Prevalence and duration of SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding in breastfeeding dyads following maternal COVID-19 diagnosis.

Background: There is a paucity of data on the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in feces of lactating women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their breastfed infants as well as associations between fecal shedding and symptomatology. Objective: We examined whether and to what extent SARS-CoV-2 is detectable in the feces of lactating women and their breastfed infants following maternal COVID-19 diagnosis. Methods: This was a longitudinal study carried out from April 2020 to December 2021 involving 57 breastfeeding maternal-infant dyads: 33 dyads were enrolled within 7 d of maternal COVID-19 diagnosis, and 24 healthy dyads served as controls. Maternal/infant fecal samples were collected by participants, and surveys were administered via telephone over an 8-wk period. Feces were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Results: Signs/symptoms related to ears, eyes, nose, and throat (EENT); general fatigue/malaise; and cardiopulmonary signs/symptoms were commonly reported among mothers with COVID-19. In infants of mothers with COVID-19, EENT, immunologic, and cardiopulmonary signs/symptoms were most common, but prevalence did not differ from that of infants of control mothers. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in feces of 7 (25%) women with COVID-19 and 10 (30%) of their infants. Duration of fecal shedding ranged from 1-4 wk for both mothers and infants. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was sparsely detected in feces of healthy dyads, with only one mother's and two infants' fecal samples testing positive. There was no relationship between frequencies of maternal and infant SARS-CoV-2 fecal shedding (P=0.36), although presence of maternal or infant fever was related to increased likelihood (7-9 times greater, P≤0.04) of fecal shedding in infants of mothers with COVID-19.

Effects of maternal probiotic supplementation on breast milk microbiome and infant gut microbiome and health: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVE: The early-life microbiome is formed during the perinatal period and is critical for infants' lifelong health. This is established by maternal-infant microbiome crosstalk, which is mediated by the breast milk microbiome. The milk microbiome is dependent on the maternal gut microbiome, suggesting that it could potentially be restored through oral probiotic supplements. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the effect of maternal probiotic supplements on breast milk and infant gut microbiome composition and on infant health. DATA SOURCES: The PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, CINAHL, and Science Direct databases were searched until December 15, 2022. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials following the population, intervention, comparison, and outcome (population: pregnant or lactating women; intervention: probiotics; control: placebo or follow-up; outcome: breast milk and infant gut microbiome composition and infant health) principles were included. METHODS: Using a random effect model, the standard mean difference, risk difference, and risk ratio with 95% confidence interval were used to measure each outcome. All analyses were conducted using the intention-to-treat approach. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 statistics. RESULTS: The final data set included 24 randomized controlled trials with a total of 2761 mothers and 1756 infants. The overall effect of probiotics on the beneficial bacteria detection rate in breast milk had a risk difference of 24% (95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.37; P<.001; I2=91.12%). The pooled mean beneficial and pathogenic bacteria abundance in breast milk had a standard mean difference of 1.22 log10 colony forming units/mL (95% confidence interval, 0.48-1.97; P<.001; I2=95.51%) and -1.05 log10 colony forming unites/mL (95% confidence interval, -1.99 to -0.12; P=.03; I2=96.79%), respectively. The overall abundance of beneficial bacteria in the infant gut had a standard mean difference of 0.89 log10 colony forming units/g (95% confidence interval, 0.22-1.56; P=.01; I2=95.01%). It also controlled infant weight gain (standard mean difference, -0.49 kg/equivalent age; 95% confidence interval, -0.82 to -0.17; P<.001; I2=0.00%) and decreased the occurrence of infantile colic (risk ratio, 0.30; 95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.57; P<.001; I2=0.00%). CONCLUSION: Maternal probiotic supplements effectively orchestrate the breast milk and infant gut microbiome with a wide range of clinical benefits and safety. Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus thermophilus, and S. boulardii can be used as maternal supplements to promote infant health.

Association between food environments and fetal growth in pregnant Brazilian women.

