In-Hospital Formula Supplementation in Appalachian Women Intending to Exclusively Breastfeed.

OBJECTIVE: In-hospital formula supplementation places infants at risk for early breastfeeding cessation. The study's aim was to identify predictive and protective factors for in-hospital formula supplementation in individuals documented as wanting to exclusively breastfeed and residing in a geographic region with adverse social determinants of health and low breastfeeding rates. Additionally, we wished to determine if lactation consultation served as a protective factor against supplementation. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we retrospectively reviewed 500 randomly selected charts of newborns born in a 12 month period at a regional tertiary care hospital. We included healthy, full-term neonates having a recorded maternal decision to exclusively breastfeed. Maternal-newborn dyad characteristics were compared between those exclusively breastfeeding and those with in-hospital formula supplementation. RESULTS: Of the 500 charts, 70% of individuals desired to exclusively breastfeed. Overall, 41% of breastfed newborns were supplemented with formula before discharge, and 32% of women met with lactation consultants prior to supplementation. No statistically significant association was present between exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and meeting with a hospital lactation consultant (p = 0.55). When controlling for the confounders of maternal demographics and lactation consultation, significant associations with formula supplementation included Cesarean delivery (odd ratio: 2.08, 95% confidence interval: 1.04-4.16), primiparity (2.48, 1.27-4.87), and high school level of education (2.78, 1.33-5.78). CONCLUSIONS: Maternal characteristics of high school level educational, primiparity, and Caesarean delivery place individuals at risk for in-hospital formula supplementation in individuals wishing to exclusively breastfeed. Addressing barriers to exclusive breastfeeding is essential to enhance maternal and newborn health equity.

Impact of feeding volumes in the first 24†h of life on neonatal feeding intolerance.

Objective: This study investigates whether volumes of intake in the first 24 h of life (24 HOL), in relation to birth weight (BW) and gestational age (GA), impact neonatal feeding intolerance (FI). Methods: This study employed a retrospective chart review of 6,650 infants born at ≥35 weeks. The volumes of each formula feed per kg BW in the first 24 HOL were assessed. FI was defined as evidenced by chart documentation of emesis, abdominal distension, abdominal x-ray, and/or switching to a sensitive formula. Results: Overall, the maximum volume of formula intake per feed was inversely correlated with GA and was higher in infants with FI (ß = -1.39, p < 0.001) compared with infants without FI (ß = -1.28, p < 0.001). The odds of emesis in late preterm infants with first feeding of >8 ml/kg [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.5, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.4-4.6] and formula switching in the exclusively formula-fed group with volumes >10.5 ml/kg [AOR = 2.2, 95% CI (1.8-2.6)] were high. In the breastfeeding group, the odds of FI increased by 2.8-, 4.6-, and 5.2-fold with 5-10, 10-15, and >15 ml/kg of supplementations, respectively. Conclusion: A higher volume of intake in relation to BW often exceeds the physiological stomach capacity of newborns and is associated with early FI. Optimizing early feeding volumes based on infant BW and GA may decrease FI, which may be an issue of volume intolerance.

'She was hungry'-Croatian mothers' reasons for supplementing their healthy, term babies with formula during the birth hospitalisation.

AIM: To explore why Croatian mothers request formula for their healthy, term newborn infants during the postnatal hospital stay. METHODS: Four focus groups discussions were conducted with a total of 25 women who gave birth to healthy newborn infants, between May and June 2021 in Split, Croatia. A homogenous, non-random purposive sampling technique was used. The semi-structured interview schedule contained 15 open-ended questions. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied. RESULTS: Three themes were generated. The first theme fear of hunger referred to the mothers' fears arising from difficulties in interpreting newborn infant behaviour and finding solace in giving formula. The second theme too little support-too late reflected participants' unrealised expectations of hospital staff. The third theme non-supportive communication addressed mother's need for empathy during the postpartum hospital stay. CONCLUSION: Croatian mothers want to breastfeed, but often feel unsupported in doing so in the maternity hospital setting. Antenatal education of expectant mothers and training of maternity staff in breastfeeding counselling, with a strong emphasis on communication skills, as well as employment of International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and/or volunteer breastfeeding counsellors, were perceived by participants as a way to decrease mothers' requests for formula for their healthy, newborn infants.

