Abstract: McGuire, Elizabeth; Bollella, Daniella Laryngomalacia is the most common cause of stridor in children. In most cases it is relatively benign, needs no medical intervention and resolves as the infant grows. This report of a case study records the experience of a family whose first child had laryngomalacia and how they learned from him to manage it.
Abstract: Anderson, Joy C Many Australian infants are being diagnosed as having 'reflux' based on symptoms alone, rather than on diagnostic tests. They are then prescribed medication. Research has clearly demonstrated that these medications are ineffective in infants and pose significant risks. Observation has suggested that there are many possible causes of irritability and vomiting in infants, including lactose overload, food sensitivity, tongue-tie and Eustachian-tube irritation, although there is little in the literature to guide practice. However, after medical issues have been ruled out, each of these might be considered, and appropriate referrals made, to assist parents and unsettled infants.
Abstract: Mauri, Paola Agnese; Soldi, Marta; Cortinovis, Ivan; Bertora, Francesca; Contini, Norma Nilde Guerrini The aim of this study is to identify some characteristics of women who, before having delivered their babies, decide not to breastfeed. To date there are no Italian studies trying to understand characteristics and reasons of mothers who do not want to breastfeed.
In Italy at the time of discharge from hospitals 2 - 3% of women have already made the decision to inhibit the onset of lactation. In this descriptive study women suppressed their milk supply with some medication straight after delivery as they did not wish to breastfeed. One hundred and ninety-two mothers from a hospital in Northern Italy, taking Cabergoline 1 mg by mouth after delivery, were studied with Multiple Correspondence Analysis and Cluster Analysis. Variables analysed were taken from clinical records and by interviewing each woman once.
Five clusters were found: each group describes a different profile of women who intended not to breastfeed.
This study revealed that variables linked to the choice of inhibiting the onset of lactation are complex. Each woman is unique and some factors, which have emerged from clusters, can help health professionals to target appropriate interventions, as it is very important to counsel mothers about the best way of feeding newborns.
Abstract: Thorley, Virginia Breastfeeding is important for providing optimal infant nutrition and protection from many infectious and non-infectious conditions (Allen, Perrin, and Fogleman, 2013; Eidelman and Schanler, 2012). It is an ancient, but simple, public health measure for infants and young children, while also benefiting the mother, the family and the community. It is also important economically. This was demonstrated in a recent paper that examined the costs of not breastfeeding against the cost of providing support for breastfeeding (Holla, lellamo, Gupta, Dadhich, and Smith, 2013). Yet, few countries have achieved their national breastfeeding goals. The objectives of this commentary are to describe why mothers need support to continue breastfeeding and the kinds of support that exist.
Abstract: Smith, Julie; Javanparast, Sara; Craig, Lyn In 1999, two leading Australian academics challenged Australian universities to lead moves to better manage employees' maternity and breastfeeding needs, and 'bring babies and breasts into workplaces This paper addresses the question of how universities cope with the need for women to breastfeed, by exploring barriers facing women who combine breastfeeding and paid work at the Australian National University (ANU). Data were collected through online surveys in 2013 using mixed method, case study design, nested within a larger national study. Participants were 64 working mothers of children aged 0-2 years from the ANU community of employees and users of on-campus child care. Responses highlighted the ad hoc nature of support for breastfeeding at ANU. Lack of organisational support for breastfeeding resulted in adverse consequences for some ANU staff. These included high work-related stresses and premature cessation of breastfeeding among women who had intended to breastfeed their infants in line with health recommendations.
Abstract: Wattis, Lois; Kam, Renee; Douglas, Pamela I've dashed into a coffee shop and ordered my take-away flat white. While waiting I observe a group of three mothers sitting outdoors with prams carefully arranged not to obstruct the flow of customers, enjoying a coffee and chat with babes in arms.
Abstract: McGuire, Elizabeth Cleft palate and cleft lip and palate are relatively common birth anomalies which complicate infant feeding and may render at-the-breast feeding impossible. There is little experimental evidence to guide mothers who want to breastfeed babies with oral clefts, so expert opinion and adaptation to individual babies' needs comprise best practice. Mother/infant dyads will vary in their capacity to feed breastmilk and health professionals helping them must balance encouragement with a realistic understanding of what may be possible. This paper seeks to compare the parental experience of two Australian mothers with the published literature.