INTRODUCTION: Birth weight is described as one of the main determinants of newborns' chances of survival. Among the associated causes, or risk factors, the mother's nutritional status strongly influences fetal growth and birth weight outcomes of the concept. This study evaluates the association between food deserts, small for gestational age (SGA), large for gestational age (LGA) and low birth weight (LBW) newborns. DESIGN: This is a cross-sectional population study, resulting from individual data from the Live Birth Information System (SINASC), and commune data from mapping food deserts (CAISAN) in Brazil. The newborn's size was defined as follows: appropriate for gestational age (between 10 and 90th percentile), SGA (< 10th percentile), LGA (> 90th percentile), and low birth weight < 2,500 g. To characterize food environments, we used tertiles of the density of establishments which sell in natura and ultra-processed foods. Logistic regression modeling was conducted to investigate the associations of interest. RESULTS: We analyzed 2,632,314 live births in Brazil in 2016, after appropriate adjustments, women living in municipalities with limited availability of fresh foods had a higher chance of having newborns with SGA [OR2nd tertile: 1.06 (1.05-1.07)] and LBW [OR2nd tertile: 1.11 (1.09-1.12)]. Conversely, municipalities with greater availability of ultra-processed foods had a higher chance of having newborns with SGA [OR3rd tertile: 1.04 (1.02-1.06)] and LBW [OR2nd tertile: 1.13 (1.11-1.16)]. Stratification by race showed that Black and Mixed/Brown women had a higher chance of having newborns with SGA [OR3rd tertile: 1.09 (1.01-1.18)] and [OR3rd tertile: 1.06 (1.04-1.09)], respectively, while Mixed-race women also had a higher chance of having newborns with LBW [OR3rd tertile: 1.17 (1.14-1.20)]. Indigenous women were associated with LGA [OR3rd tertile: 1.20 (1.01-1.45)]. CONCLUSION: The study found that living in areas with limited access to healthy foods was associated with an increased risk of SGA and low birth weight among newborns, particularly among Black and Mixed/Brown women. Therefore, urgent initiatives aimed at reducing social inequalities and mitigating the impact of poor food environments are needed in Brazil.

Disparities in Maternal-Infant Drug Testing, Social Work Assessment, and Custody at 5 Hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate for disparities in peripartum toxicology testing among maternal-infant dyads across a hospital network and subsequent child protective services (CPS) involvement. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of 59,425 deliveries at 5 hospitals in Massachusetts between 2016 and 2020. We evaluated associations between maternal characteristics, toxicology testing, and child welfare involvement with disproportionality risk ratios and hierarchical logistical regression. RESULTS: Toxicology testing was performed on 1959 (3.3%) dyads. Younger individuals and individuals of color were more likely to be tested for cannabis use or maternal medical complications compared to white non-Hispanic individuals. Among those without a substance use disorder, age <25 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.43-3.26), race and ethnicity (non-Hispanic Black (aOR 1.80; 95% CI, 1.52-2.13), Hispanic (aOR 1.23; 95% CI, 1.05-1.45), mixed race/other (aOR 1.40; 95% CI, 1.04, 1.87), unavailable race (aOR 1.92; 95% CI, 1.32-2.79), and public insurance (Medicaid [aOR 2.61; 95% CI, 2.27-3.00], Medicare [aOR 13.76; 95% CI, 9.99-18.91]) had increased odds of toxicology testing compared to older, white non-Hispanic, and privately insured individuals. The disproportionality ratios in testing were greater than 1.0 for individuals under 25 years old (3.8), Hispanic individuals (1.6), non-Hispanic Black individuals (1.8), individuals of other race (1.2), unavailable race (1.8), and individuals with public insurance (Medicaid 2.6; Medicare 10.6). Among dyads tested, race and ethnicity was not associated with CPS involvement. CONCLUSIONS: Peripartum toxicology testing is disproportionately performed on non-white, younger, and poorer individuals and their infants, with cannabis use and medical complications prompting testing more often for patients of color than for white non-Hispanic individuals.

Using the teach-back method to improve postpartum maternal-infant health among women with limited maternal health literacy: a randomized controlled study.

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of using the teach-back method among women with limited maternal health literacy (LMHL) on maternal health literacy(MHL), postpartum health behaviours and maternal-infant health outcomes. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted in the obstetrics department of Anhui Provincial Hospital, China. A total of 258 pregnant women with LMHL were recruited at the point of admission to the hospital for birth and randomly assigned to the control group (n = 130), where women received routine education sessions, and the teach-back group (n = 128), where women received routine education sessions plus a teach-back intervention. The two groups were assessed in terms of MHL before and after the intervention, breastfeeding execution, uptake of 42-day postpartum check-ups, complete uptake of one-time recommended vaccines, and physical health outcomes. Statistical tests were employed for data analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of MHL and other social, demographic, and medical status at baseline. After the intervention, the teach-back group had a higher level of MHL (p < 0.001), better postpartum health behaviours in terms of exclusive breastfeeding within 24 hours postpartum (x2 = 22.853, p<0.001), exclusive breastfeeding within 42 days postpartum (x2 = 47.735, p<0.001), uptake of 42-day postpartum check-ups (x2 = 9.050, p = 0.003) and vaccination (x2 = 5.586, p = 0.018) and better maternal-infant health outcomes in terms of the incidence of subinvolution of the uterus (x2 = 6.499, p = 0.011), acute mastitis (x2 = 4.884, p = 0.027), postpartum constipation (x2 = 5.986, p = 0.014), overweight (x2 = 4.531, p = 0.033) and diaper dermatitis (x2 = 10.896, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the teach-back method is effective for enhancing MHL, leading to positive postpartum health behaviours, and improving postpartum maternal-infant health outcomes among women with LMHL. The teach-back method may play an important role in improving postpartum maternal-infant health and could be considered in maternal health education. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Our trial has been prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (Ref. No.: NCT04858945) and the enrollment date was 26/04/2021.

