Journal of Human Lactation最新文献

{"title":"The Effect of Breastfeeding Counseling Given With Motivational Interviewing Technique on Breastfeeding Problems and Anxiety: A Randomized Controlled Study.","authors":"Semiha Izgördü, Arzu Akdemir","doi":"10.1177/08903344261470706","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261470706","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding difficulties and maternal anxiety are common, and negatively affect outcomes for both mother and infant.</p><p><strong>Aims: </strong>We aimed to examine how breastfeeding counseling performed by using motivational interviewing techniques will affect breastfeeding problems and maternal anxiety among mothers with infants aged 1-3 months.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This randomized controlled trial included 60 mothers with breastfeeding difficulties, randomly assigned to intervention (<i>n</i> = 30) and control (<i>n</i> = 30) groups. The intervention group received four motivational interviewing-based counseling sessions in addition to routine care, while the control group received routine care only. Data were collected pre- and post-intervention using the Personal Information Form, Breastfeeding Questions Assessment Scale (BQAS), and State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-I).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Exclusive breastfeeding increased significantly in the intervention group and decreased in the control group (χ² = 15.458, <i>p</i> < 0.001, Cramér's V = 0.508). A significant group-by-time interaction was observed for BQAS scores, <i>F</i>(1,58) = 7.512, <i>p</i> = 0.008, η²p = 0.115, indicating greater improvement in the intervention group, although both groups showed significant reductions (control: <i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>d</i> = 0.971; intervention: <i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>d</i> = 1.900). Posttest STAI-I scores favored the intervention group, t(58) = 3.494, <i>p</i> = 0.001, <i>d</i> = 0.902, while the interaction was not significant, <i>F</i>(1,58) = 0.616, <i>p</i> = 0.436; both groups showed reduced anxiety. The proportion of non-anxious mothers was higher in the intervention group (χ² = 4.356, <i>p</i> = 0.036).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Motivational interviewing-based breastfeeding counseling reduced breastfeeding difficulties and maternal anxiety; further randomized trials are needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261470706"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148813129","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":"Patterns, Perception of Facilitators, Barriers to Breastfeeding, and its Associated Factors Among Working Mothers in Khordha District, Odisha, India.","authors":"Arakkal Mani Karthika, Moonjelly Vijayan Smitha","doi":"10.1177/08903344261462276","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261462276","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding is a critical determinant of infant survival, maternal health, and sustainable development. In India, although the exclusive breastfeeding rate has gradually improved, working mothers face unique challenges in sustaining breastfeeding. Despite supportive legislation for breastfeeding, implementation gaps and cultural barriers continue to undermine its effectiveness.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>To assess the patterns, facilitators, barriers, and their associated factors to breastfeeding among working mothers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted among 222 working mothers recruited through consecutive sampling. Data were collected using structured interviews and self-administered questionnaires to evaluate breastfeeding patterns, facilitators, and barriers.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most mothers exclusively breastfed (46.4%) within 6 months, while 45.5% mixed-fed and 8.1% predominantly breastfed their babies. The most common facilitators of breastfeeding were family support (85.6%) and partner support (82.4%), while the most common barriers were fatigue (54.1%), lack of workplace policy (53.6%), and work stress (51.8%). Breastfeeding patterns were significantly associated with mothers' age, cohabitation status, child's age at return to work, extended maternity leave, current breastfeeding status, work system, and caregiver type. Mothers under 30 years had higher odds of mixed feeding (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 2.14) and predominant breastfeeding (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 2.27), while normal delivery (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 0.35), partner cohabitation (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 0.30), returning to work after 6 months (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 0.34), continued breastfeeding (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 0.44), extended maternity leave (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 0.20), and family caregivers (<i><i>OR</i></i> = 0.38) had lower odds of mixed feeding and predominant breastfeeding compared to exclusive breastfeeding.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Breastfeeding patterns of working mothers are influenced by workplace, social, and individual factors. Promoting breastfeeding requires strengthening workplace policies and family involvement.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261462276"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148813096","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":"Effects of Maternal Flecainide Use in the Nursed Infant-A Case Report.","authors":"Lisa Willems, Hylke van der Heijden, Frits van Osch, Mary-Anne Funnekotter-van der Snoek","doi":"10.1177/08903344261452630","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261452630","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Flecainide is a class 1c antiarrhythmic drug used to manage ventricular and supraventricular arrhythmias. Its use in women of childbearing age is limited due to concerns about adverse outcomes. However, existing data suggest that flecainide may be safely used during pregnancy for maternal and neonatal arrhythmias. Its pharmacokinetic properties allow placental and breastmilk passage, but data on neonatal exposure via lactation remain scarce. This case report investigates the safety of maternal flecainide use during breastfeeding by analysing clinical and biochemical data in one nursed infant.