Breast milk is essential for the development of a newborn's neurological, gastrointestinal, and immune systems and helps reduce the risk of infections and infant mortality. Banana flowers, often combined with additives such as ginger, are commonly included in the country's local diets because they are believed to enhance postpartum lactation. We aimed to investigate the impact of banana blossom extract pills on breast milk volume (BMV) in mothers of preterm newborns. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted; it involved eligible preterm mothers, who were divided into two groups: a banana blossom group, which received banana blossom extract pills (36 mg/day), and a control group, which received placebo pills. All participants were given identical-looking tablets and were required to chew two tablets four times a day for 14 days. The primary outcome was the total BMV expressed (in milliliters) on the seventh day using an electric breast pump. A total of 70 mothers of premature newborns were randomly allocated in equal numbers to either the banana blossom intervention group or the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups with respect to the median BMV on the seventh day postpartum (333 versus 350 mL, = 0.73). A similar trend was observed on the 14th day postpartum (331 versus 510.0 mL, = 0.6). Additionally, no significant differences were observed regarding maternal and neonatal adverse events. The administration of banana blossom extract pills (36 mg/day) to mothers with preterm infants did not increase the BMV on the seventh day postpartum.

Breastfeeding, depending on its duration, has been suggested to benefit children's cognitive development. We aimed to examine this issue by using the Japan Environment and Children's Study, a nationwide prospective birth cohort study. We evaluated the relationship between feeding methods and cognitive development in 2- and 4-year-old children. We classified the children based on the following feeding method during the first 6 months postpartum: (1) exclusive breastfeeding group, solely breastfeeding; (2) partial breastfeeding group, solely breastfeeding for ≤5 months and combination of breastfeeding/formula for the rest of months; (3) formula-fed group, solely formula feeding for ≥4 months; and (4) others. Cognitive development was assessed by trained testers using the Kyoto Scale of Psychological Development 2001. Data on 1,329 boys and 1,398 girls were analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was performed using the exclusive breastfeeding group as the reference. Boys of age 2 years in the formula-fed group had significantly lower developmental quotients (DQs) in the language-social developmental (L-S) area (partial regression coefficient [B]: -4.624, = 0.01), whereas no significant difference was observed in those of age 4 years. Girls of age 2 and 4 years in the formula-fed group had significantly lower L-S area DQ (B: -3.637, = 0.03 and B: -3.414, = 0.03, respectively). In the partial breastfeeding group, no significant differences in the L-S area DQ were observed in 2- and 4-year-old boys and girls. Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months postpartum may be more beneficial for verbal cognitive development in 4-year-old girls than solely formula feeding for ≥4 months. Furthermore, breastfeeding combined with formula for the first 6 months postpartum may not have a disadvantage on cognitive development in boys and girls of age ≥ 2 years, when compared with that observed with exclusive breastfeeding during the first 6 months postpartum.

Human breast milk macronutrients play a vital role in the development of breastfed infants and are known to be influenced by several factors. There is limited information on the influence of cannabis use during lactation on these macronutrients. Given the rising use of cannabis among lactating women with its widespread legalization, this study aimed to examine the association of cannabis use during lactation on breast milk macronutrients. A cross-sectional study design was used and 637 breast milk samples with measured macronutrients were utilized. Of these, 165 samples that had detectable cannabis metabolites were defined as the study group, and 472 samples from mothers who did not report cannabis use and from mothers who reported cannabis use but did not have measurable metabolites of cannabis in their milk samples were defined as the control group. Multivariable linear regression models were used to assess the association of presence of cannabis metabolites with protein, carbohydrates, fat, and calories in breast milk. Greater protein levels (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.112-0.376; < 0.001) and lower fat levels (95% CI: -0.217, -0.018; = 0.020) were found in the milk exposed to cannabis compared with reported nonexposure. The presence of cannabis was associated with an increase of 0.244 mg/dL in protein and a reduction of 11% in fats in breast milk. The levels of energy and carbohydrates were not significantly different among the two groups. This study demonstrated a statistically significant association between the presence of metabolites of cannabis in breast milk and protein and fat concentrations in breath milk. Further studies are required toward building the body of evidence to determine safety of cannabis use during lactation.