Abstract: Breastfeeding is widely accepted as an important public health issue for babies and their mothers. Yet, despite this, Australia continues to struggle with reaching global targets for breastfeeding indicators. In 2007, the Best Start Parliamentary Inquiry Report was released and set the stage for the Australian National Breastfeeding Strategy [2010-2015), which was announced in November 2009, with the vision to increase Australia's breastfeeding rates of infants at 6 months of age and beyond. The aim of this research project was to explore the perspectives of key stakeholders in the field of infant feeding in Australia on the implementation of the strategy, barriers and enablers to its successful implementation and actions that were still needed. Using qualitative research methods of in-depth, semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, this study identifies main themes of these perceptions about the strategy implementation and some recommendations for future strategies and further research. The main themes identified were initial opinions of the strategy as a blueprint for action, the strategy as a driver for action, lessons learned and recommendations for the future. For success in improving implementation of national breastfeeding strategies, it is recommended that Australia establish an independent breastfeeding/infant feeding committee, increase the political prioritisation of issues surrounding infant feeding and strengthen the regulation of the marketing of breastmilk substitutes.
Abstract: Alianmoghaddam, Narges; Phibbs, Suzanne; Benn, Cheryl Aim: Little research has been done to investigate the influence of male family members' support for breastfeeding. This article considers the influence of male partners and other male family members on the initiation and duration of exclusive breastfeeding.
Methods: Thirty heterosexual New Zealand women who had identified in a short antenatal questionnaire that they intended to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months were recruited. The qualitative research included a face-to-face postpartum interview followed by monthly audio-recorded telephone interviews that stopped at 6 months. The participants' narratives were analysed using thematic analysis.
Key findings: Five key themes related to breastfeeding support from male family members were identified: a) male partners did not have enough knowledge about breastfeeding, b) male partners wanted to share infant feeding, c) participants received emotional and practical support from their male partners, d) male partners supported breastfeeding in public, e) some women received crucial breastfeeding support from male family members who were not the father of the baby.
Conclusion: Comments from participants suggest that some New Zealand men are actively involved in supporting breastfeeding in their nuclear and extended families. Several participants suggested that male support was as effective as support from female family members.
Abstract: Thorley, Virginia; Sioda, Tomasz This article will describe the content of the key criteria for the selection of wet nurses that persisted across time and the authors who transmitted this advice. Where relevant, it will include variations, such as additional recommendations or a different weighting being given to one or other criterion by a particular author. The focus is on the selection of a wet nurse for the employer's baby. The factors that led a woman to enter this employment and the consequences for her own baby will not be addressed here as they will be discussed elsewhere.
The article is an historical one, drawing on primary sources, where possible, and important secondary sources.
Guidelines for the selection of wet-nurses have existed from antiquity to the early 20th century. The key recommendations managed to survive across the centuries because they were considered useful by influential ancient and Early Modern and later authors who passed them on through copying and translations. It is tempting to assume that the prescriptive advice was followed by physicians and mothers. However, the discussion will raise doubts about whether the criteria were adhered to by physicians and parents, particularly when wet nurses were in scarce supply.
Abstract: Giglia, Roslyn In 2009 the first national and international guideline providing direction for breastfeeding women on drinking alcohol was included in the National Health and Medical Research Council Australian guidelines to reduce health risks from drinking alcohol. In the absence of an accompanying education campaign for the guidelines, the Australian Breastfeeding Association was able to fill this gap and work in partnership with a breastfeeding researcher to develop an education resource for Australian women that was also a national and international first. This commentary outlines the journey of the research that informed the development of the resource and the integral involvement of the Australian Breastfeeding Association throughout.
Abstract: McGoldrick, Russell; Solari, Donna; Hogan, Monica; Corrigan, Irene; Cutting, Allison; Shadbolt, Bruce; Todd, David A Background: Over the last decade, a number of studies have demonstrated that early division of tongue-tie (TT) is associated with significant feeding benefits to both mother and baby. Notwithstanding, it remains a controversial procedure. We examined the breastfeeding outcomes of a cohort of babies at 1-2 weeks (follow-up 1) and 3-5 months (follow-up 2), post-TT division.
Methods: We undertook a cohort study on all mother/baby dyads who had a TT divided at Canberra Hospital between 1 July 2013 and 30 June 2014. We contacted the mothers of both follow-up groups by telephone, focusing on breastfeeding and maternal pain.
Results: Follow-up 1 consisted of 116/182 (63.7%) of mothers in the study; contacted at 12.4+-7.8 days post-division. Of these, 107/116 (92.2%) were still breastfeeding, with 11/15 (73.3%) of the mothers who had ceased breastfeeding before division having re-established it at the time of follow-up (p < 0.00l). Additionally, 90/101 (89.1%) valid responses reported decreased nipple pain following TT division. Follow-up 2 consisted of 112/182 (61.5%) of all mothers in the study; contacted at 3.7+-1.8 months of age. Of these, 86/112 (76.8%) were still breastfeeding, with 11/15 (73.3%) of mothers who had ceased breastfeeding before division having re-established it at follow-up (p < 0.001). Conclusion: A divided TT was associated with benefits at both periods of follow-up. There was (i) an increase in overall breastfeeding rates and (ii) a decrease in maternal pain.
