Breastfeeding Initiation by WIC Receipt After Formula Shortages in 2022.

This study assesses differences in breastfeeding initiation trends between Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) participants and WIC-eligible nonparticipants before, during, and after the 2022 infant formula disruption.

Latina Mothers' Infant Feeding Experiences During the 2022 Formula Shortage.

BACKGROUND: Mothers report feeling immense pressure to breastfeed their infants, and not doing so can be associated with stigma, shame, and judgment. Many Latina mothers struggle to meet their breastfeeding goals and substitute formula earlier than planned. During 2022, an infant formula recall caused a shortage and made acquiring formula difficult or impossible in many areas of the United States. This study explores Latina mothers' experiences with infant feeding during the time of the formula shortage. METHODS: In-depth interviews (N = 7) were conducted with Latina mothers who formula-fed during the shortage. Interviews were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Mean maternal age was 29.7 years, and mean infant age was 10.3 months. Three mothers were born in the United States, and 4 were immigrants. RESULTS: Thematic analysis generated 3 themes: (1) Fighting to breastfeed; (2) Breastfeeding is not the only way to be a "good" mother; and (3) No formula on the shelves. Participants described their determination to continue breastfeeding despite challenges before realizing that it limited their ability to care for their children. They discussed the emotional toll of the formula shortage and strategies for finding formula. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasize the need for additional structural support for infant feeding in the United States to prevent future formula shortages and for better lactation care and mental health support for mothers who want to breastfeed.

'We make a mistake with shoes [that's no problem] but not with baby milk': Facilitators of good and poor practice in distribution of infant formula in the 2014-2016 refugee crisis in Europe.

The Infant and Young Child Feeding in Emergencies Operational Guidance (OG-IFE) gives direction on providing aid to meet infants' and young children's feeding needs in emergencies. Because of the risks associated with formula feeding, the OG-IFE provides limited circumstances when infant formula should be provided in aid. However, distributions against this guidance are common, reducing breastfeeding so risking increased infant morbidity and mortality. This study sought to identify factors that contributed to following ('good practice') or not following ('poor practice') the OG-IFE regarding infant formula distribution in the 2014-16 refugee crisis in Europe. Thirty-three individuals who supported, coordinated, or implemented infant feeding support in the Crisis were interviewed regarding their experiences and views. Reflexive thematic analysis of transcribed interviews was undertaken. It was identified that presence of breastfeeding support, presence of properly implemented formula feeding programmes, understanding that maternal choice to formula feed should be considered within the risk context of the emergency, and positive personal experiences of breastfeeding contributed to good practice. Presence of infant formula donations, absence of properly managed formula feeding programmes, belief that maternal choice to formula feed is paramount and should be facilitated, and personal experience of insurmountable breastfeeding challenges and/or formula feeding contributed to poor practice. Governments, humanitarian organisations, and donors should ensure that infant and young child feeding in emergencies preparedness and programmes are adequately resourced. Emergency responders should be appropriately trained with training including infant feeding experience debriefing. Health and emergency organisations should provide maternity protections enabling employees to breastfeed as recommended.

Uso de fórmula láctea para prevención de transmisión de la infección de HTLV-1 materno-infantil / Use of milk formula to prevent transmission of HTLV-1 infection from mother to child

