Abandono de la lactancia materna en Galicia: ¿cuándo se produce y por qué? / Cessation of breastfeeding in Galicia: when is it happening and why?

Introduction: International organizations recommend maintaining breastfeeding at least until 6 months after the birth of the child. However, the prevalence of breastfeeding at 6 moths in Europe is below the recommendations. The aims of this study are to estimate the prevalence of breastfeeding cessation month by month and to ascertain the reasons associated with the cessation during the first 12 months of life in galician women. Methods: The information analysed comes from the Health Risk Behaviour Information System conducted in 2016, which included women who had given birth in the previous 12 months (n = 6436) in Galicia (Spain). The prevalence of breastfeeding cessation was estimated and the age of the child at the time of cessation was collected. The causes of abandonment were classified into 5 global categories and the frequencies were estimated. Results: A total of 5,177 mothers of 3- to 16-month-old babies were included. At the age of 12 months, 33.8% of the children were still breastfed. The main reason for cessation of breastfeeding was hypogalactia (46.5%), followed by being back to work (24.1%). After birth to 4 months, hypogalactia and health problems were the principal reasons of cessation; between 4 and 7 months after birth, hypogalactia and returning to work or studies were the most important reasons; and after 7 months, rejection by the baby became important. Conclusion: The cessation of breastfeeding during the first year of life is due mainly to preventable causes. It is necessary to improve maternal health education, both during and after the pregnancy, as well as to develop effective work-life balance measures. (AU)

Introducción: Las organizaciones internacionales recomiendan mantener la lactancia materna (LM) durante los primeros 6 meses de vida. En Europa, la prevalencia de LM a los 6 meses está por debajo de las recomendaciones. Los objetivos son estimar la prevalencia de cese de LM mes a mes y conocer los motivos asociados al abandono de la LM durante el primer año de vida en Galicia. Metodología: Los datos proceden de la encuesta del Sistema de Información sobre Conductas de Riesgo para la Salud 2016 que incluyó a mujeres que habían dado a luz en los 12 meses previos (n = 6.436) en Galicia (España). Se estimaron las prevalencias de cese de LM en función de la edad del niño. Se clasificaron las causas de abandono en cinco categorías y se estimaron las frecuencias. Resultados: Se incluyeron a 5.177 madres con niños de 3-16 meses. Al año de vida, el 33,8% de los niños mantenían LM. La razón principal del abandono fue la hipogalactia (46,5%), seguida de la vuelta al trabajo (24,1%). Hasta los 4 meses, la hipogalactia y los problemas de salud fueron los motivos principales; entre los 4-7 meses, la vuelta al trabajo y la hipogalactia; y después de los 7 meses, el rechazo del bebé y la vuelta al trabajo. Conclusión: El abandono de la LM durante el primer año de vida es principalmente debido a causas prevenibles. Es imprescindible mejorar la educación en salud de las madres, tanto durante como después del embarazo, así como desarrollar medidas de conciliación eficaces. (AU)

Efecto de los probióticos como tratamiento alternativo para la mastitis humana / Effect of probiotics as an alternative treatment for human mastitis

El objetivo de este estudio es determinar el efecto del uso de los probióticos en relación a la mastitis, así como conocer la dosis adecuada de los probióticos y la semana ideal de gestación para que surja el efecto deseado. Para ello se ha realizado una revisión sistemática, con una cadena de búsqueda y unos filtros de acuerdo a cada una de las distintas bases. También, se realizó una búsqueda inversa a raíz de los resultados obtenidos. Se han aplicado criterios de inclusión y exclusión en la selección de los artículos. En cuanto a los resultados y según la evidencia actual se puede decir que el uso de probióticos como tratamiento alternativo a la mastitis humana podría resultar eficaz ya que existe diferencia estadísticamente significativa en la reducción de la carga bacteriana. En lo referente a la dosis y semana ideal de gestación para la administración de probióticos, se ha podido comprobar distintas dosis y semanas que han surtido efecto; pero sin poder concretar cuáles son las más efectivas e ideales

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the use of probiotics in relation to mastitis, as well as to know the adequate dose of probiotic and the ideal week of gestation so that the desired effect appears. For this, a systematic review has been carried out, with a search string and filters according to each of the different bases. Also, an inverse search was performed to the root of the results obtained. Inclusion and exclusion criteria have been applied in the selection of articles. Regarding the results and according to current evidence, it can be said that the use of probiotics as an alternative treatment to human mastitis could be effective since there is a statistically significant difference in the reduction of bacterial load. Regarding the dose and the ideal week of gestation for the administration of probiotics, different doses and weeks have been determined that have taken effect; but without being able to specify problems they are the most effective and ideal

Prevalence of ineffective breastfeeding technique and associated factors among lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia.

