breastfeeding women and an important obstacle to successful breastfeeding. Nipple pain occurs during the first days after delivery and is considered one of the main causes for early weaning. To investigate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy as a treatment for nipple pain due to breastfeeding. A triple-blind, randomized, clinical study. A university-affiliated hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. Fifty-nine women with nipple lesions at the time of their admission. Thirty women (intervention group) received three sessions of laser therapy (InGaAIP laser, 660 nanometer, 40 milliwatts of power, 5 Joules per square centimeter of energy density for 5 seconds each, total energy = 0.6 Joules) in the region of the nipples at three different points in time (0 hour, 24 hours, and 48 hours after diagnosis of nipple lesion). Twenty-nine women with similar clinical conditions were randomly assigned to the control group. Self-reported pain was recorded before and after laser therapy using a visual analogue scale. The intervention group experienced a decrease of 2.0 centimeters in intensity of pain (p = .016) 24 hours after the first intervention and also presented lower levels of pain compared with the control group. Low-level laser therapy was considered effective for treating nipple lesions in breastfeeding women with pain, providing relief and prolonging exclusive breastfeeding. More clinical trials with different laser dosimetry and parameters are necessary to optimize laser therapy protocols for breastfeeding women.

[Injuries resulted from breastfeeding: a new approach to a known problem]. / Lesões mamilares decorrentes da amamentação: um novo olhar para um conhecido problema.

This study aimed at analyzing nipple trauma resulted from breastfeeding based on dermatological approach. Two integrative reviews of literature were conducted, the first related to definitions, classification and evaluation methods of nipple trauma and another about validation studies related to this theme. In the first part were included 20 studies and only one third defined nipple trauma, more than half did not defined the nipple's injuries reported, and each author showed a particular way to assess the injuries, without consensus. In the second integrative review, no validation study or algorithm related to nipple trauma resulted from breastfeeding was found. This fact demonstrated that the nipple's injuries mentioned in the first review did not go through validation studies, justifying the lack of consensus identified as far as definition, classification and assessment methods of nipple trauma.

Temperature curve of raw human milk heated by different methods: experimental study.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temperature curve of raw or pasteurized human milk exposed to different heating methods. METHOD: Experiments with volumes of 5 ml to 100 ml of human milk were carried out between 2016 and 2021 and analyzed according to the exposure time by different heating methods. Descriptive statistics included the calculation of means, medians, minimum and maximum values, measures of dispersion and standard deviation. RESULTS: The thermal curve made it possible to identify the heating of human milk close to body temperature when subjected to a water bath and microwaves. Milk exposed to room temperature (21°C) was unable to reach this temperature. When heated in a water bath at 40°C, smaller volumes reached body temperature between 3 and 5 minutes, while in a microwave at 50% power, practically all volumes reached temperature. CONCLUSION: The temperature curves of raw or pasteurized human milk were constructed, and it was possible to verify its behavior using different heating methods for administering the food in a neonatal intensive care unit, considering the volume, type and time of heating and temperature.

Sex-Dependent Variations in Hypothalamic Fatty Acid Profile and Neuropeptides in Offspring Exposed to Maternal Obesity and High-Fat Diet.

Maternal obesity and/or high-fat diet (HF) consumption can disrupt appetite regulation in their offspring, contributing to transgenerational obesity and metabolic diseases. As fatty acids (FAs) play a role in appetite regulation, we investigated the maternal and fetal levels of FAs as potential contributors to programmed hyperphagia observed in the offspring of obese dams. Female mice were fed either a control diet (CT) or HF prior to mating, and fetal and maternal blood and tissues were collected at 19 days of gestation. Elevated levels of linoleic acid were observed in the serum of HF dams as well as in the serum of their fetuses. An increased concentration of eicosadienoic acid was also detected in the hypothalamus of female HF-O fetuses. HF-O male fetuses showed increased hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (Npy) gene expression, while HF-O female fetuses showed decreased hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) protein content. Both male and female fetuses exhibited reduced hypothalamic neurogenin 3 (NGN-3) gene expression. In vitro experiments confirmed that LA contributed to the decreased gene expression of Pomc and Ngn-3 in neuronal cells. During lactation, HF female offspring consumed more milk and had a higher body weight compared to CT. In summary, this study demonstrated that exposure to HF prior to and during gestation alters the FA composition in maternal serum and fetal serum and hypothalamus, particularly increasing n-6, which may play a role in the switch from POMC to NPY neurons, leading to increased weight gain in the offspring during lactation.

