Theoretical approaches in the development of interventions to promote breastfeeding: A scoping review.

PROBLEM AND BACKGROUND: There is a low world rate of exclusive breastfeeding and a short duration of breastfeeding. More studies have constructed interventions to improve breastfeeding behavior, but the actual effect is not significant. AIM: The purpose of this review is identifying the ways that various theories have an influence on theory-based breastfeeding intervention studies. METHODS: A scoping review using Arksey and O'Malley's framework explored breastfeeding promotion practices. PubMed, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, and CINAHL databases were searched from database creation to March 9, 2024. Building on previous research, key terms were used to search the literature. Data analysis involved descriptive and interpretive summaries of theories used and the proposed interventions. FINDINGS: An online search yielded 906 articles, with 28 meeting the inclusion criteria for the scoping review, including 5 reviews and 23 articles. Reviews demonstrated that interventions based on theories were more effective. Articles promoting breastfeeding used theories of self-efficacy (n = 9), theory of planned behavior (n = 8), social cognitive theory (n = 5) and individual and family self-management theory (n = 1). These theories were used in developing specific content of the intervention program (n = 20, 86.9%), constructing the framework of the program (n = 10, 43.5%), and evaluating outcomes (n = 19, 82.6%). Most interventions focused on education, professional support, and/or peer support for breastfeeding. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION: Theory can guide decisions and play a role in selecting a methodology or lens. Researchers should make deliberate choices in the use of a theory that relates to aspects of breastfeeding behavior. Future interventions based on theories should be more varied and effective and need to consider families' and social factors.

Galactagogue Food Consumption, Perception of Insufficient Milk Supply, and Exclusive Breastfeeding in Chinese Postpartum Women: An Analysis of Repeated Measures.

INTRODUCTION: Little research has explored galactagogue food consumption in China. This study aims to investigate consumption patterns and how they relate to perceived insufficient milk supply and exclusive breastfeeding. METHODS: Data were collected from postpartum women in China at six time points: baseline demographic questionnaire before hospital discharge (T0), galactagogue food questionnaire at 1 month postpartum (T1), Hill and Humenick Lactation Scale at 6 weeks postpartum (T2), and breastfeeding practices at 1, 2, 3 and 4 months postpartum (T1, T3, T4, T5). RESULTS: Of 218 participants who completed the galactagogue food questionnaire, 64.68% were consumers. No association was found between galactagogue food consumption and perceived insufficient milk supply. Consumers were less likely to breastfeed exclusively. DISCUSSION: Future research should emphasize a deeper understanding of consumer behaviors and family support in providing professional guidance on postpartum nutrition that considers not only social and cultural experiences but also broader medical aspects.

Incidence and risk factors for postpartum hemorrhage after vaginal delivery: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To estimate the incidence and identify risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) after vaginal delivery. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted. PubMed, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were systematically searched from inception to April 30th, 2022. Cross-sectional, cohort, case-control, and secondary analysis of randomized controlled studies that reported the incidence of PPH and the related risk factors in vaginal delivery were eligible through screening of 2343 articles. The incidence, associated standard error, adjusted odds ratios, relative risks and associated 95% confidence intervals were combined in the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-six articles were included in the descriptive review. The incidence of PPH (blood loss ≥500 mL and blood loss ≥1000 mL) was 17% and 6%, respectively. Forty-one identified risk factors were divided into five categories under two criteria: history and demographics; maternal comorbidity; pregnancy-related factors; labor-related factors; delivery-related factors. CONCLUSIONS: With the increasing incidence of PPH globally, obstetric health care providers need to improve their awareness of these multi-factorial risks to optimize obstetric care and reduce maternal morbidity. This systematic review and meta-analysis have raised important questions about the nature of vaginal delivery, such as the duration of prolonged labor, details on the use of oxytocin, and the presence of genital tract trauma. There should be highlighted by obstetric personnel on these factors during a patients' labor process.

Effects of needs-based education for prenatal anxiety in advanced multiparas: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Prenatal anxiety is a common concern which may have adverse effects on maternal and infant health outcomes. Studies addressing needs-based education interventions for prenatal anxiety are limited. AIM: To explore the effects of needs-based education on alleviating prenatal anxiety among advanced multiparas when compared with routine prenatal health education. METHODS: A total of 86 advanced multiparas were randomized into the intervention group (n = 43) or the control group (n = 43) in this study. The control group received routine prenatal care. The intervention group received five needs-based education programs presented by trained researchers. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire was used to evaluate changes in anxiety level of participants. Concurrent physiological parameters, including blood pressure, heart rate and non-stress test were also measured. RESULTS: Scores on the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Questionnaire of the intervention group were significantly lower than those of the control group (t = 4.21, P < 0.05). Systolic blood pressure (t = 3.64, P < 0.05) and heart rate (t = 2.39, P < 0.05) of the intervention group were also significantly lower than the control group whereas no differences were noted in diastolic blood pressure and non-stress test. CONCLUSION: A needs-based education program is an effective intervention strategy to allay prenatal anxiety in advanced multiparas. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry as number ChiCTR2100047552 .