Impact of Plans of Safe Care on Prenatally Substance Exposed Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of recent federal statute changes mandating child welfare-based Plan of Safe Care (POSC) supportive programming and community-based linkages to treatment providers, resources, and services for families of infants affected by prenatal substance exposure (IPSE). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of Delaware's statewide child welfare case registry data for IPSE birth notifications and subsequent hotline reports for serious physical injury/fatality concerns from November 1, 2018-October 31, 2020. Abstracted variables included IPSE sex, substance exposure type, family characteristics (maternal personal child welfare history or mental health diagnosis, treatment engagement), and POSC referrals. RESULTS: Of 1436 IPSE, 1347 (93.8%) had POSC support. Most IPSE (67.2%) had exposure to single substance types prenatally. Nearly 90% avoided out-of-home placement. Nearly one-fourth of mothers delivered a prior IPSE; 40% of mothers had personal histories of childhood protective services involvement. Also, 43.5% of mothers and 9.1% of fathers were referred to community-based resources, including substance use, mental health treatment, parenting classes, and home visiting nursing. Nearly 58% of IPSE were referred for pediatric/developmental assessment. Notably, 0.82% (11 out of 1347) of IPSE with POSC sustained serious physical or fatal injury. CONCLUSIONS: POSC promote supportive, potentially protective linkages to community-based programming for IPSE and their families.

"Alexa, Am I pregnant?": A content analysis of a virtual assistant's responses to prenatal health questions during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: To elucidate whether Amazon's virtual assistant, Alexa, provides evidence-based support as a supplement to provider-facilitated prenatal care, during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: Using a conceptual content analysis approach, a query of 40 questions, relating to all phases of pregnancy, was collected from Alexa by two independent investigators, using two unique devices, over a one-week period between May 20, 2020 and May 27, 2020. Alexa's responses were matched to the evidence-based content from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and reviewed by a Certified Nurse Midwife for completeness and currency. RESULTS: Of the 40 questions asked of Alexa, it was unable to answer 14 questions (35%). A total of 21 out of the 40 responses (52%) were not evidence-based and three COVID-specific questions (about 1%) were answered incorrectly or insufficiently. Four questions (10%) were answered accurately. CONCLUSION: Alexa was largely unable to provide evidence-based answers to commonly asked pregnancy questions and, in many cases, supplied inaccurate, incomplete, or completely unrelated answers that could further confuse health consumers. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Ensuring that mobile health (mhealth) tools, such as Amazon Alexa, are evidence-based and credible in answering common prenatal questions has important implications for this pandemic and future consumer needs.

Explaining the Black-White Disparity in Preterm Birth: A Consensus Statement From a Multi-Disciplinary Scientific Work Group Convened by the March of Dimes.

In 2017-2019, the March of Dimes convened a workgroup with biomedical, clinical, and epidemiologic expertise to review knowledge of the causes of the persistent Black-White disparity in preterm birth (PTB). Multiple databases were searched to identify hypothesized causes examined in peer-reviewed literature, 33 hypothesized causes were reviewed for whether they plausibly affect PTB and either occur more/less frequently and/or have a larger/smaller effect size among Black women vs. White women. While definitive proof is lacking for most potential causes, most are biologically plausible. No single downstream or midstream factor explains the disparity or its social patterning, however, many likely play limited roles, e.g., while genetic factors likely contribute to PTB, they explain at most a small fraction of the disparity. Research links most hypothesized midstream causes, including socioeconomic factors and stress, with the disparity through their influence on the hypothesized downstream factors. Socioeconomic factors alone cannot explain the disparity's social patterning. Chronic stress could affect PTB through neuroendocrine and immune mechanisms leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction, stress could alter a woman's microbiota, immune response to infection, chronic disease risks, and behaviors, and trigger epigenetic changes influencing PTB risk. As an upstream factor, racism in multiple forms has repeatedly been linked with the plausible midstream/downstream factors, including socioeconomic disadvantage, stress, and toxic exposures. Racism is the only factor identified that directly or indirectly could explain the racial disparities in the plausible midstream/downstream causes and the observed social patterning. Historical and contemporary systemic racism can explain the racial disparities in socioeconomic opportunities that differentially expose African Americans to lifelong financial stress and associated health-harming conditions. Segregation places Black women in stressful surroundings and exposes them to environmental hazards. Race-based discriminatory treatment is a pervasive stressor for Black women of all socioeconomic levels, considering both incidents and the constant vigilance needed to prepare oneself for potential incidents. Racism is a highly plausible, major upstream contributor to the Black-White disparity in PTB through multiple pathways and biological mechanisms. While much is unknown, existing knowledge and core values (equity, justice) support addressing racism in efforts to eliminate the racial disparity in PTB.