INTRODUCTION: Improper positioning, attachment, and suckling are constructs for ineffective breastfeeding technique (IBT). IBT results in inadequate intake of breast milk, which leads to poor weight gain, stunting, and declines immunity. Besides, IBT increases the risk of postpartum breast problems. Despite its impact on maternal and child health, breastfeeding technique is not well studied in Ethiopia. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of IBT and associated factors among lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district, Southern Ethiopia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 415 lactating mothers attending public health facilities of South Ari district from March 1-29, 2019. A structured observational checklist and interviewer-administered questionnaires were used. Bivariable and multivariable analyses were carried out using binary logistic regression to assess the association between explanatory variables and IBT. Statistical significance was declared at p-value < 0.05. RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of IBT was 63.5% [95% confidence interval (CI); 59.0%, 68.0%]. Having no formal education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 5.0, 95% CI: 2.3, 10.5], delivering at home [AOR: 4.5; 95% CI; 1.6, 13.1], having breast problems [AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.1, 5.7], being primiparous [AOR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0, 3.2], not receiving counseling during pregnancy and postnatal period [AOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.9 and AOR: 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3, 5.1 respectively] were significantly associated with IBT. CONCLUSION: IBT was very high in the study area. Thus, empowering women, increasing institutional delivery, and providing continuous counseling about breastfeeding throughout the maternal continuum of care is invaluable to improve breastfeeding techniques.

European Network of Pregnancy Registers in Rheumatology (EuNeP)-an overview of procedures and data collection.

BACKGROUND: The collaborative initiative of the European Network of Pregnancy Registers in Rheumatology (EuNeP) aims to combine data available in nationwide pregnancy registers to increase knowledge on pregnancy outcomes in women with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRD) and on drug safety during pregnancy and lactation. The objective of this study was to describe the similarities and differences of the member registers. METHODS: From all registers, information about their structure and design was collected, as well as which parameters regarding demographics, maternal outcomes, treatment, course and outcome of pregnancy, and development of the child were available in the respective datasets. Furthermore, the current recruitment status was reported. RESULTS: The four registers (EGR2 (France), RePreg (Switzerland), RevNatus (Norway), and Rhekiss (Germany)) collect information prospectively and nationwide. Patients can be enrolled before conception or during pregnancy. To date, more than 3500 patients in total have been included, and data on 2200 pregnancies with an outcome are available. The distribution of diagnoses in the respective registers varies considerably, and only three entities (rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, and spondyloarthritis) are captured by all the registers. Broad consistency was found in non-disease-specific data items, but differences regarding instruments and categories as well as frequency of data collection were revealed. Disease-specific data items are less homogeneously collected. CONCLUSION: Although the registers in this collaboration have similar designs, we found numerous differences in the variables collected. This survey of the status quo of current pregnancy registers is the first step towards identifying data collected uniformly across registers in order to facilitate joint analyses. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not applicable.

Association between Delayed Lactogenesis â ¡ and Early Milk Volume among Mothers of Preterm Infants.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of delayed lactogenesis Ⅱ on early milk volume in mothers expressing milk for their preterm infants. METHODS: 142 mothers with preterm infants participated in a longitudinal cohort study, the milk volumes over 14 days postpartum between mothers with delayed lactogenesis Ⅱ (≥ 72 hours) and mothers with non-delayed lactogenesis Ⅱ(< 72 hours) were compared using Wilcoxon's rank sum tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of delayed lactogenesisⅡ among mothers of preterm infants was 36.0% (36/100). There existed negative correlations between the onset of lactogenesis Ⅱ and the daily milk volumes( rs = -0.525∼-0.354, p = .002 ∼ p < .001). The milk volumes in every 24-hour of the 14 days postpartum in delayed group were significantly less than that in non-delayed group (p = .002 ∼ p < .001). After controlling for the covariates, pregnancy-induced hypertension syndrome, delayed expression initiation, shorter daily sleeping time were found to be the risk factors for delayed lactogenesis Ⅱ. CONCLUSION: Delayed lactogenesis Ⅱ was associated with lower milk volume in early postpartum period. Women who were at risk for delayed lactogenesis Ⅱ need targeted interventions and additional support during pregnancy and postpartum.

