Stepwise transvenous lead extraction due to pacemaker pocket infection following lactational mastitis complicated with breast abscess.

BACKGROUND: Lactational mastitis is a common painful and debilitating inflammation of breast tissue, generally treated conservatively or with pus puncture in case of breast abscess. However, treating mastitis in patients with implantable surgical material located in the affected breast region can be extremely challenging. We present an unusual case of lactational mastitis complicated by pacemaker pocket infection in a breastfeeding mother. CASE PRESENTATION: A 35-year-old pacemaker-dependent female developed lactational mastitis seven weeks postpartum. Initially, the condition was treated conservatively with analgesics and antibiotics. After abscess formation, pus was aspirated using fine-needle aspiration technique. Four weeks after mastitis resolution, pacemaker pocket infection developed. According to current cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection treatment guidelines a complete surgical extraction of the entire electronic system, followed by targeted antibiotic treatment and reimplantation of a new device after infection resolution, was recommended. However, after thorough discussion with the young woman and her family and after detailed review of surgery-related risks, she declined a potentially high-risk surgical procedure. Thus, only the pulse generator was explanted; pacing leads positioned in the sub-pectoral pocket; new pacemaker implanted on the contralateral side and broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy continued for six weeks. After breastfeeding cessation, and with chronic fistula development at the primary pacemaker implantation site, the possibility of delayed surgical intervention including complete extraction of retained pacemaker leads was again thoroughly discussed with her. After thoughtful consideration the woman consented to the proposed treatment strategy. A surgical procedure including transvenous lead extraction through the primary implantation venous entry site, using hand-powered bidirectional rotational sheaths, was successfully performed, removing all retained leads through the left subclavian venous entry site, and leaving the fully functional and clinically uninfected pacemaker on the contralateral site intact. CONCLUSION: Although patients' decisions for delayed extraction in a case of cardiovascular implantable electronic device infection should be discouraged by attending physicians and members of interdisciplinary teams, our case shows that a stepwise treatment strategy may be successful as a bailout clinical scenario in patients with specific requests, demands and / or clinical needs.

A longitudinal investigation of breastfeeding planning, initiation, and duration among individuals with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity.

Individuals with a body mass index (BMI)≥25 kg/m2 are less likely to initiate and continue breastfeeding than are those with BMIs<25. Given the intergenerational health benefits of breastfeeding, it is important to understand breastfeeding behaviors and their correlates among individuals with BMIs≥25. Thus, in an observational cohort with BMI≥25 (N = 237), we aimed to characterize longitudinal relationships among breastfeeding planning, initiation, and duration and their sociodemographic/clinical correlates and determine if pre-pregnancy BMI predicts breastfeeding planning, initiation, and duration. Breastfeeding behaviors, weight/BMI, and sociodemographic/clinical characteristics were assessed in early, mid, and late pregnancy, and at six-months postpartum. Most participants planned to (84%) and initiated (81%) breastfeeding, of which 37% breastfed for ≥6 months. Participants who were married, first-time parents, higher in education/income, and had never smoked tobacco were more likely to plan, initiate, and achieve ≥6 months of breastfeeding. Higher pre-pregnancy BMI was not associated with breastfeeding planning or initiation but was associated with lower adjusted odds of breastfeeding for ≥6 months relative to <6 months. Findings suggest that support aimed at extending breastfeeding among those with elevated pre-pregnancy BMI may be warranted. Future interventions should also address sociodemographic and clinical inequities in breastfeeding.