Reasons for women's autonomous actions in the childbirth process: an understanding based on social phenomenology / Razones de las acciones autónomas de las mujeres en el proceso del parto: comprensión basada en la fenomenología social / Razões das ações autônomas da mulher no processo de parto: compreensão fundamentada na fenomenologia social

ABSTRACT Objective: to describe women's autonomous actions during childbirth and to understand their reasons. Method: qualitative research designed through social phenomenology premises. Phenomenological interviews were conducted with 15 postpartum women hospitalized at a hospital's rooming-in setting in the south of Brazil, from September to December 2017. For the analysis, the principles of the adopted framework were followed, associated with productions related to the object of study. Results: autonomous actions were developed from the time of pregnancy and during childbirth, and their reasons derived from their previous experiences. Such experiences were signified by the fear of what they had heard or because in previous births they had experienced pain, complications and unwanted interventions; due to the bond with companions and their experience with labor and delivery. Conclusion: the reasons for women's autonomous actions in the childbirth process are sustained on their biographical situation, set of knowledge and social relations.

RESUMEN Objetivo: describir las acciones autónomas de las mujeres durante el parto y comprender sus razones. Método: investigación cualitativa perfilada por los supuestos de la fenomenología social. Se realizó entrevista fenomenológica a 15 puérperas hospitalizadas en el alojamiento conjunto de un hospital del sur de Brasil, de septiembre a diciembre de 2017. Para el análisis, se siguieron los fundamentos del marco adoptado, dialogando con producciones relacionadas con el objeto de estudio. Resultados: se desarrollaron acciones autónomas desde el embarazo y durante el parto y sus motivos a partir de la experiencia de las mujeres. Estos fueron significados por miedo a lo que escucharon o porque en partos anteriores tuvieron dolor, complicaciones e intervenciones no deseadas; por el vínculo con el compañero y porque tiene experiencia o experiencia con el proceso de parto y nacimiento. Conclusión: las razones de las acciones autónomas de las mujeres en el proceso del parto se basan en su situación biográfica, conocimientos y relaciones sociales.

RESUMO Objetivo: descrever as ações autônomas das mulheres durante o parto e compreender suas razões. Método: pesquisa qualitativa delineada por meio dos pressupostos da fenomenologia social. Realizou-se entrevista fenomenológica com 15 puérperas internadas no alojamento conjunto de um hospital no Sul do Brasil, de setembro a dezembro de 2017. Para análise, foram seguidos os fundamentos do referencial adotado dialogados com produções relacionadas com o objeto de estudo. Resultados: as ações autônomas foram desenvolvidas desde a gestação e durante o parto, e suas razões derivaram de suas experiências anteriores. Estas foram significadas pelo medo daquilo que ouviram falar ou porque nos partos anteriores tiveram dor, complicações e intervenções não desejadas; pelo vínculo com o acompanhante e porque esse possui experiência ou vivência com processo de parto e nascimento. Conclusão: as razões para as ações autônomas das mulheres no processo de parto estão sustentadas em sua situação biográfica, bagagem de conhecimento e relações sociais.

Associations between maternal BMI, breastfeeding practices and infant anthropometric status in Colombia; secondary analysis of ENSIN 2010.

BACKGROUND: Maternal malnutrition and infant feeding mode impact short and long term infant and child morbidity and mortality. The period of lactation may provide an opportunity to modulate the risk of disease later in life. Our aim was to estimate the effect of maternal body mass index (BMI) and infant feeding mode, particularly breastfeeding practices, on the anthropometric status of children under 2 years in Colombia. METHODS: A secondary analysis was performed using the data from ENSIN 2010. Term infants under 2y, singleton, with a mother older than 18y, were included in the analysis. Outcomes were wasting (WLZ < -2SD), overweight (WLZ > +2SD) and stunting (LAZ < -2SD). Predictors were infant feeding (exclusive and predominant BF constructed from 24-h recall, age at introduction of liquids, semisolids and solids) and maternal BMI. Socioeconomic variables, maternal education and age, conditions during pregnancy and birth weight were analyzed as covariates. RESULTS: Mothers of overweight infants had higher BMI (Mean dif = 1.47 kg/m2; 95% CI = 2.1, 0.8) than those with normal weight infants. Stunting and wasting were not predicted by maternal anthropometry or infant feeding mode. Fewer maternal years of education were associated with wasting (OR = 0.90; 95% CI = 0.86, 0.97; p = 0.003) and stunting (OR = 0.92; 95% CI = 0.89, 0.94; p < 0.0001), while more maternal years of education were associated with overweight (OR = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.02, 1.01; p = 0.001); higher birth weight was associated with overweight (OR = 1.001; 95% CI = 1.00, 1.001; p < 0.0001) and lower birth was associated with stunting (OR = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.89; p < 0.0001) in the final regression model. CONCLUSIONS: Maternal BMI is a modifiable target for public health policy to promote healthy infant growth. Infant nutritional status is affected by direct and indirect factors that need to be addressed in further studies.