Abstract: Baumgartel, Kelley L; Sneeringer, Larissa; Cohen, Susa M Wet-nursing was an essential practice that allowed for infant survival after many mothers died in childbirth. The story of wet-nursing is complicated by both religious pressures and cultural expectations of women. It is likely that these historical practices have shaped our current social, political and legislative environments regarding breastfeeding. The aim of this article is to provide a historical perspective on the practice of wet-nursing, with a focus on: 1) social views of wet nurses, 2) breastmilk evaluation and 3) the ideal wet nurse. Historical perspectives from Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece and Rome, 19th and 20th century America and current practices are examined. An appreciation for the evolution of breastmilk sharing provides clinicians and lactation advocates with the historical origins which provided the template for current practice as it relates to donor milk, breastfeeding culture and relevant legislation.
Abstract: McGuire, Elizabeth; Kam, Renee Zinc is a mineral which has many important functions in the body. Its role in human health has been appreciated only relatively recently and there is still research to be done to reveal the ways in which it functions. Zinc is important at the cellular level, in every organ and body system. It is said to play three major biological roles: catalytic, structural and regulatory.
Abstract: Tawia, Susan Over the last 30 years there have been dramatic changes in the prevalence of overweight and obesity in children in developed countries. In Australia, between 1985 and 1996, the percentage of obese boys increased from 1% to 5.4% and the percentage of obese girls increased from 0.8% to 5.9%. Over the same period, the prevalence of overweight plus obesity increased from 10.2% to 21.6% for boys and 11.6% to 24.8% for girls. Interestingly, the prevalence of obesity and overweight plus obesity in boys and girls did not continue to increase between 1996 and 2008 (Olds et al 2010). At the time, there was great concern that if overweight and obesity rates continued to increase, at the rates seen between 1985 and 1996, huge numbers of children and adults would be overweight or obese by the 2050s.
Abstract: McGuire, Elizabeth There is no doubt that tiredness can be a major stress for new parents. Typically women's sleep is disrupted in late pregnancy (Signal etal 2007), labour predominantly happens at night (Olcese et al 2013) and infant needs disrupt parental sleep in the postpartum period (Signal et al 2007). In adults generally, lack of sleep or fragmented sleep is associated with daytime sleepiness, poor cognitive function and low mood. Around 25-30% of parents of infants ( PubDate: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 09:02:57 GMT
Abstract: Amir, Lisa H; Raval, Manjri; Hussainy, Safeera Y Women often need to take medicines while breastfeeding and pharmacists need to provide accurate information in order to avoid undue caution about the compatibility of medicines and breastfeeding. The objective of this study was to review information provided about breastfeeding in commonly used pharmacology textbooks. We asked 15 Australian universities teaching pharmacy courses to provide a list of recommended pharmacology textbooks in 2011. Ten universities responded, generating a list of 11 textbooks that we analysed for content relating to breastfeeding. Pharmacology textbooks outline the mechanisms of actions of medicines and their use: however, only a small emphasis is placed on the safety/compatibility of medicines for women during breastfeeding. Current pharmacology textbooks recommended by Australian universities have significant gaps in their coverage of medicine use in breastfeeding. Authors of textbooks should address this gap, so academic staff can recommend texts with the best lactation content.
Abstract: Gilmour, Carole; Monk, Hilary; Hall, Helen Working women need to juggle work, child care and family to continue to breastfeed. This qualitative study's aim was to explore women's experiences of returning to work following the birth of their baby. Focus groups were held with women within one multi-campus university, who had commenced breastfeeding at birth and had returned to work or study within 12 months. In addition, educators working with babies in childcare centres on two of the campuses were interviewed. Thematic analysis was employed used Rogoff's (2003) three planes of analysis, the individual, the interpersonal and the cultural-institutional. Three themes, proximity, flexibility, and communication, were identified relating to the factors impacting on women and their choices to breastfeed or wean on returning to work. From a socio-cultural perspective these themes can be understood as situated within the interrelated contexts of workplace, child care and family. Limitations of the study include the small number of participants and recruitment from one university.
Abstract: Atchan, Marjorie; Davis, Deborah; Foureur, Maralyn Studies have identified that the practices of maternity facilities and health professionals are crucial to women's experience of support and breastfeeding 'success'. The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched globally in 1991 to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. While a direct causal effect has not been established and critics suggest the rhetoric conflicts with women's lived experiences as new mothers, a positive association between the Initiative and breastfeeding prevalence is apparent. Internationally, impact studies have demonstrated that where the Initiative is well integrated, there is an increase in rates of breastfeeding initiation and, to a lesser extent, duration. In consideration of the known health risks associated with the use of artificial baby milks this would suggest that BFHI implementation and accreditation should be a desirable strategy for committed health facilities. However, a variation in both BFHI uptake and breastfeeding prevalence between nations has been reported. This narrative review critically discusses a variety of issues relevant to the uptake and support of breastfeeding and the BFHI, utilising Australia as a case study. Whilst it enjoys 'in principle'policy support, Australia also suffers from a lack of uniformity in uptake and perception of the benefits of BFHI at all levels of the health system. Australian and international studies have identified similar enablers and barriers to implementation.