Association between breastfeeding duration and educational attainment in rural Southwest Uganda: a population-based cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Breastfeeding is important for early childhood nutrition and health. The positive effects on educational outcomes may be attributed to socioeconomic factors. Socioeconomic status is not a strong predictor of breastfeeding in sub-Saharan African countries. Yet, few studies have investigated the association between breastfeeding and educational outcomes in these countries. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the association between breastfeeding duration and children's educational attainment in rural Southwest Uganda. METHODS: We analysed longitudinal data on 3018 children who had information on breastfeeding and were followed for at least 5 years, with at least one primary school grade recorded by 2005. Data on breastfeeding duration were collected from mothers. The highest school grade was recorded repeatedly between ages 6 and 12 years. We calculated age-for-grade based on whether a child was on, over, or under the official age for a grade. Generalised estimating equations and binary logistic regression estimated the effect of breastfeeding duration on being 2 years, 3 or more years, or any years over-age for grade in primary school, adjusting for socioeconomic status and maternal-child characteristics. RESULTS: Most mothers breastfed for more than a year. Just over one-third breastfed for 18-23 months, and 30% breastfed for longer. By age eight, 42% of the children were two years over-age for their grade. Three or more years over-age for grade increased from 19% at age nine to 56% at age 12. Both adjusted and unadjusted estimates were consistent in showing reduced odds for children being 2 years, 3 or more years, or any years over-age for grade among children breastfed for 7-12, 13-17, 18-23, and > 23 months compared to those breastfed for 0-6 months. There was no evidence to support an overall association between breastfeeding duration and being over-age for grade. There was no evidence of association in the sex and age sub-group analyses. CONCLUSION: Although we found no association between breastfeeding duration and educational attainment, breastfeeding remains important for children's health and nutrition, and mothers should be encouraged and supported to breastfeed for the recommended duration.

Main findings: We found no clear evidence of an association between breastfeeding duration and educational attainment in rural Uganda.Added knowledge: The findings of this study contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between breastfeeding and educational outcomes in sub-Saharan African countries, where evidence on this topic is limited.Global health impact for policy and action: Our findings should not discourage breastfeeding, as it is essential for infant health and nutrition.

Exploring the profound link: Breastfeeding's impact on alleviating the burden of breast cancer - A review.

Breastfeeding has emerged as a critical factor in understanding and potentially mitigating the risk of breast cancer among women. This review delves into the intricate relationship between breastfeeding and breast cancer, elucidating the biological mechanisms, protective effects, and broader implications for public health. Epidemiological evidence consistently demonstrates a correlation between breastfeeding and a reduced risk of breast cancer, with longer durations of lactation showing a dose-dependent decrease in risk. The biological nexus between breastfeeding and breast cancer involves hormonal changes and the elimination of potentially damaged cells, influencing breast tissue and potentially mitigating carcinogenesis. Moreover, breastfeeding appears to impact tumor subtypes and aggressiveness, particularly demonstrating associations with lower risks of hormone receptor-negative and certain aggressive breast cancer subtypes. Recognizing the significance of breastfeeding in reducing breast cancer risk has profound public health implications, necessitating comprehensive support, education, and policies to encourage and facilitate breastfeeding.

Evaluación de las conductas de lactancia materna y las prácticas de alimentación complementaria de las madres turcas y las madres refugiadas sirias / Evaluation of breastfeeding behaviors and complementary feeding practices of Turkish and Syrian refugee mothers

Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la lactancia y los factores relacionados (edad, nivel educativo, edad al momento del primer embarazo, etc.) y las prácticas de alimentación complementaria de las madres refugiadas sirias y las madres turcas. Materiales y métodos: este estudio descriptivo y comparativo analizó las características nutricionales de los bebés de 9 a 60 meses de edad cuyas madres fueran turcas o refugiadas sirias que asistieron al Hospital Público de Kiziltepe entre enero y julio de 2022. Resultados: se incluyó a 204 madres (126 turcas y 78 sirias). La edad promedio de las madres turcas era 27,60 ± 5,17 años y la de las refugiadas sirias, 28,91 ± 5,62 años, sin una diferencia significativa entre ambos grupos (p: 0,091). La lactancia materna posparto fue del 91,3 % y la duración de la lactancia fue de 12 meses (0-24) en las ciudadanas turcas, mientras que, en las refugiadas sirias, fue del 84,6 % y 9 meses (0-24), respectivamente (consumo de leche materna, p: 0,144; tiempo de consumo, p: 0,161; sin diferencias estadísticas). El 23,8 % de las ciudadanas turcas y el 5,1 % de las refugiadas sirias recibieron capacitación sobre la lactancia, con una diferencia significativa entre ambos grupos (p: 0,001). Conclusión: en los grupos de refugiadas, las prácticas de nutrición infantil y materna se ven alteradas. En colaboración con las organizaciones locales e internacionales y los organismos estatales que ayudan a los grupos de refugiados se podrían mejorar las prácticas de nutrición maternoinfantil y reducir las brechas.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare breastfeeding and related factors (age, level of education, age at first pregnancy, etc.), and complementary feeding practices between Syrian refugee and native Turkish mothers. Material and methods: This descriptive-comparative study examined the nutritional characteristics of infants aged 9 to 60 months whose mothers were Turkish or Syrian refugees who attended Kiziltepe State Hospital between January 2022 and July 2022. Results: 204 mothers (126 Turkish and 78 Syrian) who had a child aged 9-60 months were included. The average age of the mothers was 27.60 ± 5.17 years for Turkish citizens and 28.91 ± 5.62 for Syrian refugees, without significant difference between the two groups (p: 0.091). Postpartum breastfeeding was 91.3% and breastfeeding duration was 12 (0-24) months in Turkish citizens; in Syrian refugees, breastfeeding was 84.6% and average breastfeeding time was 9 (0- 24) months (respectively, breast milk intake p: 0.144, uptake time p: 0.161; no statistical difference). Breastfeeding training was received by 23.8% of Turkish citizens and 5.1% of Syrian refugees; there was a significant difference between the two groups (p: 0.001). Conclusion: In refugee groups, infant and maternal nutrition practices are disrupted. Working in conjunction with local and international organizations and state agencies that give help to refugee groups, the appropriate interventions, initiatives, supports, and awareness-raising activities would strive to improve practices in mother and baby nutrition and narrow gaps.

Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Background: Although vaccination is one of the most effective means of controlling the spread of COVID-19, public concerns and indecision about vaccination still continue. Because pregnant and breastfeeding individuals are at high risk for severe outcomes in case of infections, determining their level of hesitation and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines will guide the management of the disease. This study aimed to determine pregnant and breastfeeding women's levels of hesitation and attitude toward COVID-19 vaccines as well as their related factors. Methods: The sample of this descriptive research consisted of 103 pregnant or breastfeeding individuals who were seen at the obstetrics and gynecology outpatients clinic of a state hospital in Istanbul, Turkey. The data were collected using a 'demographic data form', the 'Vaccine Hesitancy Scale in Pandemic', and the 'Attitudes toward COVID-19 Vaccine Scale'. The research data were analyzed with appropriate statistical methods. Results: The mean age of the participants was 29.71 ± 4.75, 51% were pregnant, and 74.8% had received the COVID-19 vaccine. The mean score of the 'Vaccination Hesitancy Scale in Pandemic' was 30.83 ± 6.91, and the mean score for the 'Attitude Scale toward the COVID-19 Vaccine' was 25.50 ± 5.20. A significant difference was found between the total score of the 'Vaccine Hesitation Scale in the Pandemic' and the mean score of the 'Lack of Confidence' sub-dimension between the 'working status' and the 'influenza vaccination' status. In terms of the mean score of the 'Risk' sub-dimension, a significant difference was found between the 'period of vaccination' (p < 0.05). According to the mean total score of the 'Attitude Towards COVID-19 Vaccine Scale', there was a significant difference between the 'smoking' status. There was a significant difference in the 'Positive Attitude' sub-dimension in terms of the 'flu vaccination' status. There was a significant difference in the 'Negative Attitude' sub-dimension in terms of the 'chronic disease' status. A positive correlation was found between the total scores of the scales. Conclusion: It was concluded that although the participants had a high level of hesitation toward the COVID-19 vaccine, they had a positive attitude. The results obtained will be guided in determining the strategies to be developed for these specific groups in future pandemics.

Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration and Risk of Childhood Cancers.

