Applying a Reproductive Justice Lens to Enhance Research Engagement Among Systematically Underrepresented Childbearing Women.

BACKGROUND: Historically, childbearing women from diverse and systematically hard-to-reach populations have been excluded from nursing research. This practice limits the generalizability of findings. Maximizing research strategies to meet the unique needs of these populations must be a priority. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to provide methodological context for the comprehensive application of reproductive justice strategies to guide research methods and promote engagement of underrepresented childbearing women while decreasing systemic bias. METHODS: In this article, we use a reproductive justice lens to characterize and define strategies for enhancing ethical and equitable engagement in research involving childbearing women who are often systematically underrepresented using a case study approach. Using a specific case study exemplar, the core tenets of reproductive justice are outlined and affirm the need to advance research strategies that create ethical engagement of diverse populations, transform oppressive social structures, and shift research paradigms so research objectives intentionally highlight the strengths and resiliency inherent to the targeted communities. RESULTS: We begin by describing parallels between the tenets of reproductive justice and the ethical principles of research (i.e., respect for persons, beneficence, and justice). We then apply these tenets to conceptualization, implementation (recruitment, data management, and retention), and dissemination of research conducted with childbearing women from diverse backgrounds who are systemically underrepresented. We highlight our successful research strategies from our case study example of women with histories of incarceration. DISCUSSION: To date, outcomes from our research indicate the need for multilevel strategies with a focus on respectful, inclusive participant and key community partner engagement; the time investment in local communities to promote equitable collaboration; encouragement of the patient's autonomous right to self-determination; and mitigation of power imbalances. Nurse researchers are well positioned to advance research justice at the intersection of reproductive justice and ethics to fully engage diverse populations in advancing health equity to support the best health outcomes.

A Scoping Review of Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal and the Infant Gut Microbiome: Does Human Milk Optimize Infant Outcomes?

BACKGROUND: While a growing body of literature has established the role of human milk as a mechanism of protection in the formation of the infant gut microbiome, it remains unclear the extent to which this association exists for infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. PURPOSE: The purpose of this scoping review was to describe the current state of the literature regarding the influence of human milk on infant gut microbiota in infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. DATA SOURCES: CINAHL, PubMed, and Scopus databases were searched for original studies published from January 2009 through February 2022. Additionally, unpublished studies across relevant trial registries, conference proceedings, websites, and organizations were reviewed for possible inclusion. A total of 1610 articles met selection criteria through database and register searches and 20 through manual reference searches. STUDY SELECTION: Inclusion criteria were primary research studies, written in English, published between 2009 and 2022, including a sample of infants with neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome/neonatal abstinence syndrome, and focusing on the relationship between the receipt of human milk and the infant gut microbiome. DATA EXTRACTION: Two authors independently conducted title/abstract and full-text review until there was consensus of study selection. RESULTS: No studies satisfied the inclusion criteria, which resulted in an empty review. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Findings from this study document the paucity of data exploring the associations between human milk, the infant gut microbiome, and subsequent neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome. Further, these results highlight the timely importance of prioritizing this area of scientific inquiry.

Individualized versus standard diet fortification for growth and development in preterm infants receiving human milk.

