Delivery method matters: omega-3 supplementation by restricted feeding period and oral gavage has a distinct impact on corticosterone secretion and anxious behavior in adolescent rats.

Objectives: Oral gavage and time-restricted feeding are common delivery methods for dietary supplementation to rodents. However, the stress associated with selected feeding regimens could represent a confounding variable. In rodents, the adolescence period is particularly vulnerable to stressful events, in part related to ongoing maturation of the brain. In this context, omega-3 dietary supplementation has shown beneficial effects on neuronal growth, cognitive performance and stress regulation, while high-fat diet (HVF) has been associated with enhanced stress and anxiety. Therefore, this study has two aims: (1) evaluate the influence of 21-day supplementation with soybean oil (control group; CSO), fish oil (FO) or hydrogenated vegetable fat (HVF) fatty acids (FA) during the adolescence period on corticosterone secretion and anxiety-like behavior and, (2) compare the impact of dietary supplementation using oral gavage or time-limited feeding on these measures.Methods: Oral gavage or restricted feeding were used to daily feed adolescent rats (PND28-47; n = 49). On supplementation days 1, 7, 14 and 21, droplets of blood were collected for corticosterone (CORT) assessments. The Open Field (OFT) and the Elevated-Plus Maze (EPM) tests served to assess anxiety-like behavior on PND50.Results: Our findings indicate increased CORT secretion in restricted-(R) compared to gavage-fed animals on DAY7 and DAY14, suggesting heightened HPA-axis reactivity. Notably, CORT secretion diminished in FO-R-rats (DAY21), suggesting improved coping/adjustment. Consistent with CORT assessments, findings in the OFT and EPM supported attenuated anxiety in gavage versus restricted groups. FO and CSO supplementation reduced anxiety compared to HVF intake.Conclusions: Our findings uncover a significant impact of feeding methods on anxiety-like behavior and physiological stress response in rodents, supporting oral gavage as a less stressful option during the adolescent developmental stage. Supplement-specific effects on CORT secretion further indicated an influence of fish oil in regulating the stress response.

Mothers' perceptions of self-efficacy and satisfaction with parenting are related to their use of controlling and positive food parenting practices.

Perceptions of parenting competence are composed of self-efficacy and satisfaction with parenting. Parenting competence is linked to differential outcomes across numerous parenting domains. To date, few studies have explored the relationships between maternal self-efficacy and food parenting practices, deploying different measures and age ranges, and yielding conflicting findings. Therefore, the current study sought to explore relationships between the two dimensions of perceived parenting competence and the use of controlling and positive food parenting practices. UK mothers (N = 269) of 18- to 59-month-old children completed measures of both dimensions of perceived parenting competence (i.e., parenting self-efficacy and satisfaction) and of controlling (maladaptive) and positive (health promoting) food parenting practices. Relationships were found between perceptions of competence and use of food parenting practices. Self-efficacy and satisfaction with parenting were positively associated with the use of most positive food parenting practices. Greater parenting satisfaction, but not parenting efficacy, was associated with lower use of some of the potentially detrimental controlling food parenting practices. Neither parenting self-efficacy nor satisfaction with parenting were related to mothers' reported use of pressure to eat. In conclusion, supporting and promoting greater maternal self-efficacy and satisfaction with parenting may be a useful target for public health interventions and for professionals working with families with the aim of promoting optimal parenting to support children's development of healthy eating habits. Future research should seek to further elucidate the current findings with a longitudinal design.