Importance: Breastfeeding has been suggested to protect against childhood cancers, particularly acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the evidence stems from case-control studies alone. Objective: To investigate whether longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding is associated with decreased risk of childhood ALL and other childhood cancers. Design, Setting, and Participants: This population-based cohort study used administrative data on exclusive breastfeeding duration from the Danish National Child Health Register. All children born in Denmark between January 2005 and December 2018 with available information on duration of exclusive breastfeeding were included. Children were followed up from age 1 year until childhood cancer diagnosis, loss to follow-up or emigration, death, age 15 years, or December 31, 2020. Data were analyzed from March to October 2023. Exposure: Duration of exclusive breastfeeding in infancy. Main Outcomes and Measures: Associations between duration of exclusive breastfeeding and risk of childhood cancer overall and by subtypes were estimated as adjusted hazard ratios (AHRs) with 95% CIs using stratified Cox proportional hazards regression models. Results: A total of 309 473 children were included (51.3% boys). During 1 679 635 person-years of follow-up, 332 children (0.1%) were diagnosed with cancer at ages 1 to 14 years (mean [SD] age at diagnosis, 4.24 [2.67] years; 194 boys [58.4%]). Of these, 124 (37.3%) were diagnosed with hematologic cancers (81 [65.3%] were ALL, 74 [91.4%] of which were B-cell precursor [BCP] ALL), 44 (13.3%) with central nervous system tumors, 80 (24.1%) with solid tumors, and 84 (25.3%) with other and unspecified malignant neoplasms. Compared with exclusive breastfeeding duration of less than 3 months, exclusive breastfeeding for 3 months or longer was associated with a decreased risk of hematologic cancers (AHR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.46-0.95), which was largely attributable to decreased risk of BCP-ALL (AHR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.39-0.99), but not with risk of central nervous system tumors (AHR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.51-1.88) or solid tumors (AHR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.55-1.41). Conclusions and Relevance: In this cohort study, longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding was associated with reduced risk of childhood BCP-ALL, corroborating results of previous case-control investigations in this field. To inform future preemptive interventions, continued research should focus on the potential biologic mechanisms underlying the observed association.

Effect of Donated Premature Milk in the Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Breastfeeding is one of the strategies that has been shown to be effective in preventing severe forms of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). When mother's own milk (MOM) is not available, pasteurized donor milk (DM) is the best alternative. However, the evidence is inconclusive on the difference in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) between patients fed MOM and those fed with DM. As standard DM is usually mature pooled milk donated by mothers who have delivered their babies at term, the potential benefits of preterm milk may be lost. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational, retrospective, single-center study was conducted in the neonatology department of a high-complexity hospital. The study included newborns <32 weeks of gestational age born between January 2020 and December 2022. When supplemental milk was needed, non-pooled preterm pasteurized donor milk (PDM) matched for gestational age and moment of lactation was used in this study, classifying preterm infants in two groups: mainly MOM (>50% of the milk) or mainly PDM (>50% of the milk). Two groups were established: those who received >50% MOM and those who received >50% PDM. They were also classified according to the diagnosis of DBP: one group included no BPD or grade 1 BPD (noBPD/1), while the other included grade 2 or 3 BPD (BPD 2-3). The objectives of this study were, firstly, to evaluate the incidence of BPD 2-3 among patients who predominantly received PDM versus MOM. Secondly, to analyze differences in the type of human milk received and its nutritional components, as well as to study the growth in patients with or without BPD. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-nine patients were included in the study. A comparison of noBPD/1 versus BPD 2-3 groups between those receiving mainly MOM versus PDM showed no significant differences (19% vs. 20%, p 0.95). PDM colostrum in BPD 2-3 compared to noBPD/1 was higher in protein content (2.24 g/100 mL (SD 0.37) vs. 2.02 g/100 mL (SD 0.29) p < 0.01), although the statistical significance decreased after adjustment for gestational age and birth weight z-score (OR 3.53 (0.86-14.51)). No differences were found in the macronutrients in the mature milk of patients feeding more than 50% PDM in both study groups. Growth of BPD 2-3 showed a greater decrease in the difference in z-scores for height at birth and at discharge compared to noBPD/1 (-1.64 vs. -0.43, p 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The use of mainly MOM or PDM demonstrates a similar incidence of noBPD/1 or BPD 2-3. Non-pooled and matched by gestational age and time of lactation preterm donor milk can probably be an alternative when mother's own milk is not available, with a similar protective effect in the prevention of severe BPD.