BACKGROUND: Human milk as compared to formula reduces morbidity in preterm infants but requires fortification to meet their nutritional needs and to reduce the risk of extrauterine growth failure. Standard fortification methods are not individualized to the infant and assume that breast milk is uniform in nutritional content. Strategies for individualizing fortification are available; however it is not known whether these are safe, or if they improve outcomes in preterm infants. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether individualizing fortification of breast milk feeds in response to infant blood urea nitrogen (adjustable fortification) or to breast milk macronutrient content as measured with a milk analyzer (targeted fortification) reduces mortality and morbidity and promotes growth and development compared to standard, non-individualized fortification for preterm infants receiving human milk at < 37 weeks' gestation or at birth weight < 2500 grams. SEARCH METHODS: We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2019, Issue 9), in the Cochrane Library; Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Daily and Versions(R); and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), on September 20, 2019. We also searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles for pertinent randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomized trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered randomized, quasi-randomized, and cluster-randomized controlled trials of preterm infants fed exclusively breast milk that compared a standard non-individualized fortification strategy to individualized fortification using a targeted or adjustable strategy. We considered studies that examined any use of fortification in eligible infants for a minimum duration of two weeks, initiated at any time during enteral feeding, and providing any regimen of human milk feeding. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Data were collected using the standard methods of Cochrane Neonatal. Two review authors evaluated the quality of the studies and extracted data. We reported analyses of continuous data using mean differences (MDs), and dichotomous data using risk ratios (RRs). We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: Data were extracted from seven RCTs, resulting in eight publications (521 total participants were enrolled among these studies), with duration of study interventions ranging from two to seven weeks. As compared to standard non-individualized fortification, individualized (targeted or adjustable) fortification of enteral feeds probably increased weight gain during the intervention (typical mean difference [MD] 1.88 g/kg/d, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.26 to 2.50; 6 studies, 345 participants), may have increased length gain during the intervention (typical MD 0.43 mm/d, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.53; 5 studies, 242 participants), and may have increased head circumference gain during the intervention (typical MD 0.14 mm/d, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.23; 5 studies, 242 participants). Compared to standard non-individualized fortification, targeted fortification probably increased weight gain during the intervention (typical MD 1.87 g/kg/d, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.58; 4 studies, 269 participants) and may have increased length gain during the intervention (typical MD 0.45 mm/d, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.57; 3 studies, 166 participants). Adjustable fortification probably increased weight gain during the intervention (typical MD 2.86 g/kg/d, 95% CI 1.69 to 4.03; 3 studies, 96 participants), probably increased gain in length during the intervention (typical MD 0.54 mm/d, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.7; 3 studies, 96 participants), and increased gain in head circumference during the intervention (typical MD 0.36 mm/d, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.5; 3 studies, 96 participants). We are uncertain whether there are differences between individualized versus standard fortification strategies in the incidence of in-hospital mortality, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, necrotizing enterocolitis, culture-proven late-onset bacterial sepsis, retinopathy of prematurity, osteopenia, length of hospital stay, or post-hospital discharge growth. No study reported severe neurodevelopmental disability as an outcome. One study that was published after our literature search was completed is awaiting classification. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found moderate- to low-certainty evidence suggesting that individualized (either targeted or adjustable) fortification of enteral feeds in very low birth weight infants increases growth velocity of weight, length, and head circumference during the intervention compared with standard non-individualized fortification. Evidence showing important in-hospital and post-discharge clinical outcomes was sparse and of very low certainty, precluding inferences regarding safety or clinical benefits beyond short-term growth.

Delayed Achievement of Oral Feedings Is Associated with Adverse Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 18 to 26 Months Follow-up in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants at 18 to 26 months corrected age (CA) who did versus did not achieve full oral feedings at 40 weeks postmenstrual age (PMA). STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective study included infants born between 2010 and 2015 with gestational age <32 weeks and followed between 18 and 26 months CA. Achievement of full oral feedings was defined as oral intake >130 mL/kg/d for >72 hours by 40 weeks PMA. Incidence of cognitive, language, or motor delay, or cerebral palsy at 18 to 26 months CA was compared in multivariable analyses for infants in the two feeding groups. RESULTS: Of 372 included infants, those achieving full oral feedings had lower incidence of any adverse neurodevelopmental outcome (p < 0.001) compared with those who did not achieve full oral feedings. In multivariable analyses, achievement of full oral feedings by 40 weeks PMA was associated with decreased odds of cognitive, language, and motor delays, cerebral palsy, and any adverse neurodevelopmental outcome at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Achievement of full oral feedings by 40 weeks PMA was associated with better adjusted neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 26 months CA. Inability to fully feed orally at 40 weeks PMA may be a simple, clinically useful marker for risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Predictors of Mother's Own Milk Feeding at Discharge in Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND: The dose-response benefits of human milk for preterm infants are well documented. Understanding factors that influence duration of mother's own milk (MOM) receipt may have important clinical implications. PURPOSE: To identify variables that significantly affect whether or not preterm infants receive their own mother's milk at discharge. METHODS: Maternal-infant dyads were eligible for inclusion if the infant was born between August 1, 2010, and July 31, 2015, was born at 32 weeks' gestation or less, or was 1800 g or less (institutional donor milk receipt criteria). Bivariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: Of 428 observations, 258 (60.3%) received MOM at discharge and 170 (39.7%) did not. Maternal characteristics that were protective for MOM receipt at discharge were non-Hispanic race, married, partner support, more educated, and private insurance. Protective infant characteristics were higher gestational age at birth, higher percentage of MOM feedings, fewer ventilator days, and more days of direct lactation. In multivariable logistic regression, the odds of receiving MOM at discharge significantly (odds ratio = 1.93; 95% confidence interval, 1.72-2.16; P < .001) increased with the increasing proportion of MOM. Regression analysis showed that gestational age and increased maternal age increased the likelihood of MOM receipt at discharge. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: Clinicians will understand the significant effects even small increases in milk volume have on duration of MOM receipt at discharge, informing them of the importance of strategies to encourage and improve milk expression. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future research studying critical time periods when mothers are most likely to reduce milk expression may have significant clinical importance.