Initial nipple damages in breastfeeding women: analysis of photographic images and clinical associations.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the initial nipple damage degree by breastfeeding practice and to associate findings with clinical manifestations of breastfeeding women. METHODS: a retrospective, cross-sectional study with primary data and photographic images database from two randomized clinical trials. Photographic images were analyzed by two independent evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score. For analysis, the chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests and Kappa coefficient were applied. RESULTS: 115 breastfeeding women and their respective 186 photographic images were analyzed. The degree of agreement of evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score was 93.6%. The nipple pain score during breastfeeding was moderate and compromised more than 25% of the nipple surface area. CONCLUSIONS: assistance to breastfeeding women should prioritize nipple pain intensity instead of the nipple damage size.

[Mother role conflicts in studies with mothers of hospitalized newborns: an integrative review]. / Conflito no desempenho do papel de mãe em estudos com mães de recém-nascidos hospitalizados: revisão integrativa.

The hospitalization of a newborn separates mother and child at a time when their contact is essential for developing the mother's role. Therefore, mothers tend to feel incapable of meeting their child's needs, and face difficulties in dealing with their personal feelings and the demands of their family. The objective of this study was to identify the defining characteristics of the nursing diagnosis Conflict in performing the role of mother in studies addressing the experience of being a mother in the neonatal unit. This is an integrative literature review, which utilized 15 qualitative studies published between 2004 and 2009, in journals indexed in the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature and on the Medical Literature and Retrieval System Online. This diagnosis is a nursing phenomenon to be studied by neonatal nurses so they are able to recognize and propose interventions to meet the mothers' needs, considering that nine out of ten defining characteristics were identified in the mothers' statements.

Impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding intention and behaviour among postpartum women in five countries.

BACKGROUND: Studies regarding the impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding have mostly used single- country samples or a qualitative design. AIM: The objective of this study was to examine breastfeeding intention during pregnancy and breastfeeding behaviour among postpartum women in five countries during the COVID-19 pandemic and the associated factors. METHODS: An online questionnaire survey was conducted in Thailand, the United Kingdom, South Korea, Taiwan, and Brazil from July through November 2021. The study participants included 3253 mothers within six months of birth. FINDINGS: About 90% of participants intended to breastfeed during pregnancy and 85.7% reported breastfeeding in the past 24 h. More than half reported their breastfeeding duration being as planned or longer despite COVID-19. Multivariate logistic regression models showed that being multiparous, ever tested COVID-19 positive, and having positive breastfeeding beliefs were associated with increased odds for intention to breastfeed during pregnancy. Lower maternal educational level, being primiparous, ever tested COVID-19 positive, and experiencing food insecurity were associated with decreased odds for breastfeeding duration being as planned or longer. Vaginal birth, currently working or on maternity leave, breastfeeding beliefs, breastfeeding support from spouse/partner/friend/relative, online support groups, and in-person or telephone contact with healthcare professionals were associated with increased odds for breastfeeding duration being as planned or longer. CONCLUSION: Breastfeeding intention and behaviour remained high during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online support groups and telephone contact with health professionals were effective during the pandemic.

Food diversity among indigenous children from two municipalities of the Brazilian Western Amazon. / Diversidade alimentar de crianças indígenas de dois municípios da Amazônia Ocidental brasileira.

Our aim was to explore the feeding practices of indigenous children younger than two years old, living in Cruzeiro do Sul and Mâncio Lima, in Acre, Brazil. A cross-sectional study was conducted with indigenous children of the Katukina (Cruzeiro do Sul), Nukini, Nawa and Poyanawa (Mâncio Lima) ethnicities in October 2013. We used a structured questionnaire on the food consumption of the day before the collection, based on the food indicators proposed by the Ministry of Health. A total of 94 children (50% Katukina, 27% Poyanawa, 13% Nukini, and 10% Nawa) were studied. Among children under 6 months of age, although the majority was breastfed, 42.1% drank water, 15.8%, savory food, and 11.1%, local cuisine. In the age groups of 6 to 12 months and 13 to 23 months, a high consumption of ultra-processed foods was identified (52.6% and 28.6% respectively), while the consumption of complementary food was insufficient (33% of fruits and 25% of savory food between 6 and 13 months, and 41.2% of fruits and 19.6% of savory food between 13 and 23 months). The feeding profile of these indigenous children was inadequate for their age, revealing a concerning situation for this population.

