Access to and interest in human milk research opportunities among Black pregnant and postpartum people.

Background: Concerns exist regarding biomedical research participation in marginalized and historically disadvantaged communities. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand critical barriers to participation in human milk research from the perspective of Black pregnant and postpartum people. Methods: A national sample of Black pregnant and postpartum people (n = 104) was recruited to complete a cross-sectional online survey informed by the Life Course Perspective. Survey questions assessed research experiences and preferences, particularly related to human milk research, knowledge of historical events/policies targeting Black communities, and demographic characteristics. A socio-economic composite score was calculated as an indicator of socio-economic advantage. Survey data were summarized descriptively and potential correlates of research engagement were evaluated. Results: Most (69%, n = 71) respondents reported previous participation in a research study, yet only 8 (8%) reported ever being asked to participate in a breastfeeding/chestfeeding or human milk study, and one respondent was unsure. Despite so few having been asked, 59% (n = 61) of respondents indicated they would donate breast/human milk to research if asked. Respondent characteristics associated with prior research participation included having greater socio-economic advantage (p = 0.027) and greater knowledge of discriminatory historical events/policies (p < 0.001). In contrast, the only respondent characteristic associated with willingness to donate human milk to research was younger age (p = 0.002). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Black pregnant and postpartum people are interested in biomedical research, specifically human milk and lactation research. However, greater intentionality and targeted recruitment of this underrepresented population is needed to increase diversity among human milk and lactation study samples. Structural and community-based interventions, informed by community members, are needed to address concerns and improve participant engagement.

Milk antibody response after 3rd COVID-19 vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 infection and implications for infant protection.

Little is known about the persistence of human milk anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after 2nd and 3rd vaccine doses and infection following 3rd dose. In this study, human milk, saliva, and blood samples were collected from 33 lactating individuals before and after vaccination and infection. Antibody levels were measured using ELISA and symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. We found that after vaccination, milk anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies persisted for up to 8 months. In addition, distinct patterns of human milk IgA and IgG production and higher milk RBD-blocking activity was observed after infection compared to 3-dose vaccination. Infected mothers reported more symptoms than vaccinated mothers. We examined the persistence of milk antibodies in infant saliva after breastfeeding and found that IgA was more abundant compared to IgG. Our results emphasize the importance of improving the secretion of IgA antibodies to human milk after vaccination to improve the protection of breastfeeding infants.

Assessment of Adverse Reactions, Antibody Patterns, and 12-month Outcomes in the Mother-Infant Dyad After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Pregnancy.

Importance: Longitudinal data on COVID-19 messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine reactogenicity and immunogenicity in pregnancy and for the mother-infant dyad are needed. Objective: To examine COVID-19 mRNA vaccine reactogenicity and immunogenicity in pregnancy and observe longitudinal maternal and infant outcomes. Design, Setting, and Participants: This prospective cohort study of pregnant individuals enrolled in the COVID-19 Vaccination in Pregnancy and Lactation study from December 1, 2020, through December 31, 2021, with follow-up through March 31, 2022, was conducted at a large academic medical center in an urban metropolitan area in California. Pregnant individuals receiving COVID-19 mRNA vaccines (mRNA-1273 [Moderna] and BNT162b2 [Pfizer-BioNTech]) were eligible. Of 81 participants enrolled, 5 were excluded after enrollment: 1 terminated pregnancy, 1 received the third vaccine dose prior to delivery, and 3 delivered prior to completing the initial vaccine series. Exposure: COVID-19 mRNA vaccination at any time during pregnancy. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcomes were vaccine response as measured by blood Immunoglobulin G (IgG) titers after each vaccine dose and self-reported postvaccination symptoms. Patients' IgG titers were measured in cord blood and in infant blood at intervals up to 1 year of life; IgG and IgA titers were measured in maternal milk. Clinical outcomes were collected from medical records. Results: Of 76 pregnant individuals included in final analyses (median [IQR] maternal age, 35 [29-41] years; 51 [67.1%] White; 28 [36.8%] primigravid; 37 [48.7%] nulliparous), 42 (55.3%) received BNT162b2 and 34 (44.7%) received mRNA-1237. There were no significant differences in maternal characteristics between the 2 vaccine groups. Systemic symptoms were more common after receipt of the second vaccine dose than after the first dose (42 of 59 [71.2%] vs 26 of 59 [44.1%]; P = .007) and after mRNA-1237 than after BNT162b2 (25 of 27 [92.6%] vs 17 of 32 53.1%; P = .001). Systemic symptoms were associated with 65.6% higher median IgG titers than no symptoms after the second vaccine dose (median [IQR], 2596 [1840-4455] vs 1568 [1114-4518] RFU; P = .007); mean cord titers in individuals with local or systemic symptoms were 6.3-fold higher than in individuals without symptoms. Vaccination in all trimesters elicited a robust maternal IgG response. The IgG transfer ratio was highest among individuals vaccinated in the second trimester. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was detectable in cord blood regardless of vaccination trimester. In milk, IgG and IgA titers remained above the positive cutoff for at least 5-6 months after birth, and infants of mothers vaccinated in the second and third trimesters had positive IgG titers for at least 5 to 6 months of life. There were no vaccine-attributable adverse perinatal outcomes. Conclusions and Relevance: The findings of this cohort study suggest that mRNA COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy provokes a robust IgG response for the mother-infant dyad for approximately 6 months after birth. Postvaccination symptoms may indicate a more robust immune response, without adverse maternal, fetal, or neonatal outcomes.