Women's Quality of Life at 6 Weeks Postpartum: Influence of the Discomfort Present in the Puerperium.

Background: Discomfort during the puerperium period is very frequent in the lives of women but the influence of this discomfort on the women's quality of life has been little studied. The objective of this study is to establish the association between discomfort and frequent problems of women in the puerperium and their quality of life score. Methods: A cross-sectional study on postpartum Spanish women was performed. Women older than 18 years and who had had a live birth were included. Less than 1% of women refused to participate in the study. Data were collected on socio-demographic, obstetric and newborn variables, on maternal problems/ discomfort in the postnatal period and on parameters that are quality of life indicators. An ad hoc online questionnaire which included the SF-36 Health Survey was used. Crude mean difference (cMD) and adjusted mean difference (aMD) were calculated through multiple linear regression. Results: 2990 women participated in the study. The greater problems causing quality of life loss were depressive symptoms (aMD = -12.40, CI 95%: -10.79, -14.01), lactation problems (aMD = -4.30, CI 95%: -2.97, -5.63), problems for sexual intercourse after childbirth (aMD = -6.34, CI 95%: -5.07, -7.60) and urinary incontinence (aMD = -4.97, CI 95%: -6.30, -3.65), among others. These have been detected as risk factors that affect the quality of life of the postpartum woman. Conclusions: The discomfort and problems manifested in the 6 weeks after childbirth have an influence that deeply affects the quality of life of postpartum women.

Gestational weight gain is associated with delayed onset of lactogenesis in the TMCHC study: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Delayed onset of lactogenesis II (OL) negatively affects breastfeeding and consequently, the health of the newborn. Few studies have examined the association between gestational weight gain (GWG) throughout pregnancy and risk of delayed OL. METHODS: We used data from a prospective cohort study in Wuhan of China, which enrolled pregnant women at 8-16 weeks of gestation and followed-up regularly. GWG was assessed by the last available weight measurement (LAWM) during pregnancy and the self-reported pre-pregnancy weight at enrollment. The outcome was delayed OL self-reported after 4 days postpartum. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were derived from multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: Delayed OL was reported by 18.4% of the 3282 participants. After adjustment for the demographic, clinical and breastfeeding characteristics, compared to the lowest quartile 1 of GWG, ORs (95% CIs) were 1.20 (0.91, 1.57) for quartile 2, 1.47 (1.13, 1.92) for quartile 3, and 1.42 (1.08, 1.86) for quartile 4 (P for trend = 0.006). When GWG was classified by the 2009 Institute of Medicine (IOM) guidelines, compared with women with adequate GWG, the adjusted ORs (95% CIs) were 0.82 (0.61, 1.10) for inadequate GWG, and 1.13 (0.93, 1.38) for excessive GWG. CONCLUSIONS: Women with higher GWG throughout pregnancy are more likely to suffer from delayed OL in Chinese population.

The prevalence of Coxiella burnetii shedding in dairy goats at the time of parturition in an endemically infected enterprise and associated milk yield losses.