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A 33-year-old primigravida with a history of right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia was maintained on flecainide 200 mg/day throughout pregnancy and lactation. The infant, delivered at term with no complications, was exclusively breastfed initially and later received a reduced volume.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The infant underwent clinical and biochemical evaluations and ECG monitoring at 5, 7, and 30 days postpartum. All assessments, including heart rate, rhythm, and QT intervals, remained within normal ranges. Maternal plasma flecainide levels were within the therapeutic range. Despite significant flecainide concentrations in breastmilk, neonatal plasma levels remained below the lower limit of detection, and no adverse effects were observed.Relative infant dose calculations remained under the recommended 10% threshold.</p><p><strong>Conclusion & discussion: </strong>This case report supports the safe use of flecainide during lactation. Despite detectable flecainide in breastmilk, infant exposure remained subclinical. These findings align with prior case studies. Clinicians may safely recommend breastfeeding in the case of maternal flecainide use.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261452630"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794210","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":"Assessing Skills in Managing Breastfeeding Challenges Among Community Health Care Providers: Development and Validation of the LactManage OSCE-Based Questionnaire.","authors":"Anuradha Nadda, Bhavneet Bharti, Anu Bhardwaj, Amrit Virk, Gagandeep Singh Grover, Sahil Vikas, Sahil Sharma, Akshay Kumar, Ravi Rohilla, Dhruvendra Lal, Varinder Kaur, Neeraj Kumar","doi":"10.1177/08903344261470804","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261470804","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding challenges are common in postnatal settings, particularly in low-resource communities. Timely and skilled support by frontline workers such as Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Community Health Officers (CHOs) is essential.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>This study was conducted to develop and validate a structured Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) based tool-LactManage-to assess the skills of frontline workers in managing breastfeeding problems at the community level.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>A prospective, three-phase study was conducted from January to June, 2024. In Phase 1, a rigorous literature review including, national programs and the World Health Organization's 10 steps to successful breastfeeding, was performed to develop 10 OSCE stations covering key breastfeeding challenges. In Phase 2, content validity was assessed by 20 experts, and face validity by 30 lay experts. In Phase 3, construct validity was assessed using the final tool administered to 85 frontline health workers in the community setting. Content and face validity indices at item and scale level, along with kappa, were calculated. Construct validity was assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and a known-groups <i>t</i>-test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The tool demonstrated high content (S-CVI/Avg = 0.92) and face validity (S-FVI/Avg = 0.99). The values of the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient had a range from 0.75 to 0.99 which is suggestive of good to excellent reliability. CHOs had significantly higher scores than ANMs in the known-groups <i>t</i>-test (<i>p</i> < 0.001) which supports construct validity.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study concluded that the LactManage tool is valid and reliable for assessing the skills of the frontline workers on management of breastfeeding problems.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261470804"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148794231","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":"Development and Validation of the Maternal Attitudes Toward Breastfeeding in Public Scale.","authors":"Aysun Eksioglu, Sibel Ocak, Ayse Gul Sener Arslan, Melek Kılıc","doi":"10.1177/08903344261466893","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261466893","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Public breastfeeding is influenced by social norms, cultural perceptions, and personal comfort, yet there is a lack of standardized instruments to assess societal attitudes toward breastfeeding in public spaces.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>To develop and validate the Maternal Attitudes toward Breastfeeding in Public Scale (MABPS), an instrument designed to assess mothers' perceptions of societal attitudes toward their own breastfeeding in public spaces.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The cross-sectional validation study was conducted with a sample of 320 breastfeeding women in Turkey. The development process included: (i) conceptual framework formulation based on an extensive literature review, (ii) content validity assessment by experts in maternal and child health, (iii) construct validity using Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (EFA & CFA), (iv) internal consistency analysis via Cronbach's Alpha, and (v) reliability assessment via Split-half and item analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The final version of the MABPS consists of three subdimensions: (1) Breastfeeding Comfort in Public, (2) Support for Breastfeeding, and (3) Barriers to Public Breastfeeding. Factor loadings ranged from 0.56 to 0.84 and the model fit indices (CFI = 0.930, TLI = 0.912, RMSEA = 0.069) indicated good construct validity. Internal consistency was high (Cronbach's Alpha = 0.859).