"She should support me, she's my doctor:" Patient perceptions of agency in contraceptive decision-making in the clinical encounter in Northern California.

INTRODUCTION: Agency in contraceptive decision-making is an essential aspect of reproductive autonomy. We conducted qualitative research to investigate what agency means to patients seeking contraceptive care to inform the development of a validated measure of this construct. METHODOLOGY: We held four focus group discussions and seven interviews with sexually-active individuals assigned female at birth, ages 16-29 years, recruited from reproductive health clinics in Northern California. We explored experiences in contraceptive decision-making during the clinic visit. We coded data in ATLAS.ti and by hand, compared codes across three coders, and used thematic analysis to identify salient themes. RESULTS: The sample mean age was 21 years, with 17% of participants identifying as Asian, 23% as Black, 27% as Latinx, 17% as Multiracial/other, and 27% as white. Overall, participants reported active and engaged decision-making in their recent contraceptive visit but noted experiences that had undermined their agency in the past. They described how non-judgmental care allowed them to communicate openly, affirming their ability to make their own decisions. However, several mentioned how unexpected contraceptive side effects after the visit had reduced their sense of agency over their decision in retrospect. Several participants, including those who identified as Black, Latinx, and/or Asian, described prior experiences where pressure to use a contraceptive method had undermined their agency and where they had switched providers to regain agency over their contraceptive decisions. DISCUSSION: Most participants were aware of their agency during contraceptive visits and how it varied in different experiences with providers and the healthcare system. Patient perspectives can help to inform measurement development and ultimately the delivery of care that supports contraceptive agency.

Milk antibody response after 3rd dose of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine and SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infection and implications for infant protection.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies have been found in human-milk after COVID-19 infection and vaccination. However, little is known about their persistence in milk after booster vaccination and breakthrough infection. In this study, human-milk, saliva and blood samples were collected from 33 lactating individuals before and after mRNA-based vaccination and COVID-19 breakthrough infections. Antibody levels were measured using ELISA and symptoms were assessed using questionnaires. Evaluation of maternal and infant symptomatology revealed that infected mothers reported more symptoms than vaccinated mothers. We found that after vaccination, human-milk anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies persisted for up to 8 months. In addition, distinct patterns of human milk IgA and IgG production we observed after breakthrough infection compared to 3-dose vaccination series alone, indicating a differential central and mucosal immune profiles in hybrid compared with vaccine-induced immunity. To investigate passively-derived milk antibody protection in infants, we examined the persistence of these antibodies in infant saliva after breastfeeding. We found that IgA was more abundant in infant saliva compared to IgG and persist in infant saliva longer after feeding. Our results delineate the differences in milk antibody response to vaccination as compared to breakthrough infection and emphasize the importance of improving the secretion of IgA antibodies to human milk after vaccination to improve the protection of breastfeeding infants.

Racial Disparities in Donor Human Milk Feedings: A Study Using Electronic Medical Records.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in the use of pasteurized donor human milk (PDHM) by maternal race-ethnicity during postpartum hospitalization using electronic medical records (EMRs). Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all live-born infants at our academic research institution from July 1, 2014, to June 30, 2016, was conducted. EMR data were used to determine whether each infant received mother's own milk (MOM), PDHM, or formula. These data were stratified based on whether the infant received treatment in the Neonatal Critical Care Center. Generalized estimating equation models were used to calculate the odds of receiving PDHM by maternal race-ethnicity, adjusting for gestational age, birth weight, insurance, preferred language, nulliparity, and mode of delivery. Results: Infant feeding data were available for 7097 infants, of whom 49% were fed only MOM during their postpartum hospitalization. Among the 15.9% of infants admitted to neonatal critical care, infants of non-Hispanic Black (odds ratio [OR] 0.47, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.72), Hispanic (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.36-1019), and Other (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.32-1.26) mothers had lower rates of PDHM feedings than infants of non-Hispanic White mothers in the adjusted models. Among well infants, the use of PDHM was lower among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic mothers (OR 0.25, 95% CI 0.18-0.36, and OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.26-0.56) compared with non-Hispanic White mothers. Conclusions: Inequities in exclusive human milk feeding and use of PDHM by maternal race-ethnicity were identified. Antiracist interventions are needed to promote equitable access to skilled lactation support and counseling for PDHM use.

