Journal of Human Lactation最新文献

{"title":"Relationships Between Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, Confidence in Infant Care, and the Maternal Role: The Role of Excessive Postpartum Social Support in a Collectivist Cultural Context.","authors":"Beyza Nur Aslantaş, Büşra Çark, Seyhan Çankaya","doi":"10.1177/08903344261488766","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261488766","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Conducted within a collectivist cultural context, this study examined the relationships between breastfeeding self-efficacy, confidence in infant care, maternal role attainment, and excessive postpartum social support during the early postpartum period.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted in Family Health Centers in Central Anatolia, Türkiye, between March and June 2025, and included 327 mothers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were higher among mothers who were employed (<i>p</i> = .009), had a planned pregnancy (<i>p</i> = .021), delivered vaginally (p = .026), initiated breastfeeding within the first 30 minutes (p = .026), and exclusively breastfed (<i>p</i> = .001). Confidence in infant care was higher among employed mothers (<i>p</i> = .037) and those exclusively breastfeeding (<i>p</i> = .021). Maternal role attainment scores were higher among mothers with university education (<i>p</i> = .018), without complications (<i>p</i> = .047), exclusively breastfeeding (<i>p</i> = .043), and receiving infant-care support (<i>p</i> = .001). Excessive postpartum social support showed negative correlations with breastfeeding self-efficacy (<i>r</i> = -.247; <i>p</i> < .001), confidence in infant care (<i>r</i> = -.112; <i>p</i> < .05), and maternal role attainment (<i>r</i> = -.266; <i>p</i> < .001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings indicate that mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy, confidence in infant care, and perceptions of the maternal role in the early postpartum period are influenced by both individual and environmental factors. On the other hand, perceived excessive postpartum social support showed negative associations with individual competence and maternal role perceptions. This suggests that excessive social support may limit mothers' breastfeeding self-efficacy, confidence in infant care, and perceptions of the maternal role. In a collectivist cultural context, strengthening mothers' individual competencies and providing balanced social support may contribute to more positive outcomes in breastfeeding and infant care processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261488766"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-10-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149165917","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Feelings Toward Exclusive Breastfeeding Among Postpartum Women at a Baby-Friendly Health Facility in Peru.","authors":"Milagros Alexandra Talledo Guerra, Oscar Fausto Munares García","doi":"10.1177/08903344261479915","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261479915","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative is a key global strategy to protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Understanding women's emotional experiences within these settings is essential to improve breastfeeding support and quality of care.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To explore feelings associated with exclusive breastfeeding among postpartum women receiving care at a Baby-Friendly health facility in Lima, Peru.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted in 2023 with 14 postpartum women. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews, passive participant observation, and photographic narratives. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using ATLAS.ti (Version 9). Colaizzi's phenomenological method guided the coding, categorization, and theme development. Methodological rigor was strengthened through triangulation of data collection techniques and analytic consensus among researchers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four themes emerged: (1) family support as an emotional and practical facilitator, (2) interactions with health professionals as a source of either tension or confidence, (3) emotional ambivalence toward exclusive breastfeeding, and (4) media and social networks as sources of motivation or uncertainty. Participants described exclusive breastfeeding as an emotionally demanding experience, often influenced by fatigue, pain, perceived low milk supply, and contradictory counseling.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Exclusive breastfeeding is shaped by emotional, social, and institutional factors. Even in Baby-Friendly facilities, inconsistent counseling and guilt-based messages may reduce maternal confidence. Strengthening empathetic, consistent support and involving families may enhance women's breastfeeding experiences.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261479915"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149074366","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring Relationships Between Food Security Status, Infant Feeding Attitude and Breastfeeding Intention in Pregnant Women Attending a Health Care Facility in Cape Town, South Africa.","authors":"Debby Gates, Baheya Najaar, Kimberleigh Brody, Justine Hamann, Yenziwe Ndlovu, Michaela Smith, Janetta Harbron","doi":"10.1177/08903344261479885","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261479885","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastmilk provides optimal infant nutrition and contributes to successful growth and development. Interlinked determinants influence breastfeeding attitude, intention, and duration.</p><p><strong>Research aims: </strong>This study aimed to investigate relationships between socioeconomic indicators, food security status, infant feeding attitude and breastfeeding intentions of pregnant women in Cape Town, South Africa.