Prevalence of breastfeeding in a baby-friendly pediatric practice: an experience in Trieste, Italy.

Background: In a pediatric practice in Italy, actions were undertaken to apply the recommendations for a breastfeeding-friendly physician's office and to promote the adoption of a semi-reclined or laid-back maternal position in breastfeeding. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of the actions implemented, in terms of prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding. Methods: A historical cohort study was carried out using administrative data routinely collected. All women who gave birth in 2016 and registered their newborns with the pediatric practice were included, only mothers of preterm newborns < 30 weeks gestational age were excluded. The main actions undertaken were: employment of a breastfeeding peer supporter; ensuring unlimited daily access in case of breastfeeding difficulties; provision of individual support to breastfeeding mothers in a dedicated room and advice on the laid-back position; scheduling of weekly meetings of small groups for breastfeeding support. Each infant was followed up for five months. The main study outcomes were duration of exclusive breastfeeding (only breast milk and no other liquids or solids, except for drops of syrups with nutritional supplements or medicines) and prevalence at five months. Results: A total of 265 newborn infants with a gestational age greater than 30 weeks were registered with the pediatric practice during the study period, about 18% of all infants born in Trieste in that period. Complete data were available for 252 of these (95.1%). The rate of exclusive breastfeeding at five months of age was higher than the one reported for the whole infant population of Trieste and of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region (62.3% vs. 42.9% vs. 30.3%) in the same period. Conclusions: The implementation of breastfeeding-friendly pediatric practice and the application of laid-back breastfeeding may improve the rate and duration of exclusive breastfeeding.

Determinantes para una lactancia materna exitosa: intervención integral vs cuidado estándar: ensayo clínico aleatorio controlado / Randomized controlled clinical trial evaluating determinants of successful breastfeeding: follow-up two months after comprehensive intervention versus standard care delivery

Introducción: Lactancia materna exclusiva (LME) es la mejor alternativa para alimentar a los recién nacidos y lactantes, reportándose beneficios para el niño(a), la madre, familia y sociedad. Existen "co-variables" positivas y negativas que influyen en el inicio y mantención de LME. Objetivo: Evaluar los efectos de las "co-variables" en la mantención de LME a los dos meses, según modalidad de atención. Pacientes y Método: Ensayo clínico aleatorio controlado con seguimiento de puérperas e hijos(as), respecto de prevalencia de LME a las 8 sem, y las co-variables positivas y negativas para LME en dos modalidades de asistencia de parto. Muestra: 649 puérperas (330 modalidad integral y 319 modalidad tradicional). Resultados: Prevalencia de LME a las 8 sem correspondió a 56,1 por ciento en modalidad integral y 48,9 por ciento en modalidad tradicional (p = 0,06). Existen diferencias significativas en resultados de LME a las 8 sem según edad, paridad, escolaridad, entre ambas modalidades. Las "co-variables" positivas para LME se presentan en mayor proporción en modalidad integral (p < 0,0001). Conclusión: Si bien, no existen variables que afecten de manera independiente el inicio y duración de LME a las 8 sem, la modalidad integral en su conjunto actuaría a su favor.

Introduction: Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is the best alternative for feeding newborns and infants, benefiting the child, the mother, family and society. There are positive and negative covariates influencing the initiation and maintenance of EBF. Objective: To assess the effects of covariates in maintaining EBF after two months, according to type of care received. Patients and Method: Randomized controlled clinical trial with follow-up of women and children regarding prevalence of EBF after 8 weeks, and positive and negative EBF covariates in the two forms of delivery. Sample: 649 postpartum women (330 received comprehensive care and 319 traditional form of care). Results: Prevalence of EBF at 8 weeks corresponded to 56.1 percent in comprehensive mode and 48.9 percent in traditional mode (p = 0.06). There are significantly different EBF results at 8 weeks according to age, birth type and education between both cares. The positive EBF covariates are greater reported for the comprehensive care (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Although there are no variables that independently affect the EBF initiation and duration at 8 weeks, the comprehensive care benefits them.