Effects of Vaccination Against Influenza, Pertussis, and COVID-19 on Human Milk Antibodies: Current Evidence and Implications for Health Equity.

Human milk contains three antibody classes that confer mucosal immunity to the breastfed infant: secretory IgA (SIgA), secretory IgM (SIgM), and IgG. Influenza and pertussis vaccines administered during pregnancy induce pathogen specific SIgA and IgG responses in human milk that have been shown to protect the breastfed infant from these respiratory illnesses. In addition, mRNA vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus administered during pregnancy and lactation induce anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgA responses in human milk. This review summarizes the immunologic benefits of influenza, pertussis, and COVID-19 vaccines conferred by human milk. Additionally, future research direction in human milk immunity and public health needs to improve lactational support are discussed.

Neutralizing antibody activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants in gestational age-matched mother-infant dyads after infection or vaccination.

Pregnancy confers unique immune responses to infection and vaccination across gestation. To date, there are limited data comparing vaccine- and infection-induced neutralizing Abs (nAbs) against COVID-19 variants in mothers during pregnancy. We analyzed paired maternal and cord plasma samples from 60 pregnant individuals. Thirty women vaccinated with mRNA vaccines (from December 2020 through August 2021) were matched with 30 naturally infected women (from March 2020 through January 2021) by gestational age of exposure. Neutralization activity against the 5 SARS-CoV-2 spike sequences was measured by a SARS-CoV-2-pseudotyped spike virion assay. Effective nAbs against SARS-CoV-2 were present in maternal and cord plasma after both infection and vaccination. Compared with WT spike protein, these nAbs were less effective against the Delta and Mu spike variants. Vaccination during the third trimester induced higher cord-nAb levels at delivery than did infection during the third trimester. In contrast, vaccine-induced nAb levels were lower at the time of delivery compared with infection during the first trimester. The transfer ratio (cord nAb level divided by maternal nAb level) was greatest in mothers vaccinated in the second trimester. SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection in pregnancy elicits effective nAbs with differing neutralization kinetics that are influenced by gestational time of exposure.

Social Construction of Target Populations: A Theoretical Framework for Understanding Policy Approaches to Perinatal Illicit Substance Screening.

Perinatal illicit substance use is a nursing and public health issue. Current screening policies have significant consequences for birthing individuals and their families. Racial disparities exist in spite of targeted and universal screening policies and practices. Thus, new theoretical approaches are needed to investigate perinatal illicit substance use screening in hospital settings. The purpose of this analysis is to evaluate the social construction of target populations theory in the context of perinatal illicit substance use screening. Using the theoretical insights of this theory to interrogate the approaches taken by policy makers to address perinatal illicit substance use and screening provides the contextual framework needed to understand why specific policy tools were selected when designing public policy to address these issues. The analysis and evaluation of this theory was conducted using the theory description and critical reflection model.

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Lactation: Assessment of Adverse Events and Vaccine Related Antibodies in Mother-Infant Dyads.

Background: Data regarding symptoms in the lactating mother-infant dyad and their immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination during lactation are needed to inform vaccination guidelines. Methods: From a prospective cohort of 50 lactating individuals who received mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2), blood and milk samples were collected prior to first vaccination dose, immediately prior to 2nd dose, and 4-10 weeks after 2nd dose. Symptoms in mother and infant were assessed by detailed questionnaires. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in blood and milk were measured by Pylon 3D automated immunoassay and ELISA. In addition, vaccine-related PEGylated proteins in milk were measured by ELISA. Blood samples were collected from a subset of infants whose mothers received the vaccine during lactation (4-15 weeks after mothers' 2nd dose). Results: No severe maternal or infant adverse events were reported in this cohort. Two mothers and two infants were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period before achieving full immune response. PEGylated proteins were not found at significant levels in milk after vaccination. After vaccination, levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM significantly increased in maternal plasma and there was significant transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2-Receptor Binding Domain (anti-RBD) IgA and IgG antibodies to milk. Milk IgA levels after the 2nd dose were negatively associated with infant age. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were not detected in the plasma of infants whose mothers were vaccinated during lactation. Conclusions: COVID-19 mRNA vaccines generate robust immune responses in plasma and milk of lactating individuals without severe adverse events reported.