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional descriptive study recruited 218 adult women (third trimester; singleton pregnancy; without gestational diabetes or pre-eclampsia). A study-specific questionnaire, including validated infant feeding attitude and food security status questionnaires, was used. Descriptive statistics were expressed as percentages and medians (interquartile ranges), while associations were explored with non-parametric tests and regression modeling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Participants' median age was 27 years (23-32). The majority had monthly household incomes between 0-308 USD (R0-R5000) (61.1%), did not receive social grants (60.4%), were employed (53.7%), and were married or living with partners (53.0%). Exclusive breastfeeding intention after birth was 84.4% but 32.9% on returning to the workplace. Infant feeding attitudes predominantly reflected neutral towards breastfeeding (96.8%), with a median score of 61.0 (58.0-64.0). Households with children (<i>n</i> = 127) indicated 18.1% food insecure and 52.8% at risk for hunger. Overall household level food insecurity was 60.7% and individual level food insecurity 37.6%. Food security status amongst all levels showed no significant association with infant feeding attitude or breastfeeding intention. Food secure participants were four times more likely to expect to receive breastfeeding support.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Food security status was not associated with infant feeding attitude, breastfeeding intention after birth, or on returning to the workplace.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261479885"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149069543","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutritional Interventions for Weight Loss in Lactating Women: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of Clinical Trials.","authors":"Lara Virginia Pessoa de Lima, Nicolie Mattenhauer Oliveira, Lígia Rejane Siqueira Garcia, Karla Danielly da Silva Ribeiro","doi":"10.1177/08903344261476731","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261476731","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Effective postpartum weight management is essential for maternal health, yet the impact of specific nutritional strategies during lactation remains poorly defined.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>This systematic review evaluated the impact of nutritional interventions on weight management among lactating women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Bireme/LILACS (December 2022; updated March 2026). We included clinical trials assessing nutritional interventions for weight management during the lactation period. Study quality was evaluated using the Risk of Bias Tool 2 and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seven clinical trials met the inclusion criteria, initiated during pregnancy (<i>n</i> = 1) or lactation (<i>n</i> = 6), with intervention durations ranging from 11 days to 12 months. Caloric restriction (deficit of 500 kcal/day) combined with macronutrient adjustment was associated with significant postpartum weight loss and improved body composition. Conversely, micronutrient supplementation alone demonstrated no effect on weight reduction. The evidence is constrained by a limited number of studies, heterogeneous intervention protocols, varying postpartum stages, and incomplete reporting, which restricts the generalizability of the findings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>While evidence remains limited, caloric restriction for durations exceeding 1 month appears to promote weight loss in lactating women without self-reported adverse effects on breastfeeding performance. However, caution is important regarding the use of caloric restriction during lactation, due to the knowledge gap concerning its impacts on the mother-infant dyad and breast milk composition.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261476731"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149061686","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of the Lactation Education Program on Breastfeeding Levels and Self-Efficacy Among Postnatal Mothers at a Tertiary Care Hospital, Puducherry.","authors":"Arthi A, Annie Annal Mohan, Umamaheswari R, Lavanya Sankar, Poongodi V","doi":"10.1177/08903344261479906","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261479906","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. Breastfeeding self-efficacy strongly influences the initiation, exclusivity, and duration of breastfeeding. Low confidence often leads to early cessation, whereas structured education can enhance maternal skills and success.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 100 postnatal mothers recruited through simple random sampling. Participants were assigned to experimental (<i>n</i> = 50) and control (<i>n</i> = 50) groups using a non-random allocation approach. Breastfeeding performance was assessed at three time points (immediately after delivery, on Day 4, and at the second week) using the Bristol Breastfeeding Assessment Tool, and breastfeeding self-efficacy was measured using the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent <i>t-</i>tests, and chi-square tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The majority of participants in both groups were aged 21-25 years, were predominantly homemakers, and were from middle-income households. The experimental group showed significantly higher breastfeeding scores immediately after delivery (5.64 ± 1.86), on the 4th day (7.20 ± 1.41), and at the 2nd week (7.28 ± 0.70) compared to the control group (2.86 ± 1.65, 4.18 ± 1.39, and 5.24 ± 2.06, respectively; <i>p</i> < 0.001). The mean breastfeeding self-efficacy score was also significantly higher in the experimental group compared to the control group (<i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Lactation Education