Objetivou-se explorar a prática alimentar das crianças indígenas de zero a dois anos, residentes nos municípios de Cruzeiro do Sul e Mâncio Lima no Acre. Realizou-se estudo transversal com crianças indígenas das etnias Katukina (Cruzeiro do Sul), Nukini, Nawa e Poyanawa (Mâncio Lima) em outubro de 2013. Utilizou-se um questionário estruturado sobre o consumo alimentar do dia anterior à coleta, baseado nos indicadores alimentares propostos pelo Ministério da Saúde. Estudou-se 94 crianças (50% da etnia Katukina, 27% Poyanawa, 13% Nukini e 10% da Nawa). As crianças menores de 6 meses de idade, apesar da maioria receber leite materno, 42,1% delas consumiam água, 15,8% comida de sal e 11,1% preparados típicos da região. Nas faixas de idade de 6 a 12 meses e 13 a 23 meses identificou-se um alto consumo de alimentos ultraprocessados (52,6% e 28,6% respectivamente) enquanto que o consumo de alimentos complementares relevou-se insuficiente (33% de frutas e 25% de comida de sal na faixa de 6 a 13 meses e 41,2% de frutas e 19,6% de comida de sal na faixa de 13 a 23 meses). O perfil alimentar das crianças indígenas mostrou-se inadequado para a idade, refletindo uma situação preocupante na saúde infantil desta população.

Construction and validation of an instrument for classifying nipple and areola complex lesions resulting from breastfeeding.

OBJECTIVES: to construct and validate a classification of nipple and areola complex lesions resulting from breastfeeding, according to content and appearance. METHODS: this is a methodological study, developed in four stages: operational definition, instrument construction, content and appearance validation. The Delphi technique and a Likert-type scale were used to validate content and appearance, through the participation of ten and sixteen judges, respectively. For analysis, Content Validity Index and Kappa Coefficient were applied. RESULTS: Content Validity Index obtained an overall value of 0.93 and, for appearance, 0.94. Kappa values ranged between 0.46 and 1. The high rates of agreement among judges demonstrated the quality of the proposed content validity. CONCLUSIONS: the Nipple and Areola Complex Lesions Classification Instrument developed obtained acceptable values of its indexes, proving to be valid in terms of content and appearance.

Quasi-Experimental study of effects of lighting on rest, activity and melatonin in postpartum women.

OBJECTIVES: to compare the parameters of the activity/rest cycle of early postpartum breastfeeding women under a controlled and uncontrolled long wavelength ray light regimen. METHODS: quasi-experimental study with breastfeeding women and their babies during postnatal rooming-in, São Paulo, Brazil. Participants were allocated to either an experimental (intervention) or a comparison group. The intervention involved exposure of the woman in a controlled room with artificial long wavelength ray light at night. Each woman's level of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin at 24 hours and activity/rest times was analyzed. RESULTS: the mean activity/rest times of women in the experimental and comparison groups were similar. The mean percentages of total load of 6-sulfatoxymelatonin during the day and night were similar (p=0.09). At 24 hours, the experimental group presented a significantly lower mean percentage of total load compared to the comparison group (p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: women who stayed in the room with long-wavelength artificial light showed no difference in activity/rest and 6-sulfatoxymelatonin levels in the early postpartum period.

Breastfeeding Practices and Problems Among Obese Women Compared with Nonobese Women in a Brazilian Hospital.

Background: Women who are obese have lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and duration and are less likely to breastfeed exclusively compared with women who are not obese. To develop programs to improve breastfeeding practices among this group of women, we investigated the association between maternal obesity and breastfeeding practices and problems in the first days postpartum. Methods: We analyzed medical records from postpartum women at a rooming-in maternity ward in State of São Paulo, Brazil, between 2016 and 2018. We included those who had intended to exclusively breastfeed, had given birth to a singleton and were admitted to rooming-in. We analyzed exclusive breastfeeding and nonexclusive breastfeeding each day of hospitalization and the presence of breastfeeding problems, comparing women in the obese category (body mass index [BMI] ≥30 kg/m2) to normal and overweight women (≥18.6 to ≤29.9 kg/m2). Results: Two hundred and twenty-four postpartum women participated, including 86 women in the obese category. More than 50% of women with obesity reported a breastfeeding problem in the first and second postpartum days (p = 0.026 and p = 0.017, respectively) compared with the 41% and 38% nonobese group. Children of obese women were 2.8 times more likely to have poor latch during breastfeeding (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.29-6.10) compared with the nonobese group on the third day. Conclusion: Maternal obesity increased the probability of breastfeeding difficulties and nonexclusive breastfeeding at discharge. Professionals need to support breastfeeding techniques in the days immediate after delivery to improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers with obesity.

[Does breastfeeding position influence the onset of nipple trauma?]. / A posição de amamentar determina o aparecimento do trauma mamilar?

