ABSTRACT
Twelve mother/baby pairs took part in a study of the difference in effect of two patterns of breast feeding--either feeding at one breast or at two breasts during a feed. Baseline measures were taken at 4 weeks, and the test patterns of feeding were followed for a week each, in random order. The two patterns of feeding led to differences in milk volume intake and mean feed fat concentration, but not in the baby's net fat intake per 24 h. The results indicate that the breast-fed baby can regulate his fat intake quickly and thus mothers should be encouraged to practice "baby-led" feeding.
Subject(s)
Breast Feeding , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Dietary Fats/analysis , Eating , Female , Humans , Infant , Male , Methods , Milk, Human/analysis , Random AllocationABSTRACT
A case of transcobalamin II (TCII) deficiency in which a total absence of TCII was demonstrated both functionally and immunologically is reported. Unlike previously described patients, this child has been maintained on oral hydroxocobalamin, 2 mg daily, without any parenteral supplementation for the last five years. At the age of six years her development is normal and her health is good. Plasma cobalamin levels are in the range of 3,000 ng/L and most of this appears to be bound to a molecule, which on gel filtration, elutes with albumin. In an extended family study, a clear separation of heterozygotes from both the propositus and from normal subjects suggests that the underlying defect in this condition is confined to a single gene.
Subject(s)
Hydroxocobalamin/administration & dosage , Transcobalamins/deficiency , Administration, Oral , Female , Genetics, Medical , Homozygote , Humans , Hydroxocobalamin/therapeutic use , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Pedigree , RadioimmunoassayABSTRACT
The milk which drips from the opposite breast during breast feeding is used in some centres for feeding premature babies, yet there is little scientific information on the biology of this secretion. Drip breast milk (DBM) differs from expressed breast milk (EBM), both in its contents and in the change in its composition over the period of lactation. The fat concentration and energy value of DBM are low, compared with levels reported for EBM: protein, fat, sodium and energy value in DBM fall with the duration of lactation, whereas magnesium and calcium rise, and lactose, potassium osmolality and lysozyme remain constant. The milk fat content of DBM produced by individual donors is linearly related to the daily volume of DBM produced. Studies on 477 women admitted to the Oxford General Practice Obstetric Unit over 1 yr showed that, of the 75% who were lactating successfully 2 wk after delivery, 19% were producing DBM by 2--4 wk. Women who produced DBM did not differ in age or parity from those lactating women who did not, and their babies did not differ in birthweight, gestation, centile or sex. The suitability of DBM as a food for premature infants is discussed.
Subject(s)
Breast/metabolism , Lactation , Milk, Human/metabolism , Energy Intake , Female , Humans , Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Premature , Lipid Metabolism , Milk Proteins/metabolism , Milk, Human/analysis , Pregnancy , Sodium/metabolism , Time FactorsABSTRACT
A survey is reported of infant feeding practice at the time of discharge from a single maternity ward. It is shown that a change in the attitude of nursing staff increased the number of mothers breast feeding their infants and eliminated the practice of giving the infants formula feed complements. This change in attitude, however, did nothing to prevent the rapid decline in lactation after leaving hospital, such that 50% of mothers discharged breast feeding were no longer doing so by 2 months. The early introduction of solid feeds was common practice, 50% of mothers discharged breast feeding having introduced mixed feeds within 2 months. Successful lactation was found to be commoner in those mothers who had themselves been breast fed in infancy and in mothers from socioeconomic classes I and II. Successful lactation was not related to parity. The survey also shows the influential role of the health visitor, district nurse, and midwife upon mothers' decisions about infant feeding.
PIP: A survey of infant feeding practices at the time of discharge from a single maternity ward is reported. Results have shown that a change in the attitude of nursing staff increased the number of mothers breastfeeding their infants and eliminated the practice of giving infant formula complements. This change in attitude did nothing, however, to prevent the rapid decline in lactation after leaving the hospital; 50% of mothers discharged were no longer breastfeeding by 2 months. The early introduction of solid foods was common practice with 56% of mothers discharged breastfeeding who had introduced solid foods within 2 months. Successful lactation was found to be more common in those mothers who had themselves been breastfed in infancy and in mothers from socioeconomic classes 1 and 2. Successful lactation was not related to parity. The survey also showed the influential role of the health visitor, district nurse, and midwife upon mothers' decisions about infant feeding. In addition, ward seminars with the nurses and midwives increased significantly the incidence of breastfeeding.