Croatian mothers were 11 times more likely to give their newborn infants formula in hospital if they had used it for their older children.

AIM: We determined the prevalence and predictors of formula supplementation for healthy, term newborn infants in hospital. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 June to 21 October 2020 among Croatian women who gave birth to healthy newborn infants of ≥37 weeks gestation and birth weight of ≥2500 g at the University Hospital of Split, Croatia. The mothers completed a questionnaire on hospital infant feeding practices and breastfeeding self-efficacy. Multinomial logistic regression investigated associations between perinatal factors and formula supplementation. RESULTS: We approached 392 mothers, and 355 (90.6%) were included: 286 (80.6%) said their newborn infant received formula in hospital and it was at their request in 173/286 (60.5%) of cases. The adjusted analyses identified factors associated with increased odd ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for formula supplementation: no previous breastfeeding experience (OR 9.42, 95% CI 3.51-25.28), breastfeeding difficulties in hospital (OR 9.12, 95% CI 3.46-24.09) and older children who received formula during their birth hospitalisation (OR 11.51, 95% CI 4.4-30.1). Mothers were not routinely notified of the risks. CONCLUSION: An unacceptably high proportion of healthy newborn infants received formula in hospital.

The Use of the "Early Weight Loss Nomograms" as Compared to a Standard Weight Loss Percentage Protocol Will Decrease Postnatal Formula Supplementation.

Introduction: We compared the number of babies who needed formula supplementation, based on the "Early Weight Loss Nomograms," with the hypothetical outcomes that would have occurred in the same cohort if they had been managed according to a "weight loss percentage" protocol. Subjects and Methods: This study included 308 newborns. Supplemental formula was provided to babies whose weight loss was more than the 95th percentile according to the "Early Weight Loss Nomograms." Pathological weight loss was defined as when a weight loss was >5% at the 24th hour or >8% at the 48th hour. The number of babies who would have needed formula supplementation according to those two strategies were compared. Results: The mean postnatal first-second day weight losses for vaginal and cesarean deliveries were 3.06% versus 4.7% and 4.5%, versus 5.8%, respectively, and were significantly higher for babies born by cesarean section (p = 0.001). We found that 89.4% of vaginal deliveries and 89.2% of babies born by cesarean section were exclusively breastfed when the nomograms were in use. If the daily weight loss strategy would be applied instead of the nomograms to the study cohort, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding would be significantly lower for babies born by cesarean section (64.2% versus 89.2%) (p = 0.001). Conclusions: The use of the Early Weight Loss Nomograms will decrease the rate of formula supplementation.

Transient Effect of Infant Formula Supplementation on the Intestinal Microbiota.

Breastfeeding is the gold standard for feeding infants because of its long-term benefits to health and development, but most infants in the United States are not exclusively breastfed in the first six months. We enrolled 24 infants who were either exclusively breastfed or supplemented with formula by the age of one month. We collected diet information, stool samples for evaluation of microbiotas by 16S rRNA sequencing, and blood samples for assessment of immune development by flow cytometry from birth to 6 months of age. We further typed the Bifidobacterium strains in stool samples whose 16S rRNA sequencing showed the presence of Bifidobacteriaceae. Supplementation with formula during breastfeeding transiently changed the composition of the gut microbiome, but the impact dissipated by six months of age. For example, Bifidobacterium longum, a bacterial species highly correlated with human milk consumption, was found to be significantly different only at 1 month of age but not at later time points. No immunologic differences were found to be associated with supplementation, including the development of T-cell subsets, B cells, or monocytes. These data suggest that early formula supplementation, given in addition to breast milk, has minimal lasting impact on the gut microbiome or immunity.