BACKGROUND: This was a panel study of the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in does in an endemic dairy goat enterprise in Victoria, Australia. Our first objective was to determine the prevalence of does shedding C. burnetii at the time of parturition and to quantify the concentration of genome equivalents (GE) present in each C. burnetii positive sample. Our second objective was to determine the proportion of positive does that were persistent shedders. Our final objective was to quantify the association between C. burnetii qPCR status at the time of kidding and daily milk volumes produced during the subsequent lactation. RESULTS: Vaginal swabs (n= 490) were collected from does at the time of kidding and analysed using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Shedding of C. burnetii was detected in 15% (95% CI: 12% to 18%) of the sampled does. Does were classified as qPCR-negative, qPCR-positive low and qPCR-positive high based on the estimated concentration of GE from the qPCR. Persistent shedding at relatively low concentrations was detected in 20% (95% CI: 10% to35%) of shedding does sampled again at their subsequent parturition. After controlling for possible confounders and adjusting for variation in daily milk yields at the individual doe level, daily milk yields for qPCR-positive high does were reduced by 17% (95% CI: 3% to 32%) compared to qPCR-negative does (p= 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Shedding concentrations of C. burnetii were highly skewed, with a relatively small group of does shedding relatively high quantities of C. burnetii. Further, high shedding does had reduced milk yields compared to qPCR-negative does. Early detection and culling of high shedding does would result in increased farm profitability and reduce the risk of Q fever transmission.

Determinants of breastfeeding discontinuation in an Italian cohort of mother-infant dyads in the first six months of life: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Among breastfeeding determinants, the marketing of breast milk substitutes might contribute to suboptimal breastfeeding rates. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of receiving information on breast milk substitutes on breastfeeding rates. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial from 2012 to 2014 in a northern Italian maternity ward. We enrolled 802 Caucasian mothers who gave birth to healthy, full-term singletons with a birth weight > 2500 g and who were exclusively breastfeeding from delivery to discharge. Mothers who gave birth to infants with congenital diseases, chromosomal abnormalities, perinatal infections and/or cardio-respiratory instability and/or mothers being affected by endocrine and/or metabolic and/or gastrointestinal and/or renal diseases were excluded. Mothers were randomized to either receive (group A, n = 405) or not (group B, n = 397) written information on a breast milk substitute at discharge. Breastfeeding was promoted and supported in all mother-infant pairs equally. The mode of feeding for up to 6 months after delivery was determined by phone interview. To detect a 10% difference between groups in the discontinuation rate of exclusive breastfeeding at three months of age at 5% significance and 80% power, a total of 356 mother-infant pairs per group were needed. RESULTS: The exclusive breastfeeding prevalence was 91% and 92% at 7 days, 79% and 70% at 1 month, 75% and 66% at 2 months, 72% and 62% at 3 months, and 3% and 2% at 6 months in groups A and B, respectively. The relative risk (95% confidence interval) of exclusive breastfeeding (group A vs B) at 7 days and at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months was as follows: 0.99 (0.95-1.03), 1.12 (1.03-1.21), 1.13 (1.03-1.24), 1.15 (1.04-1.27), and 1.49 (0.62-3.61). Nutritional, lifestyle and lactational factors were the primary contributing determinants to early breastfeeding discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings indicate that receiving written information on breast milk substitutes at hospital discharge, provided that breastfeeding support and education are offered, does not negatively affect breastfeeding rates. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT03208114. Registered 5 July 2017.

Comparing barriers to breastfeeding success in the first month for non-overweight and overweight women.

BACKGROUND: Women who enter pregnancy overweight or obese tend to have poorer breastfeeding outcomes compared to non-overweight women. Women's experiences of specific breastfeeding-related problems and reasons for use of formula have not been systematically investigated according to pre-pregnancy BMI. The aim of this study was to compare self-reported breastfeeding problems in non-overweight and overweight women and identify the main reasons for use of infant formula during the first month postpartum. METHODS: The present study involved a cross-sectional secondary analysis of data collected as part of a hospital-based longitudinal study of women that commenced in pregnancy (~ 16 weeks). At ~ 4 months postpartum Australian women (N = 477) self-reported breastfeeding problems and reasons for use of infant formula during the first month postpartum. Pre-pregnancy BMI was calculated based on self-reported pre-pregnancy weight and measured height. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to compare pre-pregnancy weight status groups ("non-overweight" [BMI < 25 km/m2] and "overweight" [BMI ≥25 km/m2]) on self-reported breastfeeding problems and reasons for use of infant formula. Analyses were adjusted for covariates that differed between groups (P < .1). RESULTS: Frequency of self-reported breastfeeding problems was similar across weight status groups. "Not enough milk" was the predominant reason for giving infant formula. Overweight women were more likely than non-overweight women to agree that infant formula was as good as breastmilk. CONCLUSIONS: Overall it does not appear that overweight women are more likely to experience a range of specific breastfeeding problems in the first months compared to non-overweight women. However, the severity and duration of the problems needs to be examined. Breastfeeding interventions need to addresses concerns around milk supply as these are common and are likely to be of universal benefit however overweight women in particular may benefit from guidance regarding the benefits of breastfeeding for both themselves and their infants.