Dysphoric milk ejection reflex (D-MER) is a condition affecting lactating women, characterized by abrupt emotions of dysphoria that start shortly before or during milk let-down and progress for several minutes. Research on D-MER, especially with quantitative methodology, is minimal. This study aimed to validate an instrument for D-MER-related emotions, examine its prevalence and clinical features, and explore differences in maternal mental health and mother-infant bonding between mothers with and without D-MER. A total of 711 women up to 12 months postpartum participated in an online cross-sectional study. Participants fulfilled the D-MER Questionnaire (D-MERq), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales, and the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire. The analysis showed that D-MERq had high reliability and good discriminant and divergent validity. The prevalence of D-MER was 5.9%. For the majority, D-MER manifested intensely, accompanied mostly by agitation- and anxiety-related emotions, and 45% of mothers discontinued breastfeeding due to D-MER. Mothers experiencing D-MER had higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, previous psychiatric diagnoses, and more mother-infant bonding difficulties compared with mothers without D-MER. These findings demonstrate that D-MERq is a valuable tool with good psychometric properties and suitable for clinical and research use to facilitate early identification and better understanding of this phenomenon. D-MER affects a noteworthy number of women and is associated with impaired mental health, bonding difficulties, and breastfeeding discontinuation. This highlights the importance of health care providers recognizing D-MER to ensure better outcomes and a more positive breastfeeding experience.

The foreign-born population is growing in the United States, but no nationally representative statistics of breastfeeding behavior disaggregated by race/ethnicity and foreign-born status have been published in recent years. This study examines breastfeeding initiation, any breastfeeding, and exclusive breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months among foreign-born and U.S.-born Non-Hispanic (NH) Black, NH White, and Hispanic women in the United States. This is a cross-sectional study utilizing years 2021 and 2022 of the National Survey of Children's Health. Sample children identified as NH White, NH Black, and Hispanic who were 6 months to 5 years old and residing with their biological or adoptive mother were included ( = 27,818). Foreign-born women in all racial/ethnic groups (NH Black, NH White, and Hispanic) had significantly higher odds of any breastfeeding at 6 months relative to U.S.-born NH White women. However, they did not have significantly different odds of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months relative to U.S.-born NH White women. U.S.-born Hispanic women had rates of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (23.2%) that were much closer to U.S.-born NH Black women (23.4%) than to foreign-born Hispanic women (29.4%) or U.S.-born White women (32.1%). The large percentage of foreign-born women who reported some breastfeeding at 6 months indicates a strong commitment to breastfeeding and may be a leverage point for future exclusive breastfeeding interventions among this group. U.S.-born Hispanic women appear to be struggling with exclusive breastfeeding and may need additional interventions.

Donor human milk (DHM) can provide many benefits to neonates. This study examines access to DHM and how structural barriers may exacerbate inequities. The median test and analysis of variance test were used to compare the distribution of maternal race/ethnicity and insurance status variables with DHM access for California neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in 2021. Across 124 NICUs, those serving a higher percentage of white families were more likely to have access to DHM ( = 0.04). NICUs with a higher percentage of Hispanic families were less likely to have access to DHM ( = 0.03). Hospitals that had higher proportions of uninsured patients were also less likely to have access to DHM ( = 0.015). Inequities in DHM access and use among NICU infants begin at the structural level. Policies that reduce barriers to DHM access may reduce health inequities for Hispanic and uninsured families.

Mothers of crying babies have difficulty adapting to their roles and problems with breastfeeding and attachment. This study aimed to assess the impact of the baby calming training provided to primiparous mothers on maternal role perception, maternal attachment, and breastfeeding self-efficacy. The study was conducted in a randomized controlled experimental design between March 2023 and March 2024 in the gynecology and obstetrics services of a public hospital in northeastern Turkey (Clinical Trial Number: NCT05594836). The research was conducted with a total of 84 primiparous mothers, including 41 intervention and 43 control groups, who met the inclusion criteria. The Baby Calming Training was administered face-to-face in the intervention group, utilizing a baby swaddling blanket, a sleep companion emitting white noise, and a training booklet. The control group received routine care. Data were collected through the Mother and Baby Introductory Information Form, Semantic Difference Scale-Me as a Mother, Maternal Attachment Inventory, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and Infant Sleep Activity Record. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson's chi-square test, independent samples -test, Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test, mixed design ANOVA analysis, Cohen's , and 95% confidence interval (CI). This study adhered to CONSORT research guidelines. Mothers in the intervention group exhibited higher mean scores on the perception of maternal role (mean ± SD: 70.37 ± 5.92, : 8.590, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [1.347-2.375], : 1.865, < 0.001), maternal attachment (mean ± SD: 100.42 ± 1.52, U: 151.500, 95% CI: [0.732-0.892], : 0.828, < 0.001), and breastfeeding self-efficacy (mean ± SD: 64.00 ± 5.98, : 8.109, 95% CI: [1.248-2.258], : 1.757, < 0.001) than the control group. It was determined that the total sleep time of the babies in the intervention group was higher, and the total crying duration was lower ( < 0.001). The study revealed that infant soothing training for primiparous mothers enhanced maternal role perception, maternal attachment, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and extended infants' sleep duration. Furthermore, infants exhibited reduced crying.

Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in infants. The current standard of care (SOC) involves eliminating the allergen from both the infant's and mother's diet for 2-4 weeks. The purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of (Ramnoflor) in reducing the duration of bleeding in these infants. This randomized clinical trial was conducted at Bahrami Children's Hospital on breastfed infants who were diagnosed with CMPA and had a positive occult blood (OB) test. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control or case groups. All patients received SOC therapy, with the case group receiving Ramnoflor and the control group receiving a placebo. Data were recorded on the checklist, and the children were followed and visited three times during the study, with an OB assessment at each visit. The study enrolled 48 infants. Among the infants in the case group, the OB test was positive in four cases (8.3%) on the fifth day. However, there were no positive cases on the 14th and 30th days. The prevalence of this test was significantly lower in patients who received probiotics compared to the control group on the fifth day ( < 0.001). There were no positive OB tests on the 14th and 30th days in any of the groups, and no significant difference was observed between the groups. The addition of to SOC therapy led to a decrease in the duration of rectal bleeding in infants with CMPA compared to the control group.

Breastfeeding is a key public health priority with known racial inequities. Despite the well-described and far-reaching health benefits of breastfeeding for mothers and infants, rates of breastfeeding initiation, continuation, and exclusivity lag meaningfully among African American and Black (AA/B) women compared with other racial and ethnic groups due in main to current and historical structural racism. The study objective was to assess the replicability of Breast for Success (BFS) on breastfeeding rates among home-visited low-income predominantly AA/B mothers. The BFS Excels a Second Time (BEST) trial was an observational study conducted at the Neighborhood Health Association, Toledo, OH, enrolling expectant women (June 2022-March 2023, followed to October 2023) participating in the Moms and Babies First (MBF) Community Health Worker (CHW)-led home visiting program. The exposure, BFS, includes 11 CHW-delivered breastfeeding-supportive modules, breastfeeding supplies, and a postnatal lactation visit. All MBF mothers received BFS; those who agreed to data sharing were BEST participants. The outcomes were breastfeeding initiation, and breastfeeding continuation, and exclusivity at 1 month. The majority of participants were AA/B (48, 83%), had an income <200% poverty level (55, 95%), and were unmarried (57, 98%); mean age was 25.8 years (SD 5.5). Of the 58 participants, 57 (98%) initiated breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding at 1 month postpartum; 53 (91%) were exclusively breastfeeding at 1 month postpartum. BFS piggybacks seamlessly onto CHW-led home-visiting curricula and increased breastfeeding rates among women at high risk for not breastfeeding. Public health programs can add BFS to fill a critical curricular and impact gap with respect to breastfeeding support.

This study examined the effect of breast milk on oral care practices in neonatal intensive care units. This study involved 64 preterm infants (intervention/breast milk: 32, control/distilled water: 32) and was carried out with a prospective, parallel, randomized controlled design. The "Newborn Oral Health Assessment Tool (NOHAT)" was used to assess oral care. The Mann-Whitney test, continuity correction test, Fisher's exact test, independent-samples test, and Wilcoxon signed ranks test were used to analyze the data. Examining the oral care performed using breast milk and distilled water with NOHAT scores, it was determined that there was a significant difference in the intervention group ( < 0.05). It is recommended to use breast milk for oral care.

To assess the use of gender-identity inclusive language in breastfeeding education materials publicly available on U.S. Hospital websites. Hospitals were identified through the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists website. Breastfeeding education materials were searched online at each hospital. The first breastfeeding material on each website was used for our evaluation. Gender-identity inclusive versus traditional sexed language terms were curated by referencing the National Institutes of Health and American Psychological Associations' guidelines. Education materials were categorized into: (1) "gender-identity inclusive language," (2) "mix of inclusive and traditional sexed language," or (3) "traditional sexed language." Frequencies of the type of language and specific gender-related terms were calculated. In total, = 112 hospitals with publicly available breastfeeding education materials were included. Most hospitals used both traditional sexed and inclusive language (69%, = 77), followed by only traditional language (31%, = 35). None of the hospitals used solely gender-identity inclusive language. One hospital provided material "intended for LGBTQI+" populations. Education materials provided by hospitals for breastfeeding do not utilize gender-identity inclusive language As such, there remains uncertainty and hesitancy on how to provide appropriate breastfeeding education for all persons who identify as transgender and/or non-binary, yet choose or are able to breastfeed. Further research in this area could ascertain the impacts of using gender-identity inclusive language in breastfeeding education materials for the general, transgender, or non-binary populations.