Covariation of Neonatal Intensive Care Unit-Level Patent Ductus Arteriosus Management and In-Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Outcomes Following Preterm Birth.

OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)-specific changes in patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) management are associated with changes in local outcomes in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective repeated-measures study of aggregated data included infants born 400-1499 g admitted within 2 days of delivery to NICUs participating in the California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative. The period 2008-2015 was divided into four 2-year epochs. For each epoch and NICU, we calculated proportions of infants receiving cyclooxygenase inhibitor (COXI) or PDA ligation and determined NICU-specific changes in these therapies between consecutive epochs. Generalized estimating equations were used to examine adjusted relationships between NICU-specific changes in PDA management and contemporaneous changes in local outcomes. RESULTS: We included 642 observations of interepoch change at 119 hospitals summarizing 32 094 infants. NICU-specific changes in COXI use and ligation showed significant dose-response associations with contemporaneous changes in adjusted local outcomes. Each percentage point decrease in NICU-specific proportion treated with either COXI or ligation was associated with a 0.21 percentage point contemporaneous increase in adjusted local in-hospital mortality (95% CI 0.06, 0.33; P = .005) among infants born 400-749 g. In contrast, decreasing NICU-specific ligation rate among infants 1000-1499 g was associated with decreasing adjusted local bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P = .009) and death or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: NICU-specific outcomes of preterm birth co-vary with local PDA management. Treatment for PDA closure may benefit some infants born 400-749 g. Decreasing NICU-specific rates of COXI use or ligation were not associated with increases in local adjusted rates of examined adverse outcomes in larger preterm infants.

Predicting Maintenance of Any Breastfeeding from Exclusive Breastfeeding Duration: A Replication Study.

OBJECTIVES: To predict the duration of any breastfeeding using the duration of exclusive breastfeeding in a socioeconomically heterogeneous sample of mothers using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis. STUDY DESIGN: The Mother Baby Health Survey, a birth certificate-linked cross-sectional survey was sent at 4-5 months postpartum to a stratified random sample of socioeconomically and racially diverse women in upstate New York; 797 mothers who initiated exclusive breastfeeding were included in this study. Split-sample validation was employed; eligible subjects were divided into training or test samples at random (80% and 20%, respectively). ROC curves were constructed using the training sample and optimal exclusive breastfeeding duration thresholds were tested using the remaining test sample. Logistic regression using the training sample provided estimates of the predictive ability (sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value) of thresholds in both unadjusted and adjusted analyses (covariates: age, education, parity, marital status, and race). RESULTS: The ROC analysis in this sample demonstrated that 9 weeks of exclusivity was required for maintenance of breastfeeding at 3 months, and 14.9 weeks of exclusivity was required for maintenance at 20 weeks. Unadjusted and adjusted models yielded similar results; women who exclusively breastfed for at least 9 weeks had 2.2 times the risk (95% CI 1.7-2.8) of maintaining any breastfeeding at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: These results are similar to our previous results, from a less diverse cohort, and support that these thresholds may be useful in clinical settings for helping mothers achieve breastfeeding duration goals.

Dose-response Relationship Between Donor Human Milk, Mother's Own Milk, Preterm Formula, and Neonatal Growth Outcomes.