Abstract: Review(s) of: The 10th step and beyond: Mother support for breastfeding, Edited by Virginia Thorley, OAM PhD IBCLC FILCA and Melissa Clark Vickers, MEd IBCLC Hale, 2012, RRP $49.95, ISBN 978 0 9847746 8 5.
Abstract: Binns, Colin; James, Jennifer; Lee, Mi Kyung In past ages success was measured by physical strength and prowess as a warrior. But in the modern age maximising intelligence, cognitive development and language skills at the community and individual level is paramount. The influence of early nutrition and particularly breastfeeding, in cognitive development has been of research interest over the past century The first modern study published in the medical literature was in 1929 and reported on a study of 338 children aged between 7 and 11 years and found that breastfed infants performed better at school (Hoefer and Crumpton Hardy 1929). In common with many subsequent studies, exposure to breastfeeding was ascertained retrospectively with the reporting errors and risk of misclassification this is likely to bring (Binns et al 2012). A typical example of cohort studies of infant feeding and cognitive development was the Dunedin multidisciplinary health and development study, a 15- year longitudinal study that commenced in 1972 (Silva 1990). However, assessment of breastfeeding status was obtained retrospectively at the age of 3 years and breastfeeding was recorded as grouped data and not as a continuous variable ( PubDate: Fri, 6 Sep 2013 09:02:57 GMT
Abstract: Cattaneo, Adriano The debate on infant and young child feeding (when, where, how, by whom, why) is often very heated and tends to confuse parents and health workers, as well as the public. Different positions come up against each other time and again, to the point that it becomes difficult to tell science from opinion. This would be understandable for debates occurring in popular media. The problem is that fierce discussions, ending up at times in diametrically opposed views, take place in scientific journals too, adding confusion to confusion. In this commentary I would like to establish some solid facts that I consider as undisputable (which therefore do not require references).
Abstract: ABA Book Review Working Group Review(s) of: Understanding breastfeeding and how to succeed, by Elisabet Helsing and Anna, Pia Haggkvist, Hale Publishing, 2012, ISBN 9780984774609, RRP: $69.95.
Abstract: Carroll, Katherine Review(s) of: Beyond health, beyond choice: Breastfeeding constraints and real, Edited by Paige Hall Smith, Bernice L. Hausman, and Miriam Labbok, 2012, Rutgers, University Press, ISBN: 9780813553047.
Abstract: Mortensen, Kate; Tawia, Susan This paper reviews the research on breastfeeding duration of 1-2 years or beyond. Until the widespread introduction of Western artificial feeding products, children throughout the world were commonly breastfed for 2-3 years (Dettwyler 1995). In the 21st century in Australia, mothers find themselves in the position of having to justify breastfeeding their non- infant child to friends, family, social workers, and to legal and health professionals.
Abstract: Anderson, Joy It is increasingly recognised that adverse reactions to food can cause symptoms that impact quality of life in adults. Dietitians are also aware that children and infants can suffer distress caused by reactions to food. Even exclusively breastfed infants are not exempt. Establishing the cause of infant distress and managing the infant's diet through maternal diet is complex and can be difficult. However, it can make a major contribution to infant and family wellbeing.
Abstract: Barnes, Margaret The short and long-term benefits that breastfeeding has for both infant and mother are well recognised. With births increasingly occurring as a result of assisted conception (AC) technologies, the impact that these treatments have on a woman's experience of breastfeeding is an important issue to explore. This paper reports findings from a qualitative study exploring this association. Women who had undergone AC and planned to give birth at one private institution in regional Queensland, Australia, were approached to participate in this study (n12). Utilising narrative enquiry in the form of pre and post-birth interviews, participants' accounts of their experiences of breastfeeding were analysed as a means of understanding and representing their journeys. Findings demonstrated that during pregnancy the women were focused on healthy outcomes, showing ambivalence towards the mode of birth. There was a determination to breastfeed that was seen as one way to counteract the intervention and medicalisation they had undergone to conceive. Postnatally, for a number of women in the study breastfeeding difficulties were experienced - a finding that supports recent research. Further mixed method investigation into the impact that assisted conception has on breastfeeding intention, initiation and ability is indicated.
Subscription journal
[403 journals]