It is known that despite the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding, children with Down syndrome (DS) are breastfed less than other children are. More information is needed to reveal the problems experienced regarding breastfeeding in this group of children and take precautions. The purpose of this study was to learn about the breastfeeding experiences of mothers of children with DS. The study was carried out by conducting in-depth interviews with 17 women who met the inclusion criteria in Turkey between September 1 and December 1, 2023. Content analysis was used to analyze the data. As a result of the content analysis, five themes emerged. These themes were changing of body and emotions, why doesn't my baby suck?, I have to breastfeed my baby, I am not alone, and experiences should be shared. It was determined that mothers of children with DS experienced problems/difficulties due to individual, baby-related, and environmental factors. The positive effects of breastfeeding children with DS can be made prevalent in society by supporting these mothers.

For mothers of infants with congenital anomalies, antenatal milk expression (AME), known as hand expression during late pregnancy, allows mothers to contribute to their newborn's care through colostrum collection. However, research is limited by self-report of AME adherence and colostrum volume. This study examined the ability of participants to adhere to a recommended protocol on AME for any removal and measurement of colostrum during late pregnancy. A prospective, longitudinal, observational design was used. Our recommended protocol involved hand expression of 5 minutes per breast for a total of 10 minutes for each AME session twice per 24 hours for any colostrum from 37 weeks gestation until birth. Women received AME education, completed milk logs, and attempted AME. The study team verified all colostrum volumes. Nineteen women (10 nulliparous) participated, with 13 (68%) carrying infants with major organ system defects and 6 (32%) carrying infants with congenital heart defects. Most participants (52.6%) completed more than half but fewer than all AME sessions. Seven participants (36.8%) fully adhered, completing two AME sessions daily until hospital admission. Eighteen participants (94.7%) could remove milk (80-100% of the time). The 24-hour colostrum volume (median 0.35 mL, interquartile range [IQR] 0.065-0.845) and the total colostrum volume (median 3.99 mL, IQR 1.35-6.82) from AME varied. Among a small group of women of infants with congenital anomalies, adherence to a recommended protocol is feasible but varied by AME session frequency. Most women could collect colostrum for future infant feeding.

To analyze the factors associated with weaning in infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) treated at a food allergy reference center in a state in the northeast of Brazil. A prospective cohort study, with a case group (children with CMA) and two control groups (symptomatic nonallergic children [SC] and asymptomatic [AC]). At the beginning of the study, 30 children comprised the CMA group, 84 the SC group, and 52 the AC group. Survival analysis was performed to compare breastfeeding time between the three groups and an adjusted linear regression model to verify the factors associated with breastfeeding time. At the beginning of the study, 33.3% of children in the CMA group, 17.1% in the SC group, and 69.6% in the AC group were exclusively breastfeeding ( = 0.005). The most common factors for weaning in children with CMA were the cow's milk elimination diet (30%), allergic symptoms in the child (20%), and breast engorgement (20%). Children who used a cup as a means of offering infant formula spent 281 more days breastfeeding compared with those who used a baby bottle (B = 1.39; = 0.031). Children with CMA and nonallergic gastrointestinal complaints weaned earlier compared with asymptomatic children. The main causes of weaning in CMA children were maternal difficulty adhering to the elimination diet, breast engorgement, and allergic symptoms in the child. Using a cup was the main factor associated with longer breastfeeding duration, regardless of gastrointestinal symptoms and socioeconomic factors.

Unintended pregnancy increases adverse perinatal health outcomes. Limited studies exist on the influence of pregnancy intention on breastfeeding. This study examines the interaction of Race and couples' pregnancy intention on breastfeeding initiation and duration. Using the National Survey of Family Growth (2017-2019), we categorized breastfeeding into three categories (). Multinomial logistic regression and probability marginal effects were estimated across racial categories (Hispanics, non-Hispanic [NH] White, Black, and NH-others or multiracial). The probability (Pr.) of never breastfeeding was the greatest among NH-Black women for all pregnancy intentions-both intended (Pr.: 0.34), mother-only (Pr.: 0.27), father-only (Pr.: 0.45), ambivalent (Pr.: 0.55), and neither intended (Pr.: 0.37). The probability of breastfeeding for 6 months or less is highest for Hispanics for both intended (Pr.: 0.41), NH-White for mother-only intended (Pr.: 0.49), Hispanics for father-only intended (Pr.: 0.56), ambivalent pregnancy intentions (Pr.: 0.60), and NH-others or multiracial for neither intended pregnancies (Pr.: 0.48). The probability of breastfeeding for more than 6 months is highest for NH-others or multiracial for both intended (Pr.: 0.50), ambivalent (Pr.: 0.49), and neither intended (Pr.: 0.36), while highest for NH-Black for mother-only intended (Pr.: 0.43). Our study demonstrates the interaction of Race and couples' pregnancy intention on breastfeeding initiation and duration. Owing to the high volume of unintended pregnancies in the United States, the current study might help maternal and child healthcare providers understand the interaction between race and pregnancy intentions on breastfeeding initiation and duration in the United States.