In-hospital formula supplementation and breastfeeding initiation in infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the rate of in-hospital supplementation as it relates to early breastfeeding (BF) and early formula feeding (FF) and its effects on BF (exclusive and partial) at the time of discharge for infants born to women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM). METHODS: Retrospective cohort investigation of 282 women with PGDM who intended to BF and their asymptomatic infants admitted to the newborn nursery for blood glucose monitoring and routine care. Early feeding was defined by the initial feeding if given within four hours of birth. RESULTS: Of the 282 mother-infant dyads, for 134 (48%) early feeding was BF and for 148 (52%) early feeding was FF. Times from birth to BF and FF (median 1 hr, 0.3-6) were similar, while the time to first BF for those who FF and supplemented was longer (median 6 hr., 1-24). Ninety-seven infants (72%) who first BF also supplemented. Of these, 22 (23%) BF exclusively, 67 (69%) BF partially and 8 (8%) FF at discharge. One hundred seventeen (79%) who first FF also supplemented. Of these, 21 (18%) BF exclusively, 76 (65%) BF partially and 20 (17%) FF at discharge. CONCLUSION: Regardless of the type of first feeding, the majority of infants born to women with PGDM require supplementation. Even when medically indicated, in-hospital supplementation is an obstacle, albeit not absolute, to exclusive BF at discharge. Parents should be reminded that occasional supplementation should not deter resumption and continuation of BF.

Determinants of in-hospital feeding practices in Shiraz, Iran: Results of a prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In-hospital feeding practices have been shown negatively to affect breastfeeding exclusivity and duration. The purpose of this study was to report the prevalence and determinants of delayed breastfeeding, provision of traditional prelacteal foods, and use of infant formula in hospital. METHODS: Between June 2014 and March 2015, 700 women were recruited from three public and two private maternity hospitals in Shiraz, Iran. Data were collected at recruitment via face-to-face interviews and extracted from medical records. Multivariable logistic regression was used to explore the association of feeding practices with a variety of maternal characteristics and hospital practices. RESULTS: Only 32.2% of infants were breastfed within 1 hour of birth, with 40.8% receiving a traditional prelacteal food, and 34.9% given formula during their hospital stay. Compared with infants delivered vaginally, those delivered by cesarean were more likely to have experienced delayed breastfeeding and received formula, but less likely to have received traditional prelacteal foods. Infants who did not experience skin-to-skin contact were more likely to have experienced delayed breastfeeding and received traditional prelacteal foods and formula in hospital. CONCLUSIONS: Although four out of the five hospitals were designated as Baby-Friendly, several of the 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding were not adhered to. The high rate of cesarean delivery was a barrier to the early initiation of breastfeeding and the majority of infants did not experience early skin-to-skin contact. Maternity care practices should be reviewed and include a clear breastfeeding care plan for women who undergo a cesarean delivery.

Formula Milk Supplementation on the Postnatal Ward: A Cross-Sectional Analytical Study.

Breastfeeding rates are low in the UK, where approximately one quarter of infants receive a breastmilk substitute (BMS) in the first week of life. We investigated the reasons for early BMS use in two large maternity units in the UK, in order to understand the reasons for the high rate of early BMS use in this setting. Data were collected through infant feeding records, as well as maternal and midwife surveys in 2016. During 2016, 28% of infants received a BMS supplement prior to discharge from the hospital maternity units with only 10% supplementation being clinically indicated. There was wide variation in BMS initiation rates between different midwives, which was associated with ward environment and midwife educational level. Specific management factors associated with non-clinically indicated initiation of BMS were the absence of skin-to-skin contact within an hour of delivery (p = 0.01), and no attendance at an antenatal breastfeeding discussion (p = 0.01). These findings suggest that risk of initiating a BMS during postnatal hospital stay is largely modifiable. Concordance with UNICEF Baby Friendly 10 steps, attention to specific features of the postnatal ward working environment, and the targeting of midwives and mothers with poor educational status may all lead to improved exclusive breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge.

In-Hospital Formula Supplementation of Healthy Newborns: Practices, Reasons, and Their Medical Justification.