Percepciones, conocimiento y rutina de los padres acerca de los métodos de introducción de alimentos y su relación con el habla / Perceptions, knowledge, and routines of parents regarding food introduction methods and their relationship with speech

Este estudio analizó las rutinas y los hábitos de alimentación de niños portugueses de entre 4 y 18 meses, los métodos de introducción de alimentos más utilizados y las percepciones de los padres acerca de la importancia de la introducción de alimentos en el desarrollo del habla, Se aplicó un cuestionario online a una muestra de 297 padres. El cuestionario mostró una alta fiabilidad (α = 0.86). La mayoría de las madres portuguesas respondió que amamantan a sus hijos o que lo hacen en combinación con mamadera. Además, que les presentan nuevos alimentos a sus hijos en forma de sopas o purés y que varían los sabores, texturas y consistencias con frecuencia. Aunque hubo resultados razonables con respecto al conocimiento sobre los métodos tradicionales y Baby Led Weaning (BLW), en esta muestra se observó una mayor frecuencia de uso del método tradicional en comparación con BLW. Por otro lado, no hubo una correlación significativa entre la edad de los padres y su percepción sobre la importancia de la alimentación para el habla. Sin embargo, los padres con estudios superiores mostraron una mayor percepción sobre la importancia de la alimentación en el habla. Los padres con un mayor número de hijos mostraron una menor consciencia sobre la importancia de la relación entre la alimentación y el habla.

This study analyzedthe eating routines and habits of Portuguese children aged 4 to 18 months, the methods of food introduction most frequently used, and the parents' perceptions regarding the importance of food introduction for speech development. A sample of 297 parents filled out an online self-report questionnaire about their perceptions, knowledge, and routines regarding food introduction methods, and their relationship with speech development. This questionnaire showed high reliability (α=0.86). The majority of the Portuguese mothers that filled out the survey answered either that they breastfed their children or breastfed them in combination with bottle feeding. They also stated that they introduce new food to their children in the form of soups or purees and that they vary the flavors, textures, and consistencies frequently. Although the results showed a reasonable level of knowledge regarding the traditional and Baby Led Weaning (BLW) methods, there was a higher frequency of use of the traditional method in this samplewhen compared to BLW. There was not a significant correlation between the age of the parents and their perception of the importance of feeding for speech. In turn, parents with a higher level of education showed a greater awareness of the relevance of feeding in the development of speech. Parents with a higher number of children showed less awareness of the relationship between feeding and speech development.

Treatment of infants with craniofacial malformations.

Infants with craniofacial malformations (CFMs) are at increased risk of various clinical problems, including respiratory and feeding disorders, the result of which may be long-lasting. An improvement in clinical care can be achieved by prenatal diagnosis and interdisciplinary birth preparation. Feeding problems may particularly be stressful for the family and require a team approach involving nursing staff, speech therapists and nutritional specialists to anticipate, avoid and treat sequelae such as failure to thrive or recurrent aspirations. Special techniques (eg, optimisation of breast feeding, alternative feeding methods or manual orofacial therapy) may be used individually to improve feeding competence; supplemental nutrition via a nasogastric or gastrostomy tube may be temporarily necessary to ensure adequate weight gain. The high prevalence of respiratory disorders in infants with craniofacial abnormalities requires anticipation and screening to prevent growth failure and neurological deficits. Treatment of upper airway obstruction varies widely, strategies can be divided into non-surgical and surgical, and in those aimed at widening the pharyngeal space (eg, prone position, palatal plates, craniofacial surgery) and those bridging the narrow upper airway (eg, nasopharyngeal airway, modified palatal plate, pneumatic airway stenting, tracheostomy). The complex management of an infant with CFM should be performed by a multidisciplinary team to offer specialised support and care for affected families.

Protocol for a Binary Choice Feeding Assay Using Adult, Axenic Drosophila.

This protocol is designed to prepare adult axenic Drosophila before monitoring their behavior in a two-choice feeding assay, where flies are confronted with an axenic versus a dead or alive bacteria-contaminated feeding solution. Several aspects of the procedure, including raising and aging flies in axenic conditions, starving adult flies, and composing feeding solutions, are detailed. The bacterium used in this protocol, Erwinia carotovora carotovora-15 2141 (Ecc-15 2141 ), is commonly used to decipher the mechanisms controlling host-pathogen interactions in the Drosophila model. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Charroux et al. (2020).

Infant feeding beliefs and practices: Effects of maternal personal characteristics.