The aim of the study was to identify the breast feeding position and holding variables related to nipple trauma. This case-control study assessed the onset of nipple trauma among women hospitalized at a University Hospital in the city of São Paulo, in 2004 and 2005. Subjects were puerperae diagnosed with unilateral or bilateral nipple trauma. Data analysis was performed using chi-square, Student's t, and odds ratio tests (CI = 95%) and correspondence analysis. Participants were 146 puerperal women and their newborns, being 73 cases and 73 controls. Statistically significant position and holding variables for causing lesions were the following: newborns with their necks bent/contorted, chin away from the breast and lip-related defect (turned inward). Trauma prevention at the beginning of breast feeding is crucial for continuing this practice. Following adequate positioning is decisive for establishing effective and prolonged breast feeding.

Initial nipple damages in breastfeeding women: analysis of photographic images and clinical associations / Lesiones tempranas del pezón derivadas de la lactancia materna: análisis de imágenes fotográficas y asociaciones clínicas / Lesões mamilares precoces decorrentes da amamentação: análise de imagens fotográficas e associações clínicas

ABSTRACT Objective: to analyze the initial nipple damage degree by breastfeeding practice and to associate findings with clinical manifestations of breastfeeding women. Methods: a retrospective, cross-sectional study with primary data and photographic images database from two randomized clinical trials. Photographic images were analyzed by two independent evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score. For analysis, the chi-square, Mann-Whitney tests and Kappa coefficient were applied. Results: 115 breastfeeding women and their respective 186 photographic images were analyzed. The degree of agreement of evaluators using the Nipple Trauma Score was 93.6%. The nipple pain score during breastfeeding was moderate and compromised more than 25% of the nipple surface area. Conclusions: assistance to breastfeeding women should prioritize nipple pain intensity instead of the nipple damage size.

RESUMEN Objetivo: analizar el grado de afectación tisular en las lesiones tempranas del pezón resultantes de la lactancia materna y asociar los hallazgos con las manifestaciones clínicas de las mujeres que amamantan. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo, transversal, con datos primarios y banco de imágenes fotográficas de dos ensayos clínicos aleatorizados. Las imágenes fotográficas fueron analizadas por dos evaluadores independientes, utilizando el Nipple Trauma Score. Para el análisis se aplicaron las pruebas de Chi-Cuadrado, Mann-Whitney y coeficiente Kappa. Resultados: se analizaron 115 mujeres lactantes y sus respectivas 186 imágenes fotográficas. El grado de acuerdo de los evaluadores utilizando el Nipple Trauma Score fue del 93,6%. El nivel de dolor en el pezón durante la lactancia es moderado y existe presencia de lesiones del pezón con más del 25% de la superficie del pezón comprometida. Conclusiones: la asistencia a la mujer lactante debe priorizar el nivel de dolor que presenta en detrimento del tamaño de la lesión del pezón.

RESUMO Objetivo: analisar o grau de comprometimento tecidual das lesões mamilares precoces decorrentes da amamentação e associar achados com as manifestações clínicas de mulheres em amamentação. Métodos: estudo retrospectivo, transversal, envolvendo o uso de dados primários e de banco de imagens fotográficas provenientes de dois ensaios clínicos randomizados. Imagens fotográficas foram analisadas por duas avaliadoras independentes a partir do instrumento Nipple Trauma Score. Para análise, aplicou-se os testes Qui-Quadrado, Mann-Whitney e coeficiente Kappa. Resultados: foram analisadas 115 lactantes e respectivas 186 imagens fotográficas. O grau de concordância das avaliadoras pelo instrumento Nipple Trauma Score foi de 93,6%. O nível de dor mamilar encontrado durante as mamadas é moderado e há presença de lesões mamilares com mais de 25% de área da superfície do mamilo comprometida. Conclusões: a assistência a mulheres que amamentam deve priorizar o nível de dor apresentado em detrimento do tamanho da lesão mamilar.

Intimate partner violence among postpartum women: associated factors.

OBJECTIVE: To identify the profile and assess the self-esteem of postpartum women, to characterize their babies and partners, and to verify the association of these characteristics with the occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV). METHOD: Cross-sectional study with 207 postpartum women assisted in a public clinic. RESULTS: There was no statistic correlation among the sociodemographic variables, personal and obstetric characteristics with the occurrence of IPV. The postpartum women who showed low self-esteem presented a higher exposure risk to IPV (p<0.01; OR=2.01 and CI 95% [1.40-2.87]). The mothers of the babies that were born with low weight (less than 2,500 g) had almost twice the chances of suffering violence (p<0.05; OR=1.74 and CI 95% [1.00-3.03]). The women whose partners did not consume alcohol presented a lower probability to be exposed to IPV (p<0.05; OR=0.182 and CI 95% [0.03-0.93]). CONCLUSION: Women's low self-esteem, babies' inappropriate weight and consumption of alcohol by partners were correlated to the occurrence of IPV.