INTRODUCTION: In-hospital formula supplementation is a common practice and has been shown to be a strong determinant of shorter exclusive and any breastfeeding. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reasons for and circumstances in which in-hospital formula supplementation occurs and whether the stated reasons are medically acceptable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study was conducted among 342 mother-infant pairs from April to July 2011 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital of Split, Croatia. Data were collected based on "every feed" charts and WHO/UNICEF "Questionnaire for Monitoring Baby-Friendly Hospitals". We used WHO/UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative and Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine documents on indications for supplemental feeding. RESULTS: During the first 48 hours and entire hospital stay, 49.5% and 62.8% of infants, respectively, received supplements, given on average 16.68 ± 18.6 hours after delivery. In 94.1% of supplemented infants, healthy newborns were given artificial milk, of which 5.9% of mothers had not been notified. The most common maternal reasons for supplementing were "lack of milk" (49.8%), a "crying baby" (35.5%), "cesarean section" (11.5%), newborn weight loss (10.6%), and sore nipples (10.1%). Of all the given reasons, 24.6% were categorized as being medically acceptable. Primiparas were 1.3 times more likely to supplement in hospital, whereas multiparas were 1.3 times more likely to exclusively breastfeed. CONCLUSION: In our study, most reasons for formula supplementation of healthy term newborns were not standard acceptable medical reasons, indicating a need for improved maternal support, revision of hospital policies, and training of hospital staff.

Effect of a hospital policy of not accepting free infant formula on in-hospital formula supplementation rates and breast-feeding duration.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of public hospitals in Hong Kong not accepting free infant formula from manufacturers on in-hospital formula supplementation rates and breast-feeding duration. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: In-patient postnatal units of four public hospitals in Hong Kong. SUBJECTS: Two cohorts of breast-feeding mother-infant pairs (n 2560). Cohort 1 (n 1320) was recruited before implementation of the policy to stop accepting free infant formula and cohort 2 (n 1240) was recruited after policy implementation. Participants were followed prospectively for 12 months or until they stopped breast-feeding. RESULTS: The mean number of formula supplements given to infants in the first 24 h was 2·70 (sd 3·11) in cohort 1 and 1·17 (sd 1·94) in cohort 2 (P<0·001). The proportion of infants who were exclusively breast-fed during the hospital stay increased from 17·7 % in cohort 1 to 41·3 % in cohort 2 (P<0·001) and the risk of breast-feeding cessation was significantly lower in cohort 2 (hazard ratio=0·81; 95 % CI 0·73, 0·90). Participants who non-exclusively breast-fed during the hospital stay had a significantly higher risk of stopping any or exclusive breast-feeding. Higher levels of formula supplementation also increased the risk of breast-feeding cessation in a dose-response pattern. CONCLUSIONS: After implementation of a hospital policy to pay market price for infant formula, rates of in-hospital formula supplementation were reduced and the rates of in-hospital exclusive breast-feeding and breast-feeding duration increased.

Reasons for initial formula supplementation of healthy breastfeeding newborns.

In a retrospective review of 302 hospital charts, 38 percent of newborns whose mothers planned to exclusively breastfeed received formula before hospital discharge. Those breastfeeding infants who did not receive formula were significantly younger at first breastfeeding than infants who received formula. Significantly more infants born by cesarean (51 percent) received supplementation than those born vaginally (31 percent). Birth between 9 p.m. and 10 a.m. and a hospital stay for more than 24 hours increased odds of supplementation. Nurses can explore barriers to exclusive breastfeeding unique to their hospitals to develop strategies that facilitate breastfeeding support and decrease formula supplementation.

Factores relacionados con lactancia materna exclusiva e introducción temprana de leche entera en comunidades de estrato socioeconómico bajo: Calarcá-Colombia / Fatores relacionados com a amamentação materna exclusiva e introdução prococe de leite integral em comunidades de classe social baixa: Calarcá-colômbia / Exclusive breastfeeding related factors andearly introduction of whole milk in low socioeconomic status communities: Calarca, Colombia