PURPOSE: Information is limited about how mothers make food decisions on behalf of their children. Eating practices are established early in life and are difficult to change, so it is imperative to focus on the caregiver who influences a young child's food preferences and eating behaviors. The purpose of this secondary data analysis was to examine the relationship between maternal characteristics and infant feeding beliefs and practices in a sample of multiparous mothers with a history of a prior preterm infant birth. DESIGN AND METHODS: Secondary analysis of a subset of data (n = 112) collected from women who participated in a randomized clinical trial (RCT) assessing the efficacy of a home-based intervention to improve maternal and child outcomes. Inclusion criteria for the RCT: women ≥18 years of age at enrollment with a prior preterm live birth >20 and <37 weeks gestation, <24 weeks gestation at enrollment, spoke/read English, and received prenatal care at a regional medical center. Criteria for the subset included: completed the Infant Feeding Questionnaire at 5 months postpartum and had reported a prenatal body mass index (BMI). Univariate correlations and multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess the associations between maternal personal characteristics and infant feeding practices. RESULTS: Median age of the mothers was 27 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 23-32) with median education of 12 years (IQR: 12-16). More than two-thirds (68%) of the women breastfed their last baby. These women were less likely to be concerned about their infant's hunger (r = -.20; p = .035). After controlling for education, maternal BMI, breastfed last baby, self-esteem, locus of control, and depressive symptoms, decreased maternal age (ß = -.35; p < .001) and higher levels of stress (ß = .19; p = .042) were associated with greater concern about their infant's hunger. Maternal demographic and psychosocial variables were not found to be statistically significantly associated with either concern about infant overeating and becoming overweight or an awareness of infant's hunger and satiety cues. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Differences in maternal psychosocial variables and attitudes toward infant feeding may contribute to long term eating habits and weight outcomes in children. A better understanding of maternal variables that influence infant feeding attitudes and practices could improve the design of future intervention studies aimed at mothers at risk for having poor infant feeding practices.

Factors Contributing to the Preferred Method of Feeding in End-Stage Dementia: A Scoping Review.

Dementia is reported to be the overall fourth leading non-communicable cause of death, and accounted for almost two million deaths worldwide (3.5% of the total number) in 2016. Dysphagia and aspiration pneumonia secondary to dementia are the two most serious comorbidities. As the dementia progresses and the severity of an individual's dysphagia increases, the question of whether to commence an artificial nutrition or allow a person to continue to eat and drink orally is raised, both having associated risks. The purpose of this study was to establish current perspectives regarding the method(s) of feeding being used or preferred, once an individual with dementia has reached the end stages of the disease and is unable to swallow safely and efficiently, and ascertain the reasons for the choice made. An online search was completed, and articles published in English available up to April 2018 were considered for inclusion. Hand searching inclusive of the grey literature was also completed to obtain the maximum amount of relevant information. The total yield numbered 1888 studies, and following exclusions, full text studies deemed suitable for review amounted to 18. Themes were generated during the review process, relevant information was extracted, and six main themes emerged: feeding method; aspiration pneumonia; mortality; malnutrition; ethical considerations, and religion. The review indicated that the preferred method of feeding in end-stage dementia was artificial nutrition, in most cases via percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. However, despite the perceived advantage of providing artificial nutrition, no convincing evidence was found to support the use of tube feeding in end-stage dementia. In fact, initiating tube feeding was considered to have adverse effects such as aspiration pneumonia, malnutrition and expedited death. Longitudinal research regarding current practice is therefore indicated to establish an optimal procedure for individuals with end-stage dementia and dysphagia.

The explanatory role of maternal feeding practices: do they explain ethnic differences in body weight of preadolescents?