Factores que influyen en el inicio y mantenimiento de la lactancia materna exclusiva / Factors with impact on the initiation and maintenance of exclusive breastfeeding

OBJETIVO: conocer la prevalencia de lactancia materna (LM) al nacimiento, tiempo de duración y factores asociados con el inicio y mantenimiento de la lactancia materna exclusiva (LME), además de identificar las causas de abandono. MÉTODO: estudio observacional retrospectivo (2016-2017). La población de estudio pertenecía al Centro de Salud Zaidín Sur de Granada. Se seleccionó una muestra aleatoria de 60 bebés de un total de 326 que habían nacido en 2015. Se contactó por teléfono con las madres para entrevista sobre la LM. Análisis descriptivo y bivariante. Significación estadística si p< 0,05. RESULTADOS: prevalencia LME al nacimiento del 71,7%, a los tres meses del 58% y a los seis meses del 43,3%. Las causas identificadas de no inicio de LM fueron, principalmente, hipogalactia, el bebé no agarraba bien el pezón y enfermedad de la madre. Las causas más habituales de abandono de la LM fueron la hipogalactia (57,1%) y la falta de tiempo de la madre al volver al trabajo (23,8%). La LME se mantuvo más tiempo en las madres con estudios universitarios (media 4,13 meses) y en las no fumadoras (media 3,74), presentando diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p< 0,05). CONCLUSIONES: la prevalencia de LM al nacimiento y a lo largo del tiempo aporta unos datos favorables en la muestra de estudio. Se han identificado dos factores que influyen en la LM: el nivel de estudios de la madre y la condición de fumadora. La hipogalactia ha sido la causa principal de no inicio y abandono de la LM

OBJECTIVE: to understand the prevalence of maternal breastfeeding (BF) at birth, its time of duration, and factors associated with the initiation and maintenance of exclusive BF, as well as to identify the causes for discontinuation. METHOD: a retrospective observational study (2016-2017). The study population attended the Public Health Centre Zaidín Sur de Granada. A random sample of 60 babies was selected from 326 babies in total born in 2015. Their mothers were contacted by telephone for an interview about BF. Descriptive and bivariate analysis; statistical significance if p< 0.05. RESULTS: the prevalence of exclusive BF at birth was 71.7%, at three months: 58%, and at six months: 43.3%. The causes identified for non-initiation of BF were, mainly, hypogalactia, the baby did not hold the nipple well, and disease in the mother. The most usual causes for BF discontinuation were hypogalactia (57.1%) and lack of time by the mother when returning to work (23.8%). Exclusive BF was maintained for a longer time by mothers with university studies (mean 4.13 months) and those non-smoking (mean 3.74), presenting statistically significant differences (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence of BF at birth and over time provides favorable data in the sample studied. Two factors with impact on BF have been identified: the level of studies of the mother and her non-smoking status. Hypogalactia was the main cause for not initiating and discontinuing BF

An analysis of the effects of intrapartum factors, neonatal characteristics, and skin-to-skin contact on early breastfeeding initiation.

This study aims to determine relationships between intrapartum factors, neonatal characteristics, skin-to-skin contact (SSC), and early breastfeeding initiation after spontaneous vaginal and Caesarean section or operative vaginal birth. A total of 915 mother-newborn dyads were considered in a hypothetical model based on integrated concepts of breastfeeding initiation model, infant learning framework, and attachment theory. Multiple-group path analysis was used to determine whether differences exist between effects of immediate SSC (≤30 min) on early breastfeeding initiation in different modes of birth. SSC, mode of birth, labour duration, and neonatal intensive care unit admission were significantly associated with early breastfeeding initiation, as indicated by the path analysis model, which included all samples. Women with immediate SSC were more likely to initiate early breastfeeding in different modes of birth. In the spontaneous vaginal birth group, women showed a lower likelihood of initiating early breastfeeding when their neonates were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit and presented an Apgar score of <7 at 1 min. Multiple-group analysis showed no significant difference between effects of immediate SSC on early breastfeeding initiation in different modes of birth (critical ratio = -0.309). Results showed that models satisfactorily fitted the data (minimum discrepancy divided by degrees of freedom = 1.466-1.943, goodness of fit index = 0.981-0.986, comparative fit index = 0.947-0.955, and root mean square error of approximation = 0.023-0.032). Our findings emphasize the crucial importance of prioritizing promotion of immediate SSC under different modes of birth.