BACKGROUND: A dose-response relationship between proportions of donor human milk (DHM) intake and in-neonatal intensive care unit (in-NICU) growth rates, if any, remains poorly defined. Objective was to evaluate interrelationships between percentages of DHM, mother's own milk (MOM), and preterm formula (PF) intake and neonatal growth parameters at 36 weeks postmenstrual age or NICU discharge. METHODS: Infants eligible for this single-center retrospective study were inborn at ≤32 weeks gestation or ≤1800 g, stayed in the NICU for ≥7 days, and received enteral nutrition consisting of human milk fortified with Enfamil human milk fortifier acidified liquid. Study exposures were defined as 10% increments in the total volumetric proportions of infant diet provided as MOM, DHM, or PF. Outcomes were growth parameters at 36 weeks postmenstrual age or NICU discharge. Multivariable linear regression modeled the adjusted additive effect of infant diet on individual growth parameters. RESULTS: A total of 314 infants records were eligible for analysis. Using MOM as reference, the adjusted mean growth velocity for weight significantly decreased by 0.17 g ·â€Škg ·â€Šday for every 10% increase in DHM intake, but did not vary with PF intake. The adjusted mean change in weight z score significantly decreased with increasing proportion of DHM intake but significantly improved with increasing PF intake. The adjusted mean head circumference velocity was significantly decreased by 0.01 cm/wk for every 10% increase in DHM intake, in reference to MOM, but did not vary with PF intake. Neither proportion of DHM nor PF intake was associated with length velocity. CONCLUSIONS: When DHM and MOM are fortified interchangeably, preterm infants receiving incremental amounts of DHM are at increased risk of postnatal growth restriction. The dose-response relationship between DHM, MOM, and PF and long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes warrants further research.

Influence of Feeding Type on Gut Microbiome Development in Hospitalized Preterm Infants.

BACKGROUND: Premature infants have a high risk for dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. Mother's own milk (MOM) has been found to favorably alter gut microbiome composition in infants born at term. Evidence about the influence of feeding type on gut microbial colonization of preterm infants is limited. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of feeding types on gut microbial colonization of preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit. METHODS: Thirty-three stable preterm infants were recruited at birth and followed up for the first 30 days of life. Daily feeding information was used to classify infants into six groups (MOM, human donor milk [HDM], Formula, MOM + HDM, MOM + Formula, and HDM + Formula) during postnatal days 0-10, 11-20, and 21-30. Stool samples were collected daily. DNA extracted from stool was used to sequence the 16S rRNA gene. Exploratory data analysis was conducted with a focus on temporal changes of microbial patterns and diversities among infants from different feeding cohorts. Prediction of gut microbial diversity from feeding type was estimated using linear mixed models. RESULTS: Preterm infants fed MOM (at least 70% of the total diet) had highest abundance of Clostridiales, Lactobacillales, and Bacillales compared to infants in other feeding groups, whereas infants fed primarily HDM or formula had a high abundance of Enterobacteriales compared to infants fed MOM. After controlling for gender, postnatal age, weight, and birth gestational age, the diversity of gut microbiome increased over time and was constantly higher in infants fed MOM relative to infants with other feeding types (p < .01). DISCUSSION: MOM benefits gut microbiome development of preterm infants, including balanced microbial community pattern and increased microbial diversity in early life.

Low-Level Prenatal Toxin Exposures and Breastfeeding Duration: A Prospective Cohort Study.

Introduction Maternal exposure to tobacco smoke is associated with shortened breastfeeding duration, but few studies have examined the effects on breastfeeding outcomes of low level exposures to other toxic chemicals. Moreover, it is unclear if passive smoking is associated with duration of breastfeeding. Our objective was therefore to examine the effect of low-level prenatal exposures to common environmental toxins (tobacco smoke, lead, and phthalates) on breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. Methods We conducted an analysis of data from the Health Outcomes and Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study. Serum and urine samples were collected at approximately 16 and 26 weeks gestation and at delivery from 373 women; 302 breastfed their infants. Maternal infant feeding interviews were conducted a maximum of eight times through 30 months postpartum. The main predictor variables for this study were gestational exposures to tobacco smoke (measured by serum cotinine), lead, and phthalates. Passive smoke exposure was defined as cotinine levels of 0.015-3.0 µg/mL. Primary outcomes were duration of any and exclusive breastfeeding. Results Serum cotinine concentrations were negatively associated with the duration of any breastfeeding (29.9 weeks unexposed vs. 24.9 weeks with passive exposure, p = 0.04; and 22.4 weeks with active exposure, p = 0.12; p = 0.03 for linear trend), but not duration of exclusive breastfeeding. Prenatal levels of blood lead and urinary phthalate metabolites were not significantly associated with duration of any or exclusive breastfeeding. Conclusions Passive exposure to tobacco smoke during pregnancy was associated with shortened duration of any breastfeeding.