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to explore the role of ethnicity and maternal perceived weight status in the association between maternal child feeding practices and childhood Body Mass Index (BMI) at the age of 11-12 years in a multi-ethnic population. METHODS: We collected data on child feeding practices by the validated Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) among 2398 mothers of adolescents (Mage = 11.2, SDage = 0.6). Multivariate linear analyses were used to determine the cross-sectional association between child feeding practices ('Restriction', 'Pressure to eat', and 'Monitoring'), maternal perception of child's weight status, SDS-BMI, and ethnicity. RESULTS: 'Restriction' (ß = 0.16; 95% CI [0.11; 0.20]) and 'Pressure to eat' (ß = -0.32 [-0.36;-0.28]) were significantly associated with child SDS-BMI. Both associations were strongly influenced by the mother's perception of child's weight status. Besides, non-native Dutch mothers performed significantly higher levels of 'Restriction' (M±SD = 12.17 ±â€¯4.41) and 'Pressure to eat' (10.75 ±â€¯4.03) compared to native Dutch mothers (11.25 ±â€¯4.15 and 9.99 ±â€¯3.83, respectively). Native Dutch mothers performed higher levels of 'Monitoring' (17.15 ±â€¯2.54) compared to non-native Dutch mothers (16.73 ±â€¯3.01). Furthermore, children of non-native Dutch mothers had a 0.15 (0.27; 0.46) higher SDS-BMI. Finally, results showed that the association between 'Pressure to eat' and SDS-BMI was stronger in native Dutch mothers (ß = -0.20; 95% CI [-0.24; -0.15]) compared to non-native Dutch mothers (ß = -0.11; 95% CI [-0.18; -0.04]). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Ethnic differences in childhood BMI seemed to be partially attributable to the maternal perception of her child's weight status. Besides, maternal perception of child's weight appeared to play an important role in the association between maternal child feeding practices and childhood SDS-BMI. Hence, our findings contribute to the growing evidence concerning the bi-directional association between child feeding practices and childhood BMI.

Exploring Correlates of Infant Clarity of Cues During Early Feeding Interactions.

BACKGROUND: Recommendations aimed at reducing infants' risk for rapid weight gain primarily focus on promoting caregivers' use of responsive feeding practices and styles. These recommendations are grounded in the belief that infants will effectively signal hunger and satiation to their caregivers. To date, few studies have explored how variability in infants' communication of hunger and satiation may contribute to feeding interactions. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to explore variability in, and correlates of, infant clarity of cues during feeding interactions. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Mother-infant dyads (n=86) were video-recorded during a typical feeding interaction within laboratory-based settings in Philadelphia, PA and San Luis Obispo, CA between June 2013 and June 2017. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Trained raters later coded videos using the Nursing Child Assessment Parent-Child Interaction Feeding Scale's Infant Clarity of Cues and Maternal Sensitivity to Cues subscales. Infant weight was assessed and standardized to sex- and age-specific z scores. Mothers completed questionnaires related to family demographics, infant feeding history, feeding styles, and infant temperament and eating behaviors. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Linear models were used to test for associations between clarity of cues and breastfeeding vs formula-feeding, maternal sensitivity and responsiveness, and feeding and weight outcomes. RESULTS: Infants were approximately 15.5 weeks of age and 53% were female. Clarity of cues was not associated with infant sex, age, temperament, or eating behaviors. Breastfed and formula-fed infants exhibited similar clarity of cues (P=0.0636). Greater clarity of cues for infants was associated with greater maternal sensitivity to cues (P=0.0011) and responsive feeding style (P=0.0464) for mothers. Lower clarity of cues was associated with greater weight-for-age z score change for formula-fed infants, but not breastfed infants. CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to promote responsive feeding may need to also consider infant clarity of cues. Further research is needed to understand the implications of associations between infant communication and responsive feeding.

Effect of Parental Feeding Practices (i.e., Responsive Feeding) on Children's Eating Behavior.

Child eating behaviors contribute to individual variability in weight status and are influenced by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Feeding practices have been identified as a potentially modifiable factor that can influence children's dietary intake and eating behaviors. However, the majority of research in the field has been cross-sectional whereas more recently a bidirectional relationship between parent feeding and child eating has been proposed. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of patterns of findings related to feeding practices that may support or undermine children's eating behaviors. The focus is specifically on eating behaviors related to appetite regulation and obesity risk. Evidence for the potential effect of nonresponsive feeding practices as well as structure-related practices is presented. In sum, there is evidence that parents' feeding practices do impact on children's eating behaviors, but children's eating behaviors also influence the feeding practices parents use. Suggestions for future research in terms of design, measures, and research questions are proposed. Future work in this area will serve to build the evidence base for targeted intervention strategies that can guide parents to feed their children in a way that optimizes child health.