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The MABPS is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing public attitudes toward breastfeeding in social spaces. This tool can support policy-making, social interventions, and awareness campaigns to normalize and promote public breastfeeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261466893"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148760581","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":"Occupational Stress and Coping During a Public Health Emergency: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Understand the Experiences of Lactation Professionals in Clinical Settings.","authors":"Mya Michele Carter, Linda Bennington, Michele Kekeh, Hadiza Galadima","doi":"10.1177/08903344261470652","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261470652","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding remains the recommended feeding method during public health emergencies; however, pandemic-related restrictions created new challenges for mothers and their healthcare teams, including lactation professionals (LPs). The COVID-19 pandemic may have heightened LPs' occupational stress and limited their ability to provide lactation support.</p><p><strong>Research aims: </strong>This study examined occupational stress among LPs, identified stressors and coping strategies, and explored how pandemic-related workplace policies influenced lactation services.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-methods design was employed. A cross-sectional online survey assessed the experiences of hospital- and clinic-based LPs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Key informant interviews were conducted to identify stressors, coping strategies, and service delivery impacts. Descriptive and inferential statistics were conducted, and qualitative data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The sample included 1,373 healthcare professionals. Most LPs (91.8%) reported moderate to high perceived stress consistent with other studies. Key stressor themes included new policy implementation, evolving personal protective equipment requirements, employment changes, the transition to telehealth, and fear of infection. Participants reported using problem management, emotional regulation, and meaning-based coping strategies. Themes describing impacts on lactation service provision included reduced or delayed support, protected breastfeeding practices, hindered interpersonal connectedness, and telehealth limitations. Clinical policy changes were perceived to both hinder and improve lactation services.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>During public health emergencies, LPs-especially those with dual role responsibilities-require additional support. Interventions should build upon coping strategies identified in this study. Future research should examine how stressors influence service provision, the effectiveness of coping strategies, and the potential role of geographic context in policy implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261470652"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148724417","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":"The Effect of Telephone Breastfeeding Support on Breastfeeding Outcomes for Mothers of Late Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study.","authors":"Ezgi Boz, Arzu Akcan","doi":"10.1177/08903344261470803","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261470803","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Mothers of late preterm infants need support with breastfeeding.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to examine the effect of Telephone Breastfeeding Support (delivered via telephone calls and WhatsApp messages) given to mothers of late preterm infants discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on breastfeeding outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was a single-blind, pretest-posttest, randomized, parallel two-group, controlled experimental study. The study involved 62 mothers in a NICU from August 2021 to August 2022. After all late preterm infants participating in the study completed their routine discharge procedures, pre-intervention data were collected from their mothers, and a breastfeeding guide was sent to their phones. The intervention group (<i>n</i> = 31) received breastfeeding support through WhatsApp and phone calls for 16 weeks. Posttests were taken when the infant was 6 months old. Data were collected using the mother-infant information form, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale Short Form (BSES-SF), the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale (IIFAS), and the breastfeeding duration assessment form.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When the infant reached 6 months, no statistically significant differences were found in inter- or intra-group BSES-SF scores, nor in inter-group IIFAS scores (<i>p</i> > 0.05). In the intragroup analysis, the intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in pre- and post-intervention IIFAS scores (<i>p</i> < 0.05), while a significant difference was also observed between groups in breastfeeding cessation rates (<i>p</i> < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Telephone breastfeeding support has been shown to improve infant feeding attitudes and increase breastfeeding maintenance. Telephone breastfeeding support can be safely implemented for mothers of late preterm infants.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261470803"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148724871","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":"Paternal Postnatal Sense of Security as a Predictor of Fathers' Breastfeeding Support: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Hilal Özbek","doi":"10.1177/08903344261475019","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261475019","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Paternal postnatal sense of security, referring to fathers' perceptions of role clarity, emotional reassurance, and support during the postpartum period, may be relevant to their active involvement in infant care and their influence on breastfeeding practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional correlational study included 103 fathers whose partners were in the early postpartum period. Data were collected using a personal information form, the Paternal Postnatal Sense of Security Scale, and the Partner Breastfeeding Influence Scale. Pearson and Spearman's rho correlations were used to examine relationships between variables. A two-step hierarchical regression assessed whether paternal postnatal sense of security was independently associated with breastfeeding influence and support behaviors after controlling for educational level and income status.