Comparison of prematurity-related outcomes and complications in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates fed with mother`s own milk versus donor milk: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: When mother`s own milk (MOM) is unavailable or insufficient, donor milk (DM) from a human milk bank serves as an alternative feeding option. Our study sought to investigate and compare the outcomes and complications of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants who receive MOM versus DM. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study conducted between 2018 and 2022, we compared 70 VLBW preterm infants exclusively fed with DM to 70 randomly selected counterparts fed with MOM. Both groups began enteral feeding within 72 hours of birth. Various clinical outcomes were investigated during a three-month follow-up. The clinical outcomes were compared via independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Fisher`s exact test. RESULTS: The mean gestational age of the infants who were included was 29.6 ± 1.6 weeks, 84 (60%) were males, and the average birth weight was 1217 ± 151 grams. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics. The results of the study demonstrated no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of hospital length of stay (37±16.3 days in MOM vs 40.3±16.9 days in DM group, P= 0.17), growth rate (13±4 gram/day in MOM vs 13±4 gram/day in DM group, P=0.51), growth velocity (9.8±3.0g/kg/d in MOM vs 9.5±3.2 g/kg/d in DM group), infants with in-hospital vomiting (51 cases in MOM vs 59 cases in DM group, P=0.15),vomiting frequency (1.3±1.1 times in MOM vs 1.5±1.0 times in DM group), incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) (4 cases in MOM vs 5 cases in DM group, P > 0.999) and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (7 cases in MOM vs 6 cases in DM group, P > 0.999). CONCLUSION: Our study findings indicate that the utilization of DM didn`t have a substantial negative impact on infants` outcomes nor any complications in comparison with MOM.

Breastfeeding and pre-pregnancy bariatric surgery: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery is a procedure for people with class II and III obesity who are unable to lose weight using traditional methods. The incidence rate of bariatric surgery in reproductive-age women is increasing rapidly, so the number of women who become pregnant after bariatric surgery is rising. AIM: To collate and synthesise available literature regarding breastfeeding following bariatric surgery. METHODS: This review was reported by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-Scr). The review included peer-reviewed research studies and research-based conference abstracts on breastfeeding outcomes in mothers who have undergone bariatric surgery before pregnancy. Health databases were searched from 1990 to December 2023. Included studies were analysed using a narrative synthesis. FINDINGS: From 1506 abstracts, 16 papers were identified. Three themes emerged from the analysis: challenges in exclusive breastfeeding, nutritional composition in breast milk, and breastfeeding experience. There was a tendency for lower breastfeeding rates and shorter durations in mothers who had bariatric surgery. Most studies focussed on the nutritional composition of breast milk however these results were mixed. Only three articles were qualitative, and their findings showed that women wanted more information and support about breastfeeding following bariatric surgery. DISCUSSION: Our review indicates breastfeeding challenges in post-bariatric surgery mothers and reduced breastfeeding rates. It is unclear whether bariatric surgery impacts the nutritional quality of breast milk due to inconsistent study outcomes. CONCLUSION: Future research is essential, specifically on understanding the breastfeeding concerns and experiences of women who have undergone bariatric surgery.

Updates on the management of inflammatory bowel disease from periconception to pregnancy and lactation.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects reproductive planning due to psychological effects and mechanical problems related to surgery. Children of people with IBD have an increased risk of about 10% if one parent has IBD and up to 33% if both parents have IBD. The fertility of people with IBD is similar to the general population, but fertility might be reduced in individuals with active IBD, ileal pouch-anal anastomosis, or perianal Crohn's disease. Flaring disease during pregnancy increases complications, such as preterm birth. Thus, disease management with appropriate medications can optimise outcomes. As most medications have minimal fetal risks, people with IBD should be informed about the risks of stopping medications and the importance of maintaining remission. A period of disease remission is advisable before pregnancy and could reduce the risks for both the pregnant person and the fetus. Flexible endoscopy, intestinal ultrasound, and gadolinium-free magnetic resonance enterography are safe during pregnancy. We provide state-of-the-art knowledge on the basis of the latest evidence to ensure successful pregnancy outcomes in controlled IBD.