Parental Feeding Practices and Associations with Children's Food Acceptance and Picky Eating.

Picky eating, which includes behaviors such as limited dietary variety, neophobia, food refusals, and sensory sensitivities, can be a source of stress for families. Parents can influence their children's mealtime behavior through the feeding practices they use when offering foods. Some practices are counterproductive to establishing healthy eating habits and should be avoided, but caregivers need alternative behaviors to replace them. Parents should be encouraged to keep trying after a food is refused, as children may need to be exposed to a food several times before it is accepted. Varying the preparation changes the taste, texture, and appearance of food, and children may prefer some variants to others. Some children refuse foods to express independence; thus, providing choices between two healthy options may allow children to express a preference without saying "no" altogether. Coercive feeding practices such as the use of pressure to eat or using food as rewards should be avoided, as these can create negative associations with the food or meals and lead to food refusals. Instead, caregivers can model eating and enjoying the food. Nonfood rewards, such as praise or stickers, can also be used to encourage children to taste a food without negative outcomes.

Know the Flow: Milk Flow Rates From Bottle Nipples Used in the Hospital and After Discharge.

BACKGROUND: Milk flow rate may play an important role in an infant's ability to safely and efficiently coordinate sucking, swallowing, and breathing during feeding. PURPOSE: To test milk flow rates from bottle nipples used in the hospital and after discharge. METHODS: Bottle nipples used in hospitals (10 unique types) and available nationwide at major retailers (15 unique types) were identified. For each of the 25 nipple types, 15 nipples of that type were tested by measuring the amount of infant formula extracted in 1 minute by a breast pump. Mean milk flow rate (mL/min) and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated for each nipple type. Comparisons between nipple types were made within brand and within category (eg, Slow, Standard). A cluster analysis was conducted to identify nipples of comparable flow. RESULTS: A total of 375 individual nipples were tested. Milk flow rates varied widely, from 0.86 to 37.61 mL/min. There was also a wide range of CVs, from 0.03 to 0.35. Packing information did not accurately reflect the flow rates of bottle nipples. The cluster analysis revealed 5 clusters of nipples, with flow rates from Extra Slow to Very Fast. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: These data can be used to guide decisions regarding nipples to use for feeding infants with medical complexity in the hospital and after discharge. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Research on infant feeding should consider the flow rate and variability of nipples used, as these factors may impact findings.

Prospects for early childhood feeding interventions: An exploration of parent's concerns and acceptability towards social media intervention opportunities.

AIM: The present study aims to (i) consult with parents regarding child feeding concerns, as relevant to child feeding interventions, (ii) determine parents' willingness to participate in online and social media-based interventions and (iii) determine differences in intervention acceptability based on geographic diversity and demographic characteristics. METHODS: Three hundred thirty Australian parents of children (2.0-5.0 years) with child feeding concerns participated in an online, cross-sectional survey. Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn's multiple-comparison test, using Bonferroni adjustment, was used to compare differences between variables and participants characteristics (region of residence, parent age, parent education and income). RESULTS: About 53.9% of respondents were concerned about child fussy eating, with lack of time and child tantrums common barriers to addressing concerns. Respondents indicated that a combination of online platforms (websites, email, Facebook) was their preferred method of intervention participation, although, a combination of online and face-to-face methods also had modest preference, particularly among lower educated parents. Participants indicated that they would participate in an online intervention (participating once a week) for more than 12 weeks (42.7%), compared with only 4 weeks (participating once a week) for traditionally delivered interventions. About 32.4% of respondents said they would be concerned about their privacy in an online intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Fussy eating is likely to be an appealing focus for future child feeding interventions, with strategies to address common barriers an important curriculum area. Online interventions are likely to offer an acceptable and plausible alternative to traditional interventions that are able to reach geographically diverse populations, although face-to-face intervention components still hold appeal.