Trends and variation in management and outcomes of very low-birth-weight infants with patent ductus arteriosus.

BACKGROUND: We examined recent trends and interhospital variation in use of indomethacin, ibuprofen, and surgical ligation for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: Included in this retrospective study of the Pediatric Hospital Information System database were 13,853 VLBW infants from 19 US children's hospitals, admitted at age < 3 d between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2014. PDA management and in-hospital outcomes were examined for trends and variation. RESULTS: PDA was diagnosed in 5,719 (42%) VLBW infants. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors and/or ligation were used in 74% of infants with PDA overall, however studied hospitals varied greatly in PDA management. Odds of any cyclooxygenase inhibitor or surgical treatment for PDA decreased 11% per year during the study period. This was temporally associated with improved survival but also with increasing bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, retinopathy of prematurity, and acute renal failure in unadjusted analyses. There was no detectable correlation between hospital-specific changes in PDA management and hospital-specific changes in outcomes of preterm birth during the study period. CONCLUSION: Use of cyclooxygenase inhibitors and ligation for PDA in VLBW infants decreased over a 10-y period at the studied hospitals. Further evidence is needed to assess the impact of this change in PDA management.

Optimal periods of exclusive breastfeeding associated with any breastfeeding duration through one year.

OBJECTIVE: To quantify optimal minimum durations of exclusive breastfeeding associated with maintenance of any breastfeeding at 15 time points during the first year of life. STUDY DESIGN: Mothers (n = 1189) from the prospective Infant Feeding Practices Study II cohort who initiated exclusive breastfeeding with healthy term infants were included. In a 80:20 split-sample validation study, receiver operating characteristic curves estimated optimal minimum durations of exclusive breastfeeding needed to predict maintenance of any breastfeeding at 15 time points during the first year (n = 951). Logistic regression estimated the predictive performance of the identified thresholds adjusted for maternal age, race, education, parity, support system, and return-to-work status. Results were validated in the remaining 20% (n = 238). RESULTS: Optimal minimum durations ranged from 4.0-17.1 weeks of exclusive breastfeeding associated with maintenance of any breastfeeding at 15 time points. All estimated threshold durations were statistically significant after adjustment. CONCLUSIONS: Using a methodological approach unique to breastfeeding duration research, the authors report optimal durations of exclusive breastfeeding associated with duration of any breastfeeding at time points throughout the first year. Perinatal clinicians, pediatricians, lactation professionals, policymakers, researchers, and families might apply these findings to achieve desirable collective breastfeeding duration outcomes.

End-of-life care in the neonatal intensive care unit: experiences of staff and parents.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to determine the perceptions of end-of-life care practices and experience with infants who have died in the NICU among neonatologists, advanced practitioners, nurses, and parents, and also to determine perceived areas for improvement and the perceived value of a palliative care team. STUDY DESIGN: This descriptive, exploratory cross-sectional study using surveys consisting of 7-point Likert scales and free response comments was sent to all neonatologists (n = 14), advanced practitioners (n = 40), and nurses (n = 184) at Connecticut Children's Medical Center's neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in April 2013 and to all parents whose infants died in these NICUs from July 1, 2011, to December 31, 2012 (n = 28). RESULTS: The response rates were 64.3% for physicians; 50.0% for practitioners; 40.8% for nurses; and 30.4% for parents. Most providers reported they feel comfortable delivering end-of-life care. Bereavement support, debriefing/closure conferences, and education did not occur routinely. Families stressed the importance of memory making and bereavement/follow-up. Consistent themes of free responses include modalities for improving end-of-life care, inconsistency of care delivery among providers, and the importance of memory making and follow-up. CONCLUSION: End-of-life experiences in the NICU were perceived as variable and end-of-life practices were, at times, perceived as inconsistent among providers. There are areas for improvement, and participants reported that a formalized palliative care team could help. Families desire memory making, follow-up, and bereavement support.