Financial burden faced by breastfeeding mothers caring for children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana; an exploratory qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: When children are diagnosed of cancer, parents face varied financial issues. Among some of the identifiable factors that cause financial challenges among breastfeeding mothers include the high cost of childhood cancer care. The high cost of childhood cancer care could impede the sustainability of access to prompt care. There is paucity of literature on the financial burdens faced by breastfeeding mothers with children diagnosed with cancer in Ghana. Therefore, this study sought to explore the financial burden faced by mothers with breastfeeding children diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: The study employed qualitative exploratory descriptive design. One-on-one interviews were conducted among 13 mothers with breastfeeding children diagnosed of cancer. Permission was sought for data to be recorded, transcribed concurrently and inductive content analysis done. RESULTS: Three main themes emerged after data analysis: High cost (sub-themes; expensive medications, laboratory investigation fees, and cost of mothers' feeding), Public support (sub-themes; appeal for funds, national health insurance scheme) and Self-financing (loans, personal savings). Most of the breastfeeding mothers narrated that high cost of childhood cancer care generated financial distress to them. They shared that the cost involved in purchasing their children's cancer medications, paying for laboratory investigations and feeding themselves to produce adequate breastmilk to feed their children were challenging. Some of the mothers self-financed the cost of their children's cancer care through loans and personal savings. CONCLUSION: Government and other stakeholders should allocate annual budget and funds towards childhood cancer care to lessen the financial burden breastfeeding mothers caring for children with cancer experience.

The Practicality of Preparing Skim Breast Milk at Home for Treatment of Infants Requiring Low Fat Diets.

Introduction: The benefits of breast milk (BM) for infants have long been established. However, for health-compromised infants with difficulty processing long-chain triglycerides, BM is often discontinued, and skimmed breast milk (SBM) is used as a dietary treatment. SBM is usually produced for inpatients in a hospital laboratory. The aim of this study was to determine the viability of skimming BM at home. Case Report: A female infant was diagnosed with congenital lipomatous asymmetric overgrowth, vascular malformations, epidermal nevi, and skeletal and spinal anomalies (CLOVES) syndrome, with symptoms of lymphatic malformation, chylothorax, and pleural effusion. The patient's family produced SBM at home after discharge; the SBM met the dietary treatment requirements and kept symptoms under control. Methods: A nonrefrigerated benchtop centrifuge was used to produce SBM at the patient's home. The optimal setting for the centrifuge was determined and then used to process BM samples from the infant's mother. The samples were randomly selected from each 10-day period over 6 months, and 18 samples were processed in total. The hospital laboratory processed the same samples of BM and analyzed the macronutrients with a comparison of the home-produced SBM to the hospital-produced SBM. Results: The home-produced SBM met the dietary treatment requirement of <1.0 g/dL of fat content. Fat was significantly lower, proteins were significantly higher, and carbohydrates and calories were not significantly different compared to hospital-produced SBM. Conclusions: It is viable to consistently produce SBM at home that meets the dietary treatment requirements of health-compromised infants.

Complementary feeding practices for children aged 6-23 months in early childhood education institutions in urban China: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Appropriate infant and young child feeding (IYCF) plays a crucial role in promoting the healthy growth of children. Currently, many Chinese urban parents are seeking care of children from the early childhood education (ECE) institutions, however, little is known about the feeding practices of infants and young children in ECE institutions. This study aims to investigate the complementary feeding practices for Chinese urban children aged 6-23 months in ECE institutions and explore potential factors influencing their feeding practices. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among primary caregivers of children aged 6-23 months in ECE institutions across 31 provinces in China from 1 March to 30 April 2023. Convenience sampling was used to recruit caregivers from centres of Gymboree Play & Music (an ECE institution). Self-administered questionnaires were designed using the online survey tool Sojump and distributed through WeChat platform, which collected information on 1) children's complementary feeding practices; 2) food frequency of seven food groups; 3) caregivers' feeding knowledge and practices; 4) frequency of children attended ECE classes and the primary caregivers' daily nurturing care time; 5) source of information on complementary feeding. Results: A total of 2731 children and their caregivers were surveyed, with 416 children aged 6-11 months and 2315 children aged 12-23 months. The prevalence of minimum dietary diversity (MDD), minimum meal frequency (MMF), and minimum acceptable diet (MAD) was 59.4, 60.6, and 39.2%, respectively. Only 17.3% caregivers believed that continued breastfeeding should be at two years or above, and 29.5% children were continuously breastfed at 12-23 months (CBF). The proportion of non-responsive feeding practices among caregivers ranged from 28 to 64%. Except for CBF, the prevalence of other key complementary feeding practices was higher among children who attending ECE classes than those not attending ECE classes (all P < 0.05). Moreover, children aged 12-23 months who received long-nursing care time (≥4h/d) had significantly higher MMF and MAD prevalence than those in short-nursing care time group (MMF = 66.2 vs. 58.8%, P = 0.0003; MAD = 44.2 vs. 38.3%, P = 0.0047). Conclusions: The complementary feeding practices of children aged 6-23 months in ECE institutions in urban China remained suboptimal, and non-responsive feeding practices among caregivers were common. The attendance of ECE classes and the caregivers' daily nurturing care time could be beneficial in ensuring children to comply with complementary feeding recommendations.