Factores de riesgo de la mastitis infecciosa durante la lactancia / Risk factors for infectious mastitis during breastfeeding

La mastitis infecciosa es una patología común durante la lactancia y constituye una de las primeras causas de destete precoz. Por tanto, debería considerarse un problema de salud pública relevante, ya que priva a la pareja madre-hijo de los incuestionables beneficios de la lactancia. No obstante, la mastitis humana ha sido hasta la fecha una enfermedad subestimada, ya que su diagnóstico microbiológico no se realiza de forma sistemática, y habitualmente sólo se consideran mastitis los casos agudos que cursan con una sintomatología evidente. En este trabajo se revisa la literatura médica acerca de los posibles factores de riesgo que podrían estar implicados en el desarrollo de mastitis infecciosa, incluidos los aspectos relacionados con el historial médico de la madre y del hijo, el embarazo, el parto, el posparto y la lactancia. En este sentido, el hecho de profundizar en el conocimiento de dichos factores permitirá proporcionar un asesoramiento adecuado durante la lactancia, así como diseñar estrategias para prevenir esta enfermedad, con el objetivo final de que muchas parejas madre-hijo disfruten plenamente de los beneficios que proporciona la lactancia materna (AU)

Infectious mastitis is a common condition during lactation and constitutes one of the main causes of undesired weaning. This condition should be considered as a relevant public health issue, since it deprives the mother-infant pair from the wide range of health benefits that breastfeeding provides. Nevertheless, human mastitis remains to date widely underestimated because human milk cultures are not routinely performed and only acute mastitis cases with local and systemic symptoms are usually reported. The present work constitutes a review about risk factors for infectious mastitis among breastfeeding women, including some aspects related to medical history of mother and infant, pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, and breastfeeding practices. In this sense, to improve the knowledge about these factors will allow to provide appropriate management during breastfeeding and develop strategies to prevent this condition, so that many child-mother pairs fully enjoy the benefits of breastfeeding (AU)

Prevalence and factors associated with cracked nipples in the first month postpartum.

BACKGROUND: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with the occurrence of cracked nipples in the first month postpartum. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study nested in a cohort of mothers living in Feira de Santana, state of Bahia, northeastern Brazil. Data from 1,243 mother-child dyads assessed both at the maternity ward and 30 days after delivery were analyzed. The association between cracked nipples as reported by mothers and their possible determinants was analyzed using Poisson regression in a model where the variables were hierarchically organized into four levels: distal (individual characteristics), distal intermediate (prenatal characteristics), proximal intermediate (delivery characteristics), and proximal (postnatal characteristics). RESULTS: The prevalence of cracked nipples was 32 % (95 % confidence interval [95 % CI] 29.4-34.7) in the first 30 days postpartum. The following factors showed significant association with the outcome: poor breastfeeding technique (prevalence ratio [PR] = 3.18, 95 % CI 2.72-3.72); breast engorgement (PR = 1.70, 95 % CI 1.46-1.99); birth in a maternity ward not accredited by the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (PR = 1.51, 95 % CI 1.15-1.99); cesarean section (PR = 1.33, 95 % CI 1.13-1.57); use of a feeding bottle (PR = 1.29, 95 % CI 1.06-1.55); and higher maternal education level (PR = 1.23, 95 % CI 1.04-1.47). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cracked nipples was high in our sample. Most of the factors associated with cracked nipples were related to postnatal characteristics, especially poor breastfeeding technique, which could be improved to help prevent the condition.