Manual Feeding Device Experiences of People With a Neurodisability.

OBJECTIVE: Neurological bilateral upper limb weakness can result in self-feeding difficulties and reliance on care providers. Mealtimes become time consuming and frustrating. In this exploratory inquiry, we examined the experiences of users of a feeding device. METHOD: Semistructured interviews were either conducted by telephone or administered via email to explore quality of life, changes to independence, benefits and limitations, and psychological impact of the equipment. RESULTS: Thematic analysis gave rise to five themes: independence and positivity, emotions, impact on family and social life, equipment functionality, and motivation. CONCLUSION: This exploratory inquiry has contributed new qualitative evidence to the knowledge and understanding of users' experiences of a manual feeding device. Users reported that the need for assistance was reduced and that their quality of life, independence, and freedom improved. Time and resources savings for the family, care providers, and staff appeared to result in a more equal relationship between user and care provider.

Effective Communication Strategies for Nurses to Discuss Infant Feeding with New Mothers During Postpartum Hospitalization.

During prenatal care and postpartum hospitalization, nurses have an important role in assisting new mothers to make informed decisions about feeding their newborn infants. There is overwhelming evidence that breastfeeding is beneficial for most new mothers and babies; therefore, perinatal nurses encourage breastfeeding. Newborn infant feeding conversations with women who have chosen to formula feed may be complicated and may cause tension in the nurse-patient relationship. Despite this potential difficulty, these conversations are essential to establish a feeding plan for the newborn infant and to promote healthy outcomes for mothers and babies. Tools are offered for nurses to guide conversations about infant feeding choices and to help to ensure that all mothers receive support and encouragement on their feeding choice.

Predicting children's fussiness with vegetables: The role of feeding practices.

Vegetables are commonly rejected by children, making it is important to consider factors that are associated with children's fussiness with vegetables. The current study aimed to investigate whether fussiness with vegetables is associated with a number of factors including caregiver and child vegetable consumption; caregivers' general feeding practices; and caregivers' vegetable-specific feeding practices. Caregivers (N = 297) of preschool children completed questionnaire measures of their child's fussiness with vegetables, as well as several caregiver and child factors hypothesised to be associated with children's fussiness with vegetables. Findings indicate that children who are fussier with vegetables consume a smaller quantity of vegetables and that almost all have caregivers who eat a smaller quantity of vegetables. Children's fussiness with vegetables was not significantly related to any general feeding practices used by caregivers. However, children's fussiness with vegetables was significantly associated with the use of several vegetable specific feeding practices. Caregivers of fussier children used more encouragement/pressure to eat with vegetables (r = 0.14, p = .01), hid vegetables within other foods more often (r = 0.30, p = <.01), used more food rewards for vegetable consumption (r = 0.19, p <.01), more other rewards for vegetable consumption (r = 0.21, p < .01), and compromised more when feeding vegetables (r = 0.14, p = .01). These findings suggest that rather than caregivers' general feeding practices being related to children's fussiness with vegetables, the specific feeding practices used when vegetables are rejected are more significant. It may therefore be helpful to develop advice for caregivers about which feeding practices to avoid when faced with a child who is fussy about eating vegetables.

Associations between social support, psychological well-being, decision making, empowerment, infant and young child feeding, and nutritional status in Ugandan children ages 0 to 24 months.