Novel Lactation Induction Protocol for a Transgender Woman Wishing to Breastfeed: A Case Report.

Background: Lactation induction in transgender women is a clinical and research priority in the field of breastfeeding medicine. To date, there are four case reports detailing successful induced lactation in transgender patients who wished to breastfeed. The Academy of Breast Feeding Medicine does not formally recommend a specific medication regimen for transgender patients due to lack of high-quality research. Case Presentation: A 50-year-old transgender woman with a hypercoagulable disorder who was able to lactate and breastfeed with novel hormone regimen management at a gender care clinic. Her baseline hormone treatment was an estradiol 0.3 mg transdermal patch every 72 hours and micronized progesterone 200 mg daily. Results: Within four weeks of initiating a modified hormone regimen (estradiol 0.4 mg patch every 72 hours, progesterone 300 mg daily, metoclopramide 10 mg three times daily), the patient was lactating spontaneously. On multiple occasions, she breastfed and expressed up to 30 mL of milk through pumping. Conclusion: This report offers a new effective hormone regimen for transgender patients who wish to lactate and cannot access domperidone-the galactagogue used in previous case reports. It also provides a review of previously published case reports on this subject. Future research in this field should prioritize cohort studies of transgender patients who desire lactation to further assess patient attitudes, experiences, and outcomes.

Breastfeeding Initiation in People With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate breastfeeding initiation rates among people living with and without hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy and to identify characteristics associated with breastfeeding initiation. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of individuals who had a live birth in the United States from 2016 to 2021 using the National Center for Health Statistics birth certificate data. We grouped participants by whether they had HCV infection during pregnancy. Using propensity-score matching, we assessed the association between breastfeeding initiation before hospital discharge , defined as neonates receiving any parental breast milk or colostrum, and HCV infection during pregnancy in a logistic regression model. We also assessed factors associated with breastfeeding initiation among those with HCV infection. RESULTS: There were 96,896 reported cases (0.5%) of HCV infection among 19.0 million births that met inclusion criteria during the study period. Using propensity-score matching, we matched 87,761 individuals with HCV infection during pregnancy with 87,761 individuals without HCV infection. People with HCV infection during pregnancy were less likely to initiate breastfeeding compared with those without HCV infection (51.5% vs 64.2%, respectively; odds ratio 0.59, 95% CI, 0.58-0.60, P <.001). Characteristics associated with higher rates of breastfeeding initiation among individuals with HCV infection included a college degree (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22, 95% CI, 1.21-1.24); self-identified race or ethnicity as Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (aOR 1.22, 95% CI, 1.06-1.40), Asian (aOR 1.09, 95% CI, 1.06-1.13), or Hispanic (aOR 1.09, 95% CI, 1.08-1.11); private insurance (aOR 1.07, 95% CI, 1.06-1.08); nulliparity (aOR 1.09, 95% CI, 1.08-1.10), and being married (aOR 1.08, 95% CI, 1.07-1.09). Characteristics associated with not breastfeeding before hospital discharge included receiving no prenatal care (aOR 0.81, 95% CI, 0.79-0.82), smoking during pregnancy (aOR 0.88, 95% CI, 0.88-0.89), and neonatal intensive care unit admission (aOR 0.92, 95% CI, 0.91-0.93). CONCLUSION: Despite leading health organizations' support for people living with HCV infection to breastfeed, our study demonstrates low breastfeeding initiation rates in this population. Our findings highlight the need for tailored breastfeeding support for people with HCV infection and for understanding the additional effects of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co-infection, HCV treatment, and concurrent substance use disorders on breastfeeding initiation.

Lactation induction in a transgender woman: case report and recommendations for clinical practice.