Program effectively improved breastfeeding performance and self-efficacy among postnatal mothers. Incorporating structured lactation education into routine postnatal care enhanced maternal confidence and promoted exclusive breastfeeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261479906"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148912232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Factors Associated With Social Media Addiction, Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy, and Infant Care Information-Seeking Among Breastfeeding Mothers.","authors":"Selda Özel Okur, Seyhan Çankaya","doi":"10.1177/08903344261479895","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261479895","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study examined social media addiction levels among breastfeeding mothers, breastfeeding self-efficacy, and factors associated with infant care information-seeking behaviors.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted between December 2024 and May 2025 in a province in Central Anatolia, Türkiye. The sample consisted of 323 breastfeeding mothers who used smartphones, had at least one active social media account, and had infants aged 3-6 months.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most mothers (93.5%) reported Instagram as their most frequently used platform, and 60.4% used social media primarily for entertainment and relaxation. Social media addiction scores varied significantly according to educational level, daily use duration, and usage purposes (<i>p</i> < .05). Infant care information resource use differed significantly by employment status, antenatal follow-up attendance, breastfeeding education, and use of specific digital platforms (<i>p</i> < .05). A negative correlation was observed between social media addiction and breastfeeding self-efficacy (<i>r</i> = -.214, <i>p</i> < .001), whereas positive correlations were found between breastfeeding self-efficacy and infant care information resource use (<i>r</i>s = .121, <i>p</i> < 05). No statistically significant association was found between social media addiction and information resource use (<i>p</i> > .05). In the multivariable regression analysis, higher social media addiction scores were independently associated with lower breastfeeding self-efficacy (β = -.20, <i>p</i> < .001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Social media use patterns are associated with breastfeeding self-efficacy and infant care information-seeking behaviors among postpartum mothers. These findings suggest that guiding mothers toward reliable, evidence-based digital resources may support breastfeeding counseling and postnatal education.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261479895"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148912271","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality Improvement Initiative to Promote Exclusive Breastfeeding Through Antenatal Counseling and Structured Follow-Up Until 6 Months: A Tertiary Hospital Based and Community Follow-Up Study.","authors":"Piyusha Kothawade, D Sharad Gedam, Mamta Verma, Mansi Singh","doi":"10.1177/08903344261467238","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261467238","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for infant survival and optimal growth; however, rates remain suboptimal due to sociocultural and health system barriers. The antenatal period offers a critical opportunity for structured education and behavioral reinforcement.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To evaluate the impact of a structured Quality Improvement (QI) intervention, incorporating antenatal counseling and scheduled postpartum follow-up, on EBF rates up to 6 months.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This QI study used a Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework in a tertiary care hospital. A total of 70 antenatal mothers (≥ 34 weeks gestation) were enrolled. Participants received structured breastfeeding counseling and postpartum reinforcement via telephonic follow-up and clinic visits at predefined intervals (birth, postnatal Day (PND) 3/5, PND 7, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 6 months). Exclusive breastfeeding status was recorded at each contact.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 70 enrolled mothers, 64 completed the 6-month follow-up. The baseline EBF rate in the study setting was 58.8%. Following the intervention, EBF was sustained in 52/64 (81.5%) infants at 6 months, reflecting an absolute increase of 22.7%. EBF rates were 64/64 (100%) at birth, 51/64 (80.0%) at PND 3/5, 58/64 (90.8%) at PND 7, 59/64 (92.3%) at 6 and 10 weeks, 55/64 (86.2%) at 14 weeks, and 52/64 (81.5%) at 6 months. Two attrition phases were identified: early postpartum (PND 3/5) and after 10 weeks.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A structured antenatal counseling program combined with systematic postpartum follow-up was associated with improved EBF rates, achieving sustained EBF of 81.5% at 6 months. Continued engagement during early postpartum and later infancy appears important for breastfeeding sustainability.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261467238"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148900721","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge and Compliance of the Health Workers on the International Code of Breastmilk Substitute (BMS Code) in Nigeria.","authors":"Oluwatosin Leshi, Uduak David, Ayodele Atoyebi, Katie Kavanagh","doi":"10.1177/08903344261470639","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261470639","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite global and national efforts to promote exclusive breastfeeding, rates remain below international targets, partly due to the marketing of breastmilk substitutes (BMS). Nigeria adopted the International Code of Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes and revised it as the National Regulations on the Marketing of Infant and Young Children's Foods and Other Designated Products. However, enforcement appears weak, and there is a dearth of information on health workers' knowledge and compliance with updated regulations.