INTRODUCCIÓN: Este documento técnico se realiza a solicitud de la Estrategia Sanitaria de Prevención y Control de ITS, VIH/SIDA y Hepatitis B (ESPC ITS, VIH/SIDA y HB). CUADRO CLÍNICO: El virus linfotrópico humano tipo 1 (HTLV-1), se clasifica dentro de la familia Retroviridae debido a su estructura genómica, y está catalogado como un oncovirus por su patogenicidad. Se ha estimado que la tasa de transmisión vertical en el país varía entre de 6 y 18% en el caso de madres portadoras asintomáticas y llega a alcanzar un 31% en el caso de madres con coinfección con estrongiloidiasis. En Perú, las principales vías de transmisión del HTLV-1 son la lactancia materna prolongada, las relaciones sexuales y las transfusiones sanguíneas. En otros países, el intercambio de agujas y jeringas entre usuarios de drogas endovenosas representa otra vía de transmisión. TECNOLOGÍA SANITARIA: Se encuentra literatura dividida que recomienda decisiones basadas en la realidad socio-económica de cada país con respecto a las recomendaciones de lactancia materna para prevención de HLTV-1. Ha sido demostrado que es el periodo de lactancia maternal donde ocurre la mayoría de contagio donde el virus entra por vía oral. La exposición a la lactancia por un periodo mayor a 6 meses (lactancia materna prolongada) y una alta carga viral en la leche materna se consideran factores de riesgo para la transmisión. Se postula que un método para reducir la transmisión del virus HTLV-1 materno fetal sería acortar o evitar la lactancia materna e introducir una posible complementación con fórmula láctea. OBJETIVO: Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad, así como documentos relacionados a la decisión de usar fórmula láctea para prevención de transmisión de la infección de HTLV-1 materno-infantil. METODOLOGÍA: Se realizó una búsqueda en las principales bases de datos bibliográficas: MEDLINE, LILACS, COCHRANE, así como en buscadores genéricos de Internet incluyendo Google Scholar y TRIPDATABASE. Adicionalmente, se hizo una búsqueda dentro de la información generada por las principales instituciones internacionales de infectología, y agencias de tecnologías sanitarias que realizan revisiones sistemáticas (RS), evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC). RESULTADOS: Se identificaron dos revisiones sistemáticas y dos estudios observacionales. Si bien se identificaron otros estudios observacionales, se dio prioridad a los de contexto peruano y más recientes. No se identificó guías de practica clínica, evaluaciones de tecnología sanitaria ni evaluaciones económicas de la región. En el año 2018, una RS buscó evaluar diferencias en tasas de infección por HTLV-1 en bebés que recibieron lactancia materna y alimentados con biberón. Se realizaron búsquedas en las siguientes bases de datos: MEDLINE, SID, Magiran y Cochrane Library. Finalmente se seleccionaron 7 estudios que cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. El odds ratio (OR) y diferencia de riesgo (DR acumulado de la transmisión de HTLV-1 en el grupo de lactantes por más de 6 meses en comparación al grupo de alimentados con biberón fue [OR = 3,48; IC 95%: 1,58-7,64 ; P = 0.0020, Cochran's Q = 27,7, P = 0,0010, y I2 = 67,5%] y (DR = 17,1%, IC 95%: 7,5%-26,7%, P < 0,0001; Cochran's Q = 106; P < 0,0001 y I2 = 91.5%). Lo cual apoya la evidencia que la lactancia exclusiva de más de 6 meses en comparación al uso de biberón incrementa altamente la tasa de transmisión de HTLV-1. También demuestra evidencia que apoya que la lactancia exclusiva hasta 6 meses en comparación al uso de biberón no incrementa la tasa de transmisión de la infección por HTLV-1 (OR acumulado= 0,912, IC 95%: 0,45-1,80; OR:3,83, IC 95%: 1,80-8,10, respectivamente). Los análisis sub grupo con respecto a la duración de la lactancia (<6 meses versus >6 meses) donde se demostró que un periodo corto de lactancia (menor de 6 meses) no incrementó el riesgo de infección vertical por HTLV-1y que más de 6 meses de lactancia incrementó significativamente el riesgo de infección por HTLV-1. CONCLUSIONES: La evidencia con respecto a la formula láctea para la prevención de infección materno-infantil por HTLV-1 es escasa. Sin embargo, existen dos revisiones sistemáticas recientes que abordan el tema, incluyendo formas de lactancia con periodos cortos para evitar la transmisión. Una RS evidencia que la lactancia exclusiva de más de 6 meses en comparación al uso de biberón incrementa altamente la tasa de transmisión de HTLV-1 y también demuestra evidencia que apoya que la lactancia exclusiva hasta 6 meses en comparación al uso de biberón no incrementa la tasa de transmisión de la infección por HTLV-1. Otra RS, que incluye otros estudios de contexto japonés, no mostró diferencias estadísticas en el riesgo de transmisión materno-infantil entre lactancia materna por corto plazo ≤3 meses y alimentación con fórmula exclusiva, pero el riesgo de transmisión materno infantil aumentó significativamente en lactancia materna por corto plazo ≤6 meses. Estudios observacionales de contexto peruano, reivindican la exposición a lactancia materna como un factor de riesgo que aumenta la transmisión materno-infantil de HTLV-1. No se encontraron guías de práctica clínica, evaluaciones de tecnología sanitario o evaluaciones económicas. La evidencia muestra una clara asociación de transmisión de HTLV-1 a través de la leche materna por lo que medidas para evitar esta exposición son claves. Si bien no existen guías de práctica clínica en sitios gubernamentales, se ha encontrado que es una práctica recomendada el evitar la lactancia materna de mujeres infectadas con HTLV-1 en países como Japón. En caso de acortar el periodo de lactancia materna, la evidencia no es concluyente con respecto al tiempo y la efectividad de esta práctica.