BACKGROUND: We present a case of non-puerperal induced lactation in transgender woman. Medical literature on lactation induction for transgender women is scarce, and the majority of literature and protocols on lactation induction is based on research in cisgender women. Healthcare professionals may lack the precise knowledge about lactation induction and may therefore feel insecure when advice is requested. Subsequently, there is a rising demand for guidelines and support. METHODS: Patient medical record was consulted and a semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the motive for lactation induction, the experience of lactation induction, and to gather additional information about the timeline and course of events. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case a 37-year-old transgender woman, who was under the care of the centre of expertise on gender dysphoria in Amsterdam, and in 2020 started lactation induction because she had the wish to breastfeed her future infant. She was in a relationship with a cisgender woman and had been using gender affirming hormone therapy for 13 years. Prior to initiating gender affirming hormone therapy she had cryopreserved her semen. Her partner conceived through Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection, using our patient's cryopreserved sperm. To induce lactation, we implemented a hormone-regimen to mimic pregnancy, using estradiol and progesterone, and a galactogogue; domperidone. Our patient started pumping during treatment. Dosage of progesterone and estradiol were significantly decreased approximately one month before childbirth to mimic delivery and pumping was increased. Our patient started lactating and although the production of milk was low, it was sufficient for supplementary feeding and a positive experience for our patient. Two weeks after birth, lactation induction was discontinued due to suckling problems of the infant and low milk production. CONCLUSIONS: This case report underlined that lactation induction protocols commonly used for cisgender women are also effective in transgender women. However, the amount of milk produced may not be sufficient for exclusive nursing. Nevertheless, success of induced lactation may be attributed to its importance for parent-infant bonding, rather than the possibility of exclusive chestfeeding.

Comparison of gastric emptying time between breast-fed and formula milk-fed infants less than 6 months old, using gastric ultrasound-An observational study.

BACKGROUND: Fasting before elective anesthesia care is a standardized practice worldwide. The aim is to decrease the risk of aspiration leading to pulmonary complications such as aspiration pneumonitis during anesthesia care. There are different guidelines for elective preoperative fasting in children. However, there is insufficient literature measuring gastric emptying time after breast milk or formula milk feeding in infants. OBJECTIVE: This study used gastric ultrasound to determine the gastric emptying time for breast milk and formula milk in children below 6 months of age. We also compared the calculated gastric volumes among breast-fed and formula milk-fed based on Schmitz's and Spencer's formula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in India between November (2017-2019). A total of 52 infants less than 6 months of age were recruited. The study population was divided into two groups (breast-fed and formula milk-fed) of 26 patients each. Ultrasound was used to measure the antral cross-sectional area of the stomach and to calculate the gastric volume using the two classical formulas (Schmitz and Spencer's). Gastric emptying was reported when the bull's eye appearance of the gastric antrum was seen or when the antral cross-sectional area was less than 3.07 cm2. RESULTS: The number of breast-fed children whose antral cross-sectional was greater than 3.07 cm2 (cut-off value for aspiration risk) beyond 1 h was 14/26 (53.84%) while none (0) children went beyond 3 h. The number of formula-fed children whose antral cross-sectional was greater than 3.07 cm2 beyond 1 h was 17/26 (65.38%) while one child (3.84%) went beyond 3 h. Using Schmitz's formula, mean (SD) gastric emptying times were 0.35 ± 0.68 h (95% CI 0.35 ± 0.185, range 0.165-0.535) for breast-fed patients and 0.35 ± 0.69 h (95% CI 0.35 ± 0.188, range 0.162-0.538) for formula-fed patients, and were thus neither clinically nor statistically different (p = .73) Using Spencer's formula, the mean gastric emptying times were 0.12 ± 0.33 h (95% CI 0.12 ± 0.09, range 0.03-0.21) for breast-fed patients and 0.04 ± 0.20 h (95% CI 0.04 ± 0.05, range -0.01 to 0.09) for formula-fed patients, and were also neither clinically nor statistically different p = .13. CONCLUSION: In our series, the gastric emptying times in breast-fed and formula-fed infants less than 6 months old were similar. Our results support the fasting guidelines of the European Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care 2022, that is, 3 h for breastfeeding and 4 h for formula milk feeding. In addition, this shows that the Schmitz's and Spencer's formulae used to calculate the gastric volume based on ultrasound measurement of the antral cross-sectional area are not comparable in infants less than 6 months.