Introducción: la lactancia materna es la estrategia más costo-efectiva y segura para la nutrición adecuada y laprotección contra infecciones en los lactantes menores; es suficiente como único alimento durante los primerosseis meses de vida y el mejor de los complementos hasta los dos años. Su práctica continúa siendo escasa einadecuada. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir características sociodemográficas del sistema de salud,conocimientos y prácticas relacionadas con la lactancia materna y el suministro de leche entera. Métodos: se realizó un estudio de corte transversal prospectivo en el municipio de Calarcá-Quindío en tres cientos ochenta y cuatro niños de dos a cinco años. Se realizó entrevista a cada madre, en un protocolo para tal fin, previo consentimiento informado. Se realizó procesamiento y análisis de los datos en el programa SPSS versión 14.Resultados: la prevalencia de lactancia materna exclusiva a los seis meses fue de 24%, lo cual se asoció al desconocimiento de las madres (RP: 1,3 IC95% 1,1 – 1,6) y al inicio precoz de alimentación complementaria (testde Mann Whitney p < 0,00). Al inicio de leche entera precozmente se asociaron como factores independientes en análisis multivariante el inicio de la alimentación complementaria antes de los cuatro meses de vida (RP 3,9IC95% 1,7- 9,2) y el tener dos o más hermanos (RP 3,3 IC95% 1,3- 8,5). Conclusiones: el desconocimiento de las ventajas de la lactancia exclusiva y de la introducción de la leche entera son elementos prioritarios para trabajar en las estrategias de prevención de enfermedades prevalentes en la infancia.

Introduction: Breastfeeding is the safest and cheapest strategy for adequate nutrition and protection against infections in infants; it is enough as the only nourishment source during the first six months of life and the bestcomplementary source until the second year after birth. Its practice is still insufficient and inadequate. The objective of this study is to discover socio-demographic and health system characteristics, knowledge and practicesrelated to breastfeeding and provision of whole milk. Methods: A prospective cross-section study was carriedout in the municipality of Calarca, Department of Quindio, with 384 children aged 2 to 5. Every mother wasinterviewed in a protocol for that purpose with previous consent. Processing and Analysis of data were done with the program SPSS version 14. Results: Prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding for children 6 months oldwas calculated at 24%; this low percentage was associated to the mothers’ lack of knowledge (RP: 1.3 IC95% 1.1 – 1.6) and premature start of complementary feeding (Mann Whitney test p < 0.00). Premature nourishment with whole milk was associated with independent factors in a logistic regression such as start of complementary feeding before the fourth month of life (RP 3.9 IC95% 1.7- 9.2) and having two or more brothers (RP 3.3 IC95% 1.3- 8.5). Conclusions: Lack of knowledge about benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and introduction to whole milk are top priority elements to develop prevention strategies for childhood prevailing diseases.

Introdução: a amamentação materna é a estratégia que oferece o melhor custo-benefício para a adequada nutrição e proteção contra infecções nos lactantes menores; é suficiente como único alimento durante os seis primeiros meses de vida e é o melhor dos complementos até os dois anos. A sua prática continua sendo rara e inadequada. O objetivo deste estudo é descrever as características sócio demográficas do sistema de saúde, bemcomo os conhecimentos e práticas relacionadas com a amamentação materna e o fornecimento de leite integral. Métodos: foi realizado um estudo de corte transversal prospectivo no município de Calarcá departamento do Quindío em trezentos e oitenta e quatro crianças de dois a cinco anos. Foi feita uma entrevista com cada mãecom consentimento informado prévio. O processamento e a análise dos dados foram feitos com o programa SPSS versão 14. Resultados: A prevalência de amamentação materna exclusiva aos seis meses foi de 24%, que foi associada ao desconhecimento das mães (RP: 1,3 IC95% 1,1 – 1,6) e ao inicio precoce da alimentaçãocomplementar (teste de Mann Whitney p < 0,00). A introdução do leite integral de forma precoce foi associada como fator independente na análise multivariante, assim como inicio da alimentação complementar antes dosquatro meses de vida (RP 3,9 IC95% 1,7- 9,2) e ter dois ou mais irmãos (RP 3,3 IC95% 1,3- 8,5). Conclusões: odesconhecimento das vantagens da amamentação exclusiva e a introdução precoce do leite integral são elementosprioritários para trabalhar nas estratégias de prevenção de doenças prevalentes na infância.