A Case Control Study of Diabetes During Pregnancy and Low Milk Supply.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether a history of diabetes during pregnancy, as a marker of perinatal glucose intolerance, increases the odds of a diagnosis of low milk supply at a Breastfeeding Medicine Clinic (BMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A case-control analysis was conducted of electronic medical records for BMC visits <90 days postpartum. Diabetes was defined as documentation of gestational, type 1, or type 2 diabetes. Cases were defined as those with a low milk supply diagnosis but without latch or nipple problems, and controls as those with latch or nipple problems but without low milk supply. A sensitivity analysis was then conducted by expanding cases to include all low milk supply diagnoses, and controls to include any diagnoses except low milk supply. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for diabetes were calculated in cases versus controls, including adjustment for cesarean delivery, preterm birth, polycystic ovary syndrome, hypothyroidism, and infertility. RESULTS: In the primary analysis, 14.9% of 175 cases versus 6.2% of 226 controls had a history of diabetes during pregnancy (OR 2.6 [95% CI 1.3-5.2]; adjusted OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.2-4.9]). In the sensitivity analysis, 14.9% of 249 cases versus 6.1% of 312 controls had diabetes in pregnancy (adjusted OR 2.4 [95% CI 1.4-4.3]). CONCLUSIONS: Women diagnosed with low milk supply were significantly more likely to have had diabetes in pregnancy compared with women with latch or nipple problems and, more generally, compared with women with any other lactation difficulty. Further research is needed to elucidate how maternal glucose intolerance may impede lactation.

Is onset of lactation delayed in women with diabetes in pregnancy? A systematic review.

AIM: To determine if women with diabetes in pregnancy have a delayed onset of lactation through a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: We searched databases including MEDLINE, Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL Plus and PsychINFO for articles assessing diabetes in pregnancy and lactogenesis. Thirty-one articles were screened and 10 articles were included in the systematic review. We extracted data on diabetes in pregnancy and onset of lactation (secretory activation or lactogenesis II). RESULTS: The 10 studies examining the association between women with diabetes in pregnancy and delayed onset of lactation reported a significant delay in women with diabetes compared with women without diabetes. Two studies assessed the impact of metabolic control on lactogenesis, and found an association between poorer metabolic control and delayed onset of lactation. CONCLUSIONS: Although this review has found evidence of an association between women experiencing diabetes during pregnancy and delayed onset of lactation, the presence of many potential confounding factors need to be acknowledged.

Early Breastfeeding Problems Mediate the Negative Association between Maternal Obesity and Exclusive Breastfeeding at 1 and 2 Months Postpartum.

BACKGROUND: Compared with normal-weight women, women with obesity experience poorer breastfeeding outcomes. Successful breastfeeding among women with obesity is important for achieving national breastfeeding goals. OBJECTIVES: The objectives were to determine whether the negative association between obesity and any or exclusive breastfeeding at 1 and 2 mo postpartum is mediated through breastfeeding problems that occur in the first 2 wk postpartum and if this association differs by parity. METHODS: Mothers (1151 normal-weight and 580 obese) in the Infant Feeding Practices Study II provided information on sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics, body mass index, and breastfeeding outcomes. At 1 mo postpartum, participants reported the breastfeeding problems they experienced in the first 2 wk postpartum from a predefined list of 17 options. We used factor analysis to condense these problems into 4 explanatory variables; continuous factor scores were computed for use in further analyses. We used maximum likelihood logistic regression to assess mediation of the association between obesity and breastfeeding outcomes through early breastfeeding problems. RESULTS: No significant effect of obesity was found on any breastfeeding at 1 or 2 mo. At 1 mo postpartum, for both primiparous and multiparous women, there was a significant direct effect of obesity on exclusive breastfeeding and a significant indirect effect of obesity through early breastfeeding problems related to the explanatory mediating variable "Insufficient Milk" (throughout the remainder of the Abstract, this factor will be denoted by upper case notation). At 2 mo postpartum both the direct effect of obesity and the indirect effect through Insufficient Milk were significant in primiparous women but only the indirect effect remained significant in multiparous women. CONCLUSIONS: Early problems related to Insufficient Milk may partially explain the association between obesity and poor exclusive breastfeeding outcomes. Women who are obese, particularly those reporting breastfeeding problems that grouped in the Insufficient Milk factor in the early postpartum period, may benefit from additional breastfeeding support.