Maternal capabilities-qualities of mothers that enable them to leverage skills and resources into child health-hold potential influence over mother's adoption of child caring practices, including infant and young child feeding. We developed a survey (n = 195) that assessed the associations of 4 dimensions of maternal capabilities (social support, psychological health, decision making, and empowerment) with mothers' infant and young child feeding practices and children's nutritional status in Uganda. Maternal responses were converted to categorical subscales and an overall index. Scale reliability coefficients were moderate to strong (α range = 0.49 to 0.80). Mothers with higher social support scores were more likely to feed children according to the minimum meal frequency (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)] = 1.38 [1.10, 1.73]), dietary diversity (OR [95% CI] = 1.56 [1.15, 2.11]), iron rich foods, (OR [95% CI] = 1.47 [1.14, 1.89]), and minimally acceptable diet (OR [95% CI] = 1.55 [1.10, 2.21]) indicators. Empowerment was associated with a greater likelihood of feeding a minimally diverse and acceptable diet. The maternal capabilities index was significantly associated with feeding the minimum number of times per day (OR [95% CI] = 1.29 [1.03, 1.63]), dietary diversity (OR [95% CI] = 1.44 [1.06, 1.94]), and minimally acceptable diet (OR [95% CI] = 1.43 [1.01, 2.01]). Mothers with higher psychological satisfaction were more likely to have a stunted child (OR [95% CI] = 1.31 [1.06, 1.63]). No other associations between the capabilities scales and child growth were significant. Strengthening social support for mothers and expanding overall maternal capabilities hold potential for addressing important underlying determinants of child feeding in the Ugandan context.

Association between maternal social capital and infant complementary feeding practices in rural Ethiopia.

Few studies have explored the potential of social capital in improving child nutritional status; however, most components of pathways between social capital and nutritional status have remained unexplained. Complementary feeding practice is a strong mediator of child nutritional status. This study examined the association between complementary feeding practice and maternal social capital in rural Ethiopia, using cross-sectional data of infant aged 6-12 months and their mother pairs (n = 870). The Short Social Capital Assessment Tool was used to assess maternal structural (i.e., community group membership, having emotional/economic support from individuals, and citizenship activities) and cognitive social capital (i.e., trust, social harmony, and sense of belonging) in the past 12 months. Infant's dietary diversity score (DDS, range: 0-7), minimum dietary diversity (MDD), and minimum meal frequency (MMF) were assessed using a 24-hr dietary recall. Multivariable ordinal/binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Having support from two or more individuals was associated with higher DDS (OR = 1.84) and meeting a minimum level of dietary diversity (MDD: OR = 5.20) but not with MMF, compared to those having no support. Having two or more group memberships was associated with higher DDS (OR = 2.2) but not with MDD or MMF, compared to those without group membership. Citizenship activities showed mixed associations with MMF and no association with DDS or MDD. Cognitive social capital showed no association with DDS or MDD and lower odds of meeting MMF (OR = 0.56). These mixed results call for further studies to examine other potential pathways (e.g., hygiene and caring behaviours) in which social capital could improve child nutritional status.

How important are the influencing factors to the decision on whether to provide seafood in infant and young child feeding?

Seafood is recommended as part of a healthy, balanced introductory diet however, consumption rates are low in young children. Research has previously investigated the influences to seafood consumption in consumers and non-consumers however the importance of these factors in mothers' decisions on whether to provide seafood for their child during the early years is unknown. This study aimed to measure the importance of factors that influence mothers' decisions on providing seafood for their child during infant and young child feeding (six months to four years). A mixed method Q methodology and cognitive interview approach was used with 32 mothers in Scotland. Despite a large consensus of opinion between mothers (n = 20) on the importance of factors on their decision-making, two viewpoints emerged highlighting an importance placed on food attributes and the infant, and convenience and family-centred. This study is the first to quantify the influences on the decision to provide seafood during early years' feeding and could be used to inform and tailor seafood-based dietary promotions and interventions for parents.

Mothers' Weaning Practices when Infants Breastfeed for More Than One Year.

The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization recommend that infants receive human milk exclusively for the first 6 months of life and that breastfeeding continue beyond the first or second year of life for as long as a family deems appropriate. More infants in the United States and around the world are meeting this recommendation. As more infants breastfeed beyond the first year of life, best practices for weaning toddlers come into question. Little is known about concerns and practices of breastfeeding mothers weaning their children from feedings. Current evidence on weaning from an evolutionary, social, and practical perspective is presented. Four case exemplars are provided to illustrate complexities of weaning. Implications for practice and suggestions for future research are provided.