Breastfeeding inequities in South Africa: Can enforcement of the WHO Code help address them? - A systematic scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Suboptimal breastfeeding rates in South Africa have been attributed to the relatively easy access that women and families have had to infant formula, in part as a result of programs to prevent maternal-to-child transmission (MTCT) of HIV. This policy may have had an undesirable spill-over effect on HIV-negative women as well. Thus, the aims of this scoping review were to: (a) describe EBF practices in South Africa, (b) determine how EBF has been affected by the WHO HIV infant feeding policies followed since 2006, and (c) assess if the renewed interest in The Code has had any impact on breastfeeding practices in South Africa. METHODS: We applied the Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines for scoping reviews and reported our work in compliance with the PRISMA Extension (PRISMA-ScR). Twelve databases and platforms were searched. We included all study designs (no language restrictions) from South Africa published between 2006 and 2020. Eligible participants were women in South Africa who delivered a healthy live newborn who was between birth and 24 months of age at the time of study, and with known infant feeding practices. RESULTS: A total of 5431 citations were retrieved. Duplicates were removed in EndNote and by Covidence. Of the 1588 unique records processed in Covidence, 179 records met the criteria for full-text screening and 83 were included in the review. It was common for HIV-positive women who initiated breastfeeding to stop doing so prior to 6 months after birth (1-3 months). EBF rates rapidly declined after birth. School and work commitments were also reasons for discontinuation of EBF. HIV-positive women expressed fear of HIV MTCT transmission as a reason for not breastfeeding. CONCLUSION: The Review found that while enforcing the most recent WHO HIV infant feeding guidelines and the WHO Code may be necessary to improve breastfeeding outcomes in South Africa, they may not be sufficient because there are additional barriers that impact breastfeeding outcomes. Mixed-methods research, including in-depth interviews with key informants representing different government sectors and civil society is needed to prioritize actions and strategies to improve breastfeeding outcomes in South Africa.

Inpatient and outpatient treatment for acute malnutrition in infants under 6 months; a qualitative study from Senegal.

BACKGROUND: Treatment of acute malnutrition in infants under 6 months is a relevant topic regarding the global problem of maternal and child malnutrition. While treatment for older age groups has shifted more towards an outpatient, community based approach, young infants are mostly treated in hospital. This study aims to describe barriers and facilitators for outpatient and inpatient treatment of malnourished infants under 6 months in Senegal. METHODS: This qualitative descriptive study uses in-depth interviews with health workers and focus group discussions with mothers of malnourished infants, conducted from June to September 2015 in two case clinics. In data analysis, Collins' 3 key factors for a successful nutrition program were used as a theoretical framework: access, quality of care and community engagement. RESULTS: Within Collins' 3 key factors, 9 facilitators and barriers have emerged from the data. Key factor access: Outpatient care was perceived as more accessible than inpatient concerning distance and cost, given that there is a milk supplement available. Trust could be more easily generated in an outpatient setting. Key factor quality of care: The cup and spoon re-lactation technique was efficiently used in outpatient setting, but needed close supervision. Basic medical care could be offered to outpatients provided that referral of complicated cases was adequate. Health education was more intensive with inpatients, but could be done with outpatients. Key factor community engagement: The community appeared to play a key role in treating malnourished young infants because of its influence on health seeking behaviour, peer support and breastfeeding practices. CONCLUSIONS: Outpatient care does facilitate access, provided that an affordable milk supplement is available. Quality of care can be guaranteed using an appropriate re-lactation technique and a referral system for complications. The community has the potential to be much engaged, though more attention is required for breastfeeding education. In view of the magnitude of the health problem of young infant malnutrition and its strong relationship with breastfeeding practices, an outpatient community-based treatment approach needs to be considered.

The cascade of care to prevent mother-to-child transmission in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 1996-2013: improving but still some way to go.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the cascade of care to HIV mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in a Rio de Janeiro reference paediatric clinic and evaluate the main factors possibly associated with HIV transmission. METHODS: Data on antenatal care (ANC), perinatal and neonatal assistance to HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected children assisted in the clinic from 1996 to 2013 were collected. The cascade of care was graphically demonstrated, and possible factors associated with HIV infection were described using regression models for bivariate and multivariate analysis. We imputed missing values of explanatory variables for the final model. RESULTS: A total of 989 children were included in the analysis: 211 were HIV and 778 HEU. Graphically, the HIV PMTCT cascade of care improved from 1996/2000 to the later periods, but not from 2001/2006 to 2007/2013. The main factor independently associated with the HIV infection over time was breastfeeding. In the period 1996/2000, the lack of antiretroviral use during labour was associated HIV transmission. While in 2001/2007, other modes of delivery but elective Caesarean section, and lack of maternal antiretroviral use during ANC were associated with HIV transmission. In the last period, the main factor associated with transmission was the lack of maternal ANC. CONCLUSIONS: The HIV PMTCT cascade improved over time, but HIV vertical transmission remains a problem, and better access to ANC is needed.