Independent predictors of human milk receipt at neonatal intensive care unit discharge.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to construct a predictive model for very low birth weight (VLBW) infants' receipt of mother's own milk within 24 hours before neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) discharge. STUDY DESIGN: Vermont Oxford Network (VON) clinical data were analyzed retrospectively for VLBW infants admitted between 2002 and 2012 at an inner city, level IV NICU with a well-established lactation program. Bivariate analyses compared infant characteristics between recipients and nonrecipients of human milk before 24 hours of NICU discharge. Independent predictors identified in the bivariate analyses (p ≤ 0.05), were eligible for inclusion into a multivariable logistic regression model. RESULTS: We observed a 60.4% human milk feeding rate at NICU discharge. Multiple independent maternal (black race and Hispanic ethnicity) and clinical factors (need for mechanical ventilation, patent ductus arteriosus, late-onset sepsis, or discharge to home on a cardiorespiratory monitor) positively predicted the outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Our results were inconsistent with previous studies and suggest that a strong NICU lactation program in combination with a community-based peer counselor program may increase rates of human milk receipt among VLBW infants born to black/Hispanic mothers and those with more complicated neonatal courses.

Labor epidural anesthesia, obstetric factors and breastfeeding cessation.

Breastfeeding benefits both infant and maternal health. Use of epidural anesthesia during labor is increasingly common and may interfere with breastfeeding. Studies analyzing epidural anesthesia's association with breastfeeding outcomes show mixed results; many have methodological flaws. We analyzed potential associations between epidural anesthesia and overall breast-feeding cessation within 30 days postpartum while adjusting for standard and novel covariates and uniquely accounting for labor induction. A pooled analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves and modified Cox Proportional Hazard models included 772 breastfeeding mothers from upstate New York who had vaginal term births of healthy singleton infants. Subjects were drawn from two cohort studies (recruited postpartum between 2005 and 2008) and included maternal self-report and maternal and infant medical record data. Analyses of potential associations between epidural anesthesia and overall breastfeeding cessation within 1 month included additional covariates and uniquely accounted for labor induction. After adjusting for standard demographics and intrapartum factors, epidural anesthesia significantly predicted breastfeeding cessation (hazard ratio 1.26 [95% confidence interval 1.10, 1.44], p < 0.01) as did hospital type, maternal age, income, education, planned breastfeeding goal, and breastfeeding confidence. In post hoc analyses stratified by Baby Friendly Hospital (BFH) status, epidural anesthesia significantly predicted breastfeeding cessation (BFH: 1.19 [1.01, 1.41], p < 0.04; non-BFH: 1.65 [1.31, 2.08], p < 0.01). A relationship between epidural anesthesia and breastfeeding was found but is complex and involves institutional, clinical, maternal and infant factors. These findings have implications for clinical care and hospital policies and point to the need for prospective studies.

Use of a Supplemental Feeding Tube Device and Breastfeeding at 4 Weeks.

BACKGROUND: Mothers having difficulty breastfeeding their infants may use alternative supportive feeding methods. Although a supplemental feeding tube device is commonly used, efficacy for supporting sustained breastfeeding remains unknown. PURPOSE: To describe supplemental feeding tube device use by breastfeeding mothers as an alternative feeding method through exploration of associations between supplemental feeding tube device use and continued breastfeeding at 4 weeks of infant's age. METHOD: Forty mothers participated. They were interviewed during the birth hospitalization and at 4 weeks postpartum. Questions addressed use of supplemental feeding tube devices, breastfeeding issues, and continued breastfeeding relationships. We examined the relationship between LATCH scores at 2 to 3 days of life. RESULTS: Breastfeeding mothers who chose to supplement with bottle-feeding instead of use of a supplemental feeding tube device were 30% less likely to continue breastfeeding at a medium/high/exclusive level. CONCLUSION: Use of the supplemental feeding tube device may help avoid the potentially detrimental effect of bottle-feeding on continued breastfeeding.

Stigmatization of Pregnant Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to critically analyze the role of stigma in the care of pregnant and parenting individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD) through the theoretical lens of the Reproductive Justice (RJ) framework. Background: Overdose related maternal mortality, often involving opioids, is a national growing public health concern. OUD is a highly stigmatized condition that may negatively influence the well-being of pregnant/parenting individual's reproductive and human rights. Study Design: Secondary qualitative data analysis. Methods: A secondary data analysis was conducted using individual interviews (N = 23) from a larger study aimed at examining contextual factors surrounding pregnant/parenting individual's experiences with opioid use return to use and/or overdose. The RJ framework was used as a framework to examine the influence of OUD-related stigma and a person's right to bodily autonomy, their right to parent, and their right to parent the children they have in safe and sustainable environments. Results: The RJ framework supported the examination of factors that perpetuate stigma in this population. Individuals described stigmatizing experiences in the health care setting. Verbal and nonverbal interactions with health care providers and fear of child welfare involvement were counterproductive to recovery and potentially triggered OUD recurrence and/or overdose. Conclusions: Due to existing stigma, pregnant and parenting individuals with OUD often avoided health care and recovery support services; therefore, there should be the removal of barriers that prevent this population from accessing life-saving services. Future efforts should focus on health policy-related research to support structural changes within institutions.