Reimagining Perinatal Mental Health: An Expansive Vision For Structural Change.

Diagnoses of depression, anxiety, or other mental illness capture just one aspect of the psychosocial elements of the perinatal period. Perinatal loss; trauma; unstable, unsafe, or inhumane work environments; structural racism and gendered oppression in health care and society; and the lack of a social safety net threaten the overall well-being of birthing people, their families, and communities. Developing relevant policies for perinatal mental health thus requires attending to the intersecting effects of racism, poverty, lack of child care, inadequate postpartum support, and other structural violence on health. To fully understand and address this issue, we use a human rights framework to articulate how and why policy makers must take progressive action toward this goal. This commentary, written by an interdisciplinary and intergenerational team, employs personal and professional expertise to disrupt underlying assumptions about psychosocial aspects of the perinatal experience and reimagines a new way forward to facilitate well-being in the perinatal period.

COVID-19 mRNA Vaccination in Lactation: Assessment of adverse events and vaccine related antibodies in mother-infant dyads.

BACKGROUND: Data regarding adverse events observed in the lactating mother-infant dyad and their immune response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccination during lactation are needed to inform vaccination guidelines. METHODS: From a prospective cohort of 50 lactating individuals who received mRNA-based vaccines for COVID-19 (mRNA-1273 and BNT162b2), blood and milk samples were collected prior to first vaccination dose, immediately prior to 2nd dose, and 4-10 weeks after 2nd dose. Symptoms in mother and infant were assessed by detailed questionnaires. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in blood and milk were measured by Pylon 3D automated immunoassay and ELISA. In addition, vaccine-related PEGylated proteins in milk were measured by ELISA. Blood samples were collected from a subset of infants whose mothers received the vaccine during lactation (4-15 weeks after mothers' 2nd dose). RESULTS: No severe maternal or infant adverse events were reported in this cohort. Two mothers and two infants were diagnosed with COVID-19 during the study period. PEGylated proteins, were not found at significant levels in milk after vaccination. After vaccination, levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG and IgM significantly increased in maternal plasma and there was significant transfer of anti-SARS-CoV-2-Receptor Binding Domain (anti-RBD) IgA and IgG antibodies to milk. Milk IgA levels after the 2nd dose were negatively associated with infant age. Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies were not detected in the plasma of infants whose mothers were vaccinated during lactation. CONCLUSIONS: COVID-19 mRNA vaccines generate robust immune responses in plasma and milk of lactating individuals without severe adverse events reported.

Achieving Breastfeeding Equity and Justice in Black Communities: Past, Present, and Future.

Background: Breastfeeding is protective of maternal and infant health across the life course. Increasing breastfeeding rates in Black communities is an important public health strategy to address maternal and infant mortality and morbidity. Methods: Data trends for the past 10 years suggest that Black-led community efforts; local, state, and national initiatives; and maternity care practices that are supportive of breastfeeding have been effective in improving and increasing breastfeeding rates among Black women. Results: Yet breastfeeding disparities and inequities in Black communities persist. Systemic and structural barriers, such as racism, bias, and inequitable access to lactation resources and support continue to be issues in the United States. Conclusion: Going forward, significant investments are needed to decolonize breastfeeding research and clinical practice. Public health and policy priorities need to center on listening to Black women, and funding Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) organizations and researchers conducting innovative projects and research.

Breastfeeding in Incarcerated Settings in the United States: A National Survey of Frequency and Policies.

Objectives: To assess the existence of prison and jail policies and practices that allow incarcerated women to breastfeed while in custody, and prevalence of women in custody who pumped human milk for their infants. Methods: We surveyed 22 state prison systems and 6 county jails from 2016 to 2017 about policies related to breastfeeding and other programs for pregnant and parenting women in custody. In addition, 11 prisons and 5 jails reported 6 months of monthly, prospective data on the number of women pumping human milk, as well as information on placement of infants born to women in custody. Results: Eleven prisons and five jails had policies that supported the practice of expressed milk, either through pumping or breastfeeding. Over 6 months at these sites that allowed lactation, there were 207 women who gave birth in the prisons and an average of 8 women/month who pumped human milk; at the jails, there were 67 women who gave birth and an average of 6 women/month who pumped human milk. Most infants born to women in custody were placed in the care of a family member. Conclusions: Breastfeeding and the provision of human milk are critical public health issues. Our data show inconsistent implementation of policies and practices supportive of breastfeeding in prisons and jails. However, there are institutions in the United States that are supportive of incarcerated women's breastfeeding and lactation needs. Further research is needed to identify the barriers and facilitators associated with implementing supportive breastfeeding policies and practices in the carceral system.