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Paternal postnatal sense of security was positively associated with breastfeeding influence and support behaviors. Hierarchical regression showed that postnatal sense of security was significantly and independently associated with breastfeeding influence and support behaviors (B = 1.89, β = .33, <i>p</i> < .001), explaining an additional 9.4% of the variance beyond sociodemographic variables: ΔR² = .094, F-change(1, 97) = 12.30, <i>p</i> < .001. Spearman's rho indicated that longer mutually planned breastfeeding duration was associated with higher postnatal sense of security.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>A stronger postnatal sense of security among fathers is associated with greater involvement in breastfeeding support. These findings highlight the need to include fathers in postpartum care and breastfeeding education. Further longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to clarify how paternal postnatal sense of security relates to breastfeeding outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261475019"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148724850","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":"The Contactless Milk Depot-Pioneering Round-the-Clock Human Milk Donation.","authors":"Pooja Agarwal Jayagobi, Chengsi Ong, Cynthia Pui Chan Pang, Anng Anng Wong, Siew Tin Wong, Zheng Ying, Mei Chien Chua","doi":"10.1177/08903344261475018","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261475018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The KK Human Milk Bank provides pasteurized donor human milk to vulnerable infants across Singapore who lack sufficient mothers' own milk. However, donors and their designated family members were previously limited to depositing frozen milk only during office hours, creating inconvenience and restricting timely access. These challenges were amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, when hospital entry limitations and concerns about viral exposure further discouraged on-site milk drop-offs.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To develop a contactless, round-the-clock milk depot that enables donors to securely deposit frozen milk without entering the hospital, thereby improving accessibility and supply resilience.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Key design considerations included safety, security, cost-effectiveness, and ease of access. A custom-built, multi-compartment freezer-locker system was developed featuring individual Personal Identification Number access, continuous closed-circuit television surveillance, and real-time temperature monitoring with automated malfunction alerts. The depot was strategically located for 24-hour accessibility.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Launched on November 14, 2022, the system comprises 12 independent freezer compartments, each capable of maintaining frozen storage conditions and enabling secure, traceable milk deposits. Donor feedback has been highly positive, with 100% user satisfaction reported among depot users.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The freezer-locker milk depot provides a secure, contactless, and continuously accessible solution for donor milk deposits. This innovation supports both donor convenience and operational resilience, ensuring uninterrupted milk supply during pandemics or other service disruptions.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261475018"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148712700","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":"Lactation Advocacy Through Continuous Help (LATCH): A Pilot Program to Improve Lactation Rates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.","authors":"Sarah A Harter, Amanda N Despart, Lesline E Martes, Briana Barns, Gillian Bremer, Margriet V Wilson, Jamie Harkey, Bryar Knox, Kate A Tauber","doi":"10.1177/08903344261470641","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344261470641","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breast milk is a critical component of neonatal care, particularly for preterm infants, as it offers immunological and developmental benefits. Sustaining lactation during prolonged Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) stays remains a significant challenge for many mothers.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>To evaluate the impact of the Lactation Advocacy Through Continuous Help (LATCH) pilot program, a medical student-led initiative to provide ongoing lactation support in the NICU.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a single-center quality improvement study conducted over a 2-year period (2023-2024). Medical Students, who were Certified Lactation Counselors (CLC), met with new mothers weekly to support their lactation journey. Outcomes were assessed through participant surveys and breast milk intake data. Data were analyzed with unadjusted chi-square tests and odds ratios using SPSS (version 30); adjustments for potential confounders were not performed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of the 198 eligible mothers (241 infants), 127 mothers (158 infants) enrolled in the program. By Days 8-14 of life, a significantly higher proportion of infants whose mother participated in the program received ≥ 50% mother's own milk compared to non-participants (87% vs. 65%, <i>p</i> < .001). Additionally, these infants were more likely to be receiving breast milk at discharge. Survey feedback indicated high satisfaction, with participants emphasizing emotional support and accessibility as key benefits.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This program significantly increased the amount of breast milk infants received during Days 8-14 and showed a trend towards increased breastmilk at discharge. Integrating trained medical students into lactation support efforts not only enhances neonatal care by empowering mothers, it also provides valuable lactation education and clinical experience for medical students.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"8903344261470641"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148701403","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}