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>To assess the knowledge and level of compliance with the national regulations among the health workers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study (<i>N</i> = 100) was conducted with health workers in three selected states. A pretested self-administered questionnaire was used to elicit responses on knowledge and compliance with the national regulations. Interviews were conducted with senior-level officials, observational compliance checklist was used to assess compliance at the facility level.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>About a quarter (27%) of the health workers had adequate knowledge of the national regulations, 18% reported a high level of personal compliance, and 16% believed their health facility had a high level of compliance. Interviews with the participants further revealed limited awareness and lack of access to the regulations, indirect access to BMS, selective use of BMS, and a lack of protocols to address violations, all of which reinforce the overall low levels of knowledge and compliance with the regulations.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Health workers' knowledge of and compliance with regulations and low. Attention should be given to ensuring proper dissemination, sensitization, training, and facility-level procedures to improve regulation adherence and protect breastfeeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261470639"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148891815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Expansion of a Breastfeeding Promotion Network for Sick Infants and Children Across 13 Health Service Regions in Thailand.","authors":"Siriluck Thavonvattana, Benjamas Thussanasupap, Hataitip Somdam","doi":"10.1177/08903344261475016","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261475016","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Breastfeeding is a cost-effective intervention that improves survival and long-term health outcomes, yet policy mechanisms to support breastfeeding among medically ill infants and children are underdeveloped in many health systems. In Thailand, national breastfeeding promotion policies have historically focused on healthy term infants, resulting in fragmented and inequitable support for infants requiring hospital-based care. This study examines the development and national scale-up of a network-based breastfeeding promotion policy focused on breastfeeding support for sick infants and children, implemented across 13 health service regions. Guided by Stringer's action research framework, international evidence was systematically reviewed and adapted to the national context through interprofessional engagement, regional pilot implementation, and iterative policy learning. Spatz's Ten Steps to Promote and Protect Human Milk and Breastfeeding in Vulnerable Infants were operationalized through coordinated hospital workflows, supported by regional knowledge exchange and field-based expert mentorship. Implementation across 74 pilot hospitals generated sustained improvements in policy-relevant indicators, including the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at discharge and the rate of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months among medically ill infants. These outcomes directly informed the integration of breastfeeding indicators into national inspection and accountability mechanisms, representing a transition from project-based implementation to formal policy institutionalization. This policy experience demonstrates how regionalized health systems can translate evidence into scalable action for vulnerable populations. By aligning service delivery, governance structures, and performance monitoring, the Thai case offers transferable insights for strengthening national breastfeeding promotion policies in complex health systems and advancing equitable care for medically ill infants and children.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261475016"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148874466","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Implementing a National Human Milk Bank Network in Iran: A Sustainable Model for Improved Neonatal Outcomes.","authors":"Mohammadbagher Hosseini, Sobhan Hosseini, Khalid Iqbal Mohammad Shafi, Mohammad Heidarzadeh, Abbas Habibelahi","doi":"10.1177/08903344261452888","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261452888","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Iran established its first human milk bank (HMB) in 2016 to address high rates of neonatal mortality and prematurity-related complications. A national network of 19 HMBs was developed using a sustainable model that integrated local technological innovation and religious consensus. By partnering with domestic knowledge-based companies to manufacture automated pasteurizers, the program successfully bypassed international trade sanctions that made imported equipment cost-prohibitive. Furthermore, the program secured official Fatwas from high-ranking Shia authorities and a formal letter of consent from the Urmia Sunni Clergy Council to resolve \"milk kinship\" concerns across diverse religious regions. By 2024, the network reached an annual collection volume of over 6,785 liters, serving thousands of infants. This sustainable model provides a practical blueprint for other resource-limited and Muslim-majority countries to enhance neonatal outcomes by ensuring equitable access to donor human milk through national coordination and cultural integration.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261452888"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148857371","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}