Implementing Birthing on Country services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families: RISE Framework.

BACKGROUND: Birthing on Country is an international movement to return maternity services to First Nations communities and community control for improved health and wellbeing. QUESTION: How can we implement Birthing on Country services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander families across Australia? METHODS: We have developed a framework from theoretical, policy and research literature on Birthing on Country; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices from across Australia; reviews exploring programs that have improved outcomes for Indigenous mothers and infants; and the retrospective synthesis of learnings from two empirical studies that have redesigned maternal infant health services and improved outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families. RESULTS: The RISE Framework has four pillars to drive important reform: (1) Redesign the health service; (2) Invest in the workforce; (3) Strengthen families; and, (4) Embed Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community governance and control. We present the evidence base for each pillar and practical examples of moving from the standard 'western' model of maternity care towards Birthing on Country services. CONCLUSIONS: Application of the RISE framework to plan, develop and monitor Birthing on Country services is likely to result in short and long-term health gains for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

An Intimate Partner Violence Prevention Intervention in a Nurse Home Visitation Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem with many negative consequences, particularly for pregnant women. This randomized trial investigated the effectiveness of an IPV preventive intervention embedded within the Nurse Family Partnership (NFP) program. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Participants enrolled over a 20-month period and were interviewed at baseline and 1- and 2-year follow-up. Eligibility criteria included first pregnancy, eligible for the nutrition program Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), English or Spanish speaking, and at least 15 years of age. All women initially referred and screened were randomized to either intervention (NFP+) or control (NFP only) condition. The final sample consisted of 238 women completing baseline assessments; retention was 81% at 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: Analyses indicated that there were no main effects: the intervention affected participants differently depending on their baseline experience with IPV. For physical violence victimization, an interaction between baseline victimization and treatment was found; the intervention reduced victimization at 1 year (and approached significance at 2 years), but only among women who had not experienced past-year physical victimization at baseline. For sexual violence victimization, another interaction emerged; women in the intervention group were more likely to report sexual violence victimization at 2-year follow-up, but only among participants who had reported sexual victimization at baseline. The only effect on IPV perpetration was psychological perpetration at 2-year follow-up; again, the treatment effect was moderated by baseline perpetration. The intervention reduced psychological perpetration for participants who were nonperpetrators at baseline, but had no effect on those reporting perpetration. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, findings suggest that the intervention was effective in reducing some forms of violence among those not experiencing IPV at baseline, but was ineffective or potentially harmful for those already experiencing IPV.

Characteristics of medication use during lactation / Características do uso de medicamentos durante a lactação

INTRODUCTION: The importance of breastfeeding is undisputed. It provides benefits to infants, nursing mothers, families, and society as a whole. The World Health Organization encourages a diet of exclusive breastfeeding until six months of age; however, this routine may be unfeasible for many reasons, one of which is the mother's use of medication. OBJECTIVE: To characterize medications used by nursing mothers in terms of risk categories, place of care and medical professionals responsible for the prescription, and the extent of medical advice received by the mothers. METHODS: This is a retrospective, quantitative, and cross-sectional study. The data were collected from Brazil's Family Health Strategies (ESF) program and included information on 161 nursing mothers from 2012 and 2013 and their use of medications while breastfeeding. The data were considered in absolute and relative frequencies and compared to the secondary variables in the study in order to determine whether any associations existed. The chi-square test was applied as part of the analysis. RESULTS: Of the nursing mothers interviewed, 55.9% reported taking medication. The most frequent groups of medications were those affecting the genito-urinary system and sex hormones, endocrine system, followed by systemic and cardiovascular medications. In the ESF program, general practitioners were the medical professionals who most frequently prescribed medication to these women, followed by gynecologists. Of the women who received prescriptions, 64.4% received some type of medical advice. The statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between risk category and medical specialty (p=0.03), as well as between risk category and place of care (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: The most frequently used drug class was that of contraceptives. All medication classified as contraindicated was found to have been prescribed as part of primary care by general practitioners. Thus, these results reflect the need for more qualified professionals throughout Brazil's public health care network.