Infant Outcomes Following Maternal Infection With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): First Report From the Pregnancy Coronavirus Outcomes Registry (PRIORITY) Study.

Infant outcomes after maternal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection are not well described. In a prospective US registry of 263 infants, maternal SARS-CoV-2 status was not associated with birth weight, difficulty breathing, apnea, or upper or lower respiratory infection through 8 weeks of age.

Reflecting on Equity in Perinatal Care During a Pandemic.

Growing discourse around maternity care during the pandemic offers an opportunity to reflect on how this crisis has amplified inequities in health care. We argue that policies upholding the rights of birthing people, and policies decreasing the risk of COVID-19 transmission are not mutually exclusive. The explicit lack of standardization of evidence-based maternity care, whether expressed in clinical protocols or institutional policy, has disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. If these factors remain unexamined, then it would seem that equity is not the priority, but retaining power and control is. We advocate for a comprehensive understanding of how this pandemic has revealed our deepest failures.

Racial and Ethnic Inequities in Postpartum Pain Evaluation and Management.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the frequency of pain assessment and treatment differed by patient race and ethnicity for women after cesarean birth. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort study of all women who underwent cesarean birth resulting in a liveborn neonate at a single institution between July 1, 2014, and June 30, 2016. Pain scores documented and medications administered after delivery were grouped into 0-24 and 25-48 hours postpartum time periods. Number of pain scores recorded, whether any pain score was 7 of 10 or greater, and analgesic medication administered were calculated. Models were adjusted for propensity scores incorporating maternal age, body mass index, gestational age, nulliparity, primary compared with repeat cesarean delivery, classical hysterotomy, and admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. RESULTS: A total of 1,987 women were identified, and 1,701 met inclusion criteria. There were 30,984 pain scores documented. Severe pain (7/10 or greater) was more common among black (28%) and Hispanic (22%) women than among women who identified as white (20%) or Asian (15%). In the first 24 hours after cesarean birth, non-Hispanic white women had more documented pain assessments (adjusted mean 10.2) than, black, Asian, and Hispanic women (adjusted mean 8.4-9.5; P<.05). Results at 25-48 hours were similar, compared with non-Hispanic white women (adjusted mean 8.3). Black, Asian, and Hispanic women and women who were identified as other all received less narcotic medication at 0-24 hours postpartum (adjusted mean 5.1-7.5 oxycodone tablet equivalents; P<.001-.05), as well as at 25-28 hours postpartum. CONCLUSION: Racial and ethnic inequities in the experience, assessment and treatment of postpartum pain were identified. A limitation of our study is that we were unable to assess the role of patient beliefs about expression of pain, patient preferences with regards to pain medication, and beliefs and potential biases among health care providers.

Infant Feeding Decision-Making and the Influences of Social Support Persons Among First-Time African American Mothers.

Background While breast milk is considered the gold standard of infant feeding, a majority of African American mothers are not exclusively breastfeeding their newborn infants. Objective The overall goal of this critical ethnographic research study was to describe infant feeding perceptions and experiences of African American mothers and their support persons. Methods Twenty-two participants (14 pregnant women and eight support persons) were recruited from public health programs and community based organizations in northern California. Data were collected through field observations, demographic questionnaires, and multiple in-person interviews. Thematic analysis was used to identify key themes. Results Half of the mothers noted an intention to exclusively breastfeed during the antepartum period. However, few mothers exclusively breastfed during the postpartum period. Many participants expressed guilt and shame for not being able to accomplish their antepartum goals. Life experiences and stressors, lack of breastfeeding role models, limited experiences with breastfeeding and lactation, and changes to the family dynamic played a major role in the infant feeding decision making process and breastfeeding duration. Conclusions for Practice Our observations suggest that while exclusivity goals were not being met, a considerable proportion of African American women were breastfeeding. Future interventions geared towards this population should include social media interventions, messaging around combination feeding, and increased education for identified social support persons. Public health measures aimed at reducing the current infant feeding inequities would benefit by also incorporating more culturally inclusive messaging around breastfeeding and lactation.