Factores asociados al mantenimiento de la lactancia materna iniciada al ingreso en una Unidad de Neonatología / Factors associated with maintaining maternal breastfeeding started at admission in a Neonatology Unit

OBJETIVO: describir las características de las madres con hijos hospitalizados en la Unidad de Cuidados Medios Neonatales y los factores que se asocian con el mantenimiento de la lactancia materna(LM) por encima de los 6 meses. MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo con base prospectiva, realizado en el Hospital Universitario Son Espases de Palma de Mallorca. La población de estudio la constituyeron las madres de los niños ingresados en la Unidad de Cuidados Medios Neonatales que iniciaron LM. Para recoger la información se utilizó un cuestionario al ingreso del niño y otro a los 6 meses de vida, por medio de seguimiento telefónico. RESULTADOS: fueron estudiadas 218 madres. Transcurridos 6meses mantenían LM solamente el 37,6%. Entre los principales motivos de abandono se encontraba la leche insuficiente(34,9%). El 61% tenía más de 30 años, el 45,4% tenía estudios secundarios, el 97,2% se encontraba en una disposición familiar biparental. El tipo de parto mayoritario fue por cesárea (52,8%).Un 89,9% refirió ser no fumadora. Un 65,1% no había tenido experiencia previa en LM. Un 92,9% tomó la decisión de amamantar durante el embarazo. Se evidenció una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre el mantenimiento de la lactancia materna y tener un solo hijo (p= 0,005), no fumar (p= 0,028) y haber tenido experiencia previa en LM (p= 0,037).CONCLUSIONES: al priorizar los recursos de apoyo profesional deberían tenerse en cuenta las madres primerizas o con experiencia anterior negativa. Además la información/apoyo debe darse independientemente de la edad de la madre, el nivel de estudios, constitución del núcleo familiar, situación laboral, tipo de parto o edad gestacional

OBJECTIVE: to describe the characteristics of mothers with children admitted in the Neonatal Medium Care Unit, and those factors associated with the maintenance of maternal breastfeeding (MBF) beyond 6 months. METHOD: a descriptive study with a prospective basis, conducted at the Hospital Universitario Son Espases in Palma de Mallorca. The study population was formed by mothers of children admitted at the Neonatal Medium Care Unit who had initiated MBF. For data collection, a questionnaire was used at child admission, and another one at 6 months of age, through follow up by telephone. RESULTS: the study included 218 mothers. After 6 months, only37.6% maintained MBF. One of the main reasons for discontinuation was insufficient milk (34.9%). 61% of the mothers were over 30-year-old, 45.4% had secondary studies, and 97.2%were part of a two-parent family. The majority of labors had involved a Caesarean Section (52.8%). A 89.9% reported that they did not smoke; while 65.1% had no previous experience with MBF. A 92.9% made the decision of breastfeeding during pregnancy. It was demonstrated that there was a statistically significant association between maintenance of maternal breastfeeding and having one single child (p = 0.005), not smoking(p = 0.028) and having previous experience with MBF (p = 0.037).CONCLUSIONS: when assigning priority to professional support resources, first-time mothers or those with a previous negative experience should be taken into account. Moreover, information/ support should be provided regardless of the mothers' age, their level of studies, type of family unit, employment status, type of labor, or gestational age

[Evaluation of risk factors for Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia in pig farms in Switzerland]. / Erhebung von Risikofaktoren für Mastitis-Metritis-Agalaktie in Schweine- betrieben in der Schweiz.

Mastitis-Metritis-Agalactia (MMA), also known as postpartum dysgalactia syndrome (PPDS) is the most important disease complex in sows after birth. The present study compared 30 MMA problem herds (over 12% of farrowing sows affected) with 30 control farms (less than 10% of farrowing sows affected) to identify risk factors and treatment incidence. Important risk factors identified were in gilts the integration into the herd after the first farrowing, in gestating sows firm fecal consistency as well as in lactating sows soiled troughs, a low flow rate (<2 liters per minute) in drinking nipples and a high prevalence of lameness. The treatment incidence was also significantly different between the two groups. The MMA prevalence could be reduced through optimization of husbandry, feeding and management, which could essentially diminish the use of antibiotics.