INTRODUÇÃO: É inquestionável a importância do aleitamento materno. Seus benefícios abrangem o lactente, a nutriz, a família e a sociedade. A Organização Mundial de Saúde preconiza o aleitamento exclusivo até os seis meses de idade, o qual pode ser comprometido por alguns motivos, dentre eles o uso de medicamentos. OBJETIVO: Caracterizar os medicamentos utilizados por nutrizes, no que se refere a: categorias de risco; locais e responsáveis pela prescrição médica e orientações recebidas. MÉTODO: estudo transversal, retrospectivo, quantitativo. Os dados foram coletados na Estratégia de Saúde da Família (ESF) com 161 nutrizes nos anos de 2012 e 2013, por meio de questionário estruturado, contendo informações sobre o uso de medicamentos durante a lactação. Os dados foram apresentados em frequências absolutas e relativas, e comparados às variáveis selecionadas no estudo para verificação da existência de associação, utilizando-se o Teste do Qui-quadrado. RESULTADOS: 55,9% das entrevistadas referiram uso de medicamentos, predominando os que atuam no Sistema hormonal, seguidos dos de uso sistêmico e cardivascular. O clínico geral foi o que mais prescreveu, seguido do ginecologista, na ESF. 64,4% das entrevistadas receberam algum tipo de orientação. A análise estatística demonstrou associação positiva entre categoria de risco e as variáveis especialidade médica (p=0,03) e local de atendimento (p=0,001). CONCLUSÃO: A classe de medicamento mais utilizada foi a dos anticoncepcionais. Todo medicamento classificado como contra indicado foi prescrito, na Atenção Primária, pelo clínico geral. Sendo assim, destaca-se a necessidade de profissionais qualificados em toda rede de atenção à saúde.

Qualitative Assessment of Pregnant Women's Perceptions of Infant Sleep Boxes.

Although several states have implemented programs providing boxes for infant sleep, safe sleep experts express concern regarding the paucity of safety and efficacy research on boxes. The purpose of this study was to assess pregnant women's perceptions regarding use of baby sleep boxes. A convenience sample was recruited from a community prenatal education program. Twenty-eight women were administered a brief semistructured interview about their knowledge of baby sleep boxes, opinions about the boxes, and questions they would have. For most (n = 15, 54%), this was their first pregnancy. Participants self-identified as white (43%), black (36%), Hispanic (18%), and "other" (4%). Ten subthemes emerged related to previous knowledge of boxes (useful for families in need, historic precedent in other countries), positive attributes (portable, compact, affordable, decorative), and negative attributes (low to ground, structural integrity/design, stability, stigma). Research on safety and efficacy could reduce concerns, but issues of stigma may persist.

Near Miss materno como indicador de atenção à saúde: uma revisão integrativa / Maternal Near Miss as health care indicator: an integrative review / Near Miss materno como indicador de atención a salud: una revisión integrativa

Objetivo: Objetivou-se compilar sintética e descritivamente resultados de estudos científicos que versam acerca do Near Miss Materno. Métodos: Realizou-se consulta às bases de dados Biblioteca Científica Eletrônica Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe (LILACS) e Literatura Internacional em Ciências da Saúde e Biomédica (PubMed), no período de 2011 a junho de 2016, com os descritores "Maternal Near Miss" and "severe maternal morbidity" e suas representações nos idiomas português e inglês. Após a exclusão dos textos repetidos, da leitura dos resumos e da análise por instrumento validado, esta revisão contou com 28 publicações. Resultados: Os estudos apontam determinantes clínicos diretamente relacionados à ocorrência do Near Miss Materno. Dentre eles, destacam-se: gestação de alto risco; internações durante a gestação; comorbidades clínicas, principalmente hipertensão grave, infecções e hemorragias; partos cesáreos; uso de fórceps e necessidade de admissão em UTI. Conclusão: Os estudos apontam, além dos determinantes clínicos, que fatores socioeconômicos e de assistência estão diretamente relacionados à ocorrência de Near Miss Materno, o que o torna uma ferramenta viável para avaliação da qualidade do serviço de saúde e do impacto de políticas públicas direcionadas à melhoria da saúde materna e de redução das iniquidades sociais. A detecção precoce e a oferta de cuidados obstétricos de emergência tornam-se essenciais para a redução das taxas de Near Miss e de mortalidade materna.