Demographics and Geographic Distribution of Mothers Donating to a Nonprofit Milk Bank.

Background: The Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA) is a nonprofit association that standardizes and facilitates the establishment and operation of nonprofit donor human milk banks in North America. Few studies have examined milk donor characteristics and geographic distribution, and little is known about how donor characteristics change with time. Materials and Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study of mothers who donated to Mothers' Milk Bank Northeast (MMBNE) between January 1, 2011 and September 1, 2019. Data collected from MMBNE donor surveys and collection procedures were analyzed using descriptive and comparative statistics. Donor characteristics were examined for secular trends. Results: Donors (n = 3,764) were of mean age 32.5 years (median 32; IQR 30-35) and most donated more than once (median 2; IQR 1-3; range 1-41). The majority of donors gave birth to term infants and resided in New England; however, MMBNE donors were located in 39 states at the time of donation. Median total volume donated per donor was median 11,396 mL (380 Oz); IQR 6,020-24,242 mL. Mothers of preterm compared with term infants were more likely to be bereaved (p < 0.01) and donated larger volumes (p < 0.01). Over time, number of first-time donors increased, although donors became less likely to have preterm infants or to reside in Massachusetts or New England. Conclusions: Donors to MMBNE varied greatly in age and were broadly distributed geographically. Donor characteristics changed substantially over time. Enhanced understanding of the characteristics of donors may improve the efficiency of efforts to promote milk donation.

Preterm infant gut microbial patterns related to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Objectives: To define gut microbial patterns in preterm infants with and without necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and to characterize clinical factors related to the composition of the preterm intestinal microbiome.Methods: Fecal samples were collected at one-week intervals from infants with gestational ages <30 weeks at a single level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the composition and diversity of microbiota were determined in samples collected from five NEC infants and five matched controls. Hierarchical linear regression was used to identify clinical factors related to microbial diversity and specific bacterial signatures.Results: Low levels of diversity were demonstrated in samples obtained from all preterm infants and antibiotic exposure further decreased diversity among both NEC cases and controls. Fecal microbial composition differed between NEC cases and controls, with a greater abundance of Proteobacteria and bacteria belonging to the class Gammaproteobacteria among NEC infants. Control infants demonstrated a greater abundance of bacteria belonging to the phylum Firmicutes.Conclusion: These findings indicate that an association exists between intestinal Proteobacteria and NEC, and strengthens the notion that an overly exuberant response to Gram-negative products, particularly lipopolysaccharide, in the preterm intestine is involved in NEC pathogenesis. Cumulative exposure to antibiotics corresponded to a reduction in microbial diversity in both NEC cases and controls.

The Nutritional Composition and Energy Content of Donor Human Milk: A Systematic Review.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends donor human milk (DHM) as the preferred feeding strategy for preterm infants when the milk of the mother is unavailable, based on conclusive evidence of lower rates of necrotizing enterocolitis with DHM feedings compared with preterm infant formula. The nutritional composition of DHM may differ from maternal milk for many reasons including differences in maternal characteristics, milk collection methods, and the impact of donor milk banking practices. The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the literature regarding research on the fat, protein, carbohydrate, vitamin, and mineral composition of DHM obtained through nonprofit milk banks or commercial entities. PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases were searched for articles published between 1985 and 30 April, 2019. In total, 164 abstracts were screened independently by 2 investigators, and 14 studies met all inclusion criteria. Studies were predominantly small (<50 samples) and measured macronutrients. Few studies assessed vitamins and minerals. Information bias was prevalent due to the use of a variety of analytical methods which influence accuracy and cross-study comparisons. Other sources of information bias included missing information regarding methods for protein and calorie assessment. Despite these limitations, existing research suggests the potential for 2-fold and greater differences in the fat, protein, and energy composition of DHM, with mean values for energy and fat often below clinical reference values expected for human milk. Further research is warranted regarding the nutritional composition of DHM, with a prioritization on measuring macronutrients and micronutrients using established reference methods.