Objective: The objective was to make a synthetic and descriptive compilation of the results of scientific studies addressing maternal near miss. Methods: A search was conducted in the databases of the Electronic Scientific Library Online (SciELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature (LILACS) and International Literature in Health and Biomedical Sciences (PubMed),in the period from 2011 to June 2016, with the descriptors "maternal near miss" and "severe maternal morbidity" and their representations in Portuguese and English. After the exclusion of duplicate texts, the reading of the abstracts and the analysis by validated instrument, this review comprised 28 publications. Results: The studies indicate clinical determinants directly related to the occurrence of maternal near miss, among which, these stand out: high-risk gestation; hospitalizations during pregnancy; clinical comorbidities, mainly severe hypertension, infections and hemorrhage; cesarean delivery; use of forceps and need for ICU admission. Conclusion: In addition to the clinical determinants, the studies point out that socioeconomic and healthcare factors are directly related to the occurrence of maternal near miss, which makes it a viable tool for evaluation of the quality of the healthcare service and the impact of public policies aimed at improving maternal health and reducing social inequities. Early detection and provision of emergency obstetric care are essential to reduce maternal near miss and mortality rates.

Objetivo: El objetivo fue compilar de modo resumido y descriptivo los resultados de estudios científicos sobre el Near Miss Materno. Métodos: Se realizó consulta en las bases de datos Biblioteca Científica Electrónica Online (SciELo), Literatura Latino-Americana y del Caribe (LILACS) y Literatura Internacional de Ciencias de la Salud y Biomédico (PubMed) en el periodo entre 2011 y junio de 2016 con los descriptores "maternal Near Miss" and "severe maternal morbidity" y sus representaciones en los idiomas portugués e inglés. Se incluyeron 28 publicaciones en la revisión tras la exclusión de los textos duplicados, de la lectura de los resúmenes y del análisis por instrumento validado. Resultados: Los estudios señalan determinantes clínicos directamente relacionados con la ocurrencia del Near Miss Materno. Entre ellos se destacan: el embarazo de alto riesgo; los ingresos durante el embarazo; las comorbilidades clínicas, principalmente la hipertensión grave, las infecciones y las hemorragias; los partos por cesárea; el uso de fórceps y la necesidad de admisión en la UCI. Conclusión: Los estudios señalan que además de los determinantes clínicos, los factores socioeconómicos y de asistencia están directamente relacionados con la ocurrencia del Near Miss Materno lo que le hace una herramienta viable para la evaluación de la calidad del servicio de salud y del impacto de las políticas públicas dirigidas para la mejoría de la salud materna y de la reducción de las inequidades sociales. La detección precoz y la oferta de los cuidados obstétricos de emergencia son esenciales para la disminución de las tasas del Near Miss y de la mortalidad materna.

Estratégias da gestão para implantação do modelo da rede cegonha em uma maternidade pública de Curitiba* / Management strategies for the implementation of the stork network model at a public maternity in Curitiba / Estrategias de la gestión para implantación del modelo de la red cigüeña en una maternidad pública de Curitiba

Objetivou-se analisar estratégias adotadas para a implantação das diretrizes da Rede Cegonha, sob a perspectiva de gestores. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, de abordagem quanti-qualitativa, cuja coleta de dados ocorreu em 2015, mediante entrevistas a três gestores do nível estratégico de uma maternidade de risco habitual em uma capital do sul do Brasil. Utilizou-se o método de análise do Discurso do Sujeito Coletivo com apoio do software Qualiquantisoft®. Como resultados, emergiram as categorias, entre outras: Estratégias para implantação do Modelo Assistencial, e Estratégias para reorganização estrutural do modelo gerencial, que foram condizentes à implantação do modelo assistencial preconizado pela Rede Cegonha. Pode-se concluir, sob a luz desta pesquisa, que a proposta da gestão em implantar um modelo humanizado, pautado em evidências científicas, está em processo de construção, com avanços valiosos, empenho das equipes e valorização do profissional impulsionando as ações de mudança, concretizando a efetivação do cuidado em permanente aprimoramento (AU).

The objective was to analyze the strategies adopted for the implementation of the guidelines of the Stork Network from managers' perspective. An exploratory research with a quantitative and qualitative approach was undertaken. The data were collected in 2015 through interviews with three strategic managers from a common-risk maternity hospital in a capital in the South of Brazil. The analysis method of the Collective Subject Discourse was used with the software Qualiquantisoft®. The following categories emerged as results, among others: Strategies for the implementation of the Care Model, and Strategies for the structural reorganization of the management model, which lead to the implementation of the care model recommended by the Stork Network. In the light of this research, it can be concluded that the management's proposal to implement a humanized care model based on scientific evidence is under construction, with valuable advances, the teams' effort and the valuation of the professional who drives the change actions, putting in practice the continuous improvement of care (AU).

La finalidad fue analizar estrategias adoptadas para la implementación de las directivas de la Red Cigüeña, bajo la perspectiva de gestores. Se trata de una investigación exploratoria, con aproximación cuanti-cualitativa. Los datos fueron recolectados en 2015, mediante entrevistas con tres gestores del nivel estratégico de una maternidad de riesgo habitual en una capital del sur de Brasil. Fue utilizado el método de análisis del Discurso del Sujeto Colectivo con apoyo delsoftware Qualiquantisoft®. Como resultados, emergieron las categorías, entre otros: Estrategias para implantación del Modelo Asistencial, y Estrategias para reorganización estructural del modelo gerencial, que llevaron a la implantación del modelo asistencial preconizado por la RedCigüeña. Se pudo concluir, a la luz de esta investigación, que la propuesta de la gestión en implantar un modelo humanizado, pautado en evidencias científicas, está en proceso de construcción, con avances valiosos, empeño de los equipos y valuación del profesional, impulsando las acciones de cambio, concretizando la práctica del cuidado en permanente perfeccionamiento (AU).

Trends in Modification of Smoking Behaviors Among Pregnant Women in West Virginia.

Background Rates of smoking among pregnant women in West Virginia are higher than national prenatal smoking rates. Recent research has pointed to the benefit of smoking reduction among a sample of pregnant women who participated in a clinical study in West Virginia. The purpose of the current study is to examine trends associated with reduced smoking exposure among a representative sample of pregnant women in the state. Method Secondary data analysis was conducted using de-identified weighted PRAMS 2005-2010 data from West Virginia examining factors associated with favorable change in prenatal smoking behavior, either quitting or reducing smoking in pregnancy. Results Multivariable analyses results demonstrate that pregnant women are more likely to engage in a favorable smoking behavior change if they were younger (<35 years of age), were primiparous, and had a higher level of education. Discussion Findings from the study identified factors that contribute to women's likelihood of quitting or reducing smoking in pregnancy in West Virginia. Health care providers and policy makers should consider these factors in implementing approaches that will be effective in promoting smoking cessation and reduction among pregnant women in the state thereby reducing prenatal smoking exposure. Conclusion Population-based research has been used to identify factors associated with smoking cessation or reduction that can be used to develop appropriate and effective approaches to modifying health behaviors in specific populations.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used for pregnant women׳s health conditions in Menoua division-West Cameroon.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: In Cameroon, most women use traditional medicine for the treatment of pregnancy and childbirth complaints. In order to identify some of the medicinal plants locally used to alleviate these complaints, an ethnobotanical survey was undertaken in five villages of Menoua Division (West-Cameroon). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Interviews were conducted through structured questionnaires among 24 traditional healers and 179 women living either in the town of Dschang or in 4 neighboring villages. After having recorded the interviewee personal information on issues related to medicinal plants utilization, a literature investigation on their therapeutic or pharmacological effects and phytochemical composition was conducted. RESULTS: A total of 88 medicinal plants species used to treat 24 conditions occurring during or after pregnancy and belonging to 70 genera or 34 families were recorded. Maximum medicinal uses of plants are reported for the treatment of the following ailments: swelling of legs and ankles (23%), facilitation of delivery (22%), cleaning of the baby (12%). Most herbal remedies are prepared with the leaves (30%), leaves+stems (28%) and whole plant (23%) as maceration (76%). The majority of women who used medicinal plants were very satisfied (75 %) and it is reported that most of these plants are used in the treatment of women health conditions. CONCLUSION: Many herbal remedies used for the treatment of pregnant women׳s health conditions in Menoua division-West Cameroon have been revealed. It would therefore be judicious for our government and research institution to evaluate the therapeutic and toxicological potentials of these plants in order to valorize their use.

A sense of autonomy is preserved under Chinese reproductive policies.

China has had a one-child family policy since 1979 and a National Family Planning Law since 2002. This paper presents analysis of comments from members of the general public and experts in China on the question of reproductive autonomy. The Chinese concept of 'Yousheng' (healthy birth) is more appropriate than eugenics as an expression of Chinese social policy and public attitudes. The widespread support for healthy birth has policy implications. None of the persons interviewed said that they had ever used ultrasound to choose the gender of their child nor had an abortion for the reason of a fetus's gender. Despite the bad impression of abortion from their experience, most would abort a fetus with a genetic disease. Respondents in rural areas were less likely to use prenatal care, pointing to more important social problems in reproduction in China. The impressions given from the survey stands in contrast to the implications of the majority of Western papers on the Chinese situation, and indicate that people are generally satisfied with the ethical balance towards the societal needs over individual autonomy, but they still have a sense of reproductive autonomy. There needs to be further study into these issues with larger surveys and interview studies.