Journal of Human Lactation最新文献

{"title":"In Situ Simulation in Prenatal Breastfeeding Education: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Taison Regis Penariol Natarelli, Luciana Mara Monti Fonseca, Suzanne Hetzel Campbell, Silvia Bressan, José Simon Camelo, Adriana Moraes Leite, Fernanda Medrado de Souza Ferreira","doi":"10.1177/08903344261430473","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261430473","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding education should be initiated during pregnancy. Simulation is an effective educational technique that has been little explored in the context of prenatal education.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of an <i>in situ</i> simulation scenario about breastfeeding, as a prenatal educational intervention at home, on breastfeeding self-efficacy and related outcomes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a nonrandomized pilot intervention study with pre-test/post-test, conducted from October 2022 to November 2023. Pregnant people who received a home visit that provided an in situ simulation scenario entitled \"Breastfeeding the Newborn\" during prenatal care (<i>n</i> = 20) were compared to those who received only routine guidance (<i>n</i> = 20). Breastfeeding self-efficacy scores, exclusive breastfeeding rates, and difficulties in breastfeeding 2 months after delivery were evaluated and compared.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the intragroup comparisons, a significant increase in breastfeeding self-efficacy scores was found among simulation participants (<i>p</i> < 0.01). Most participants were exclusively breastfeeding (<i>n</i> = 12, 60%) and reported no difficulties (<i>n</i> = 11, 55%) 2 months after delivery. However, no significant differences were found between groups. The findings also demonstrated the feasibility of implementing the in situ simulation scenario \"Breastfeeding the Newborn\" during the prenatal period.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This pilot study supports the potential of in situ simulation as an educational approach for prenatal breastfeeding promotion. Further research with larger samples and extended follow-up is recommended to explore its impact on breastfeeding outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"703-716"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838758","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":"Association Between the Antibacterial Properties of Breast Milk and Circadian Rhythms Variations: A Prospective Cohort Study.","authors":"Mina Mısırlıgil, Belma Saygılı Karagöl, Deniz Yaprak, Bülent Ünay, Gökçe Çiçek Karaman, Tuğrul Hoşbul","doi":"10.1177/08903344261431669","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261431669","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Breast milk is a sophisticated biological fluid that provides an ideal nutritional composition for infants and also exhibits variation in circadian rhythms. Breast milk has both bacteriostatic and bactericidal properties. Current research has not yet explored the potential influence of circadian changes in breast milk on its antibacterial activity. This study aimed to reveal the association between the antibacterial activity of breast milk and circadian rhythms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted with the participation of volunteer mothers who presented to our neonatal outpatient clinic between March and May 2024. Breast milk samples were classified based on the time of collection: Milk obtained between 04:00 and 22:00 was designated as daytime breast milk, whereas milk gathered between 22:00 and 04:00 was referred to as nighttime breast milk. A total of 60 breast milk samples were stored at 4°C, and the antibacterial effectiveness of these samples was assessed within 24 hours of collection.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant difference was observed between day and night breast milk regarding their antibacterial activity against <i>Escherichia coli</i> (<i>P</i> = 0.819). Additionally, no correlation was found between the number of bacterial colonies in 60 breast milk samples and the storage time of the milk (<i>r</i> = 0.19, <i>P</i> = 0.1). A moderate positive correlation was found between the number of <i>E. coli</i> colonies in day breast milk and the storage time of breast milk (<i>r</i> = 0.431, <i>P</i> = 0.02).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The general antimicrobial properties against <i>E. coli</i> showed a steady degree of effectiveness, with no major differences found between samples collected during the daytime and those obtained at nighttime.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"886-894"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722977","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 Breastfeeding After Bariatric Surgery Scale.","authors":"Seyedeh Samira Mokhlesi, Vidanka Vasilevski, Linda Sweet","doi":"10.1177/08903344261431944","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261431944","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>With an increasing number of women of reproductive age undergoing bariatric surgery, understanding breastfeeding experiences in this population has become increasingly important. While several breastfeeding questionnaires exist, none have been specifically developed to capture the unique experiences and influencing factors relevant to women who have undergone bariatric surgery.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>The aim of this study was to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a breastfeeding questionnaire designed specifically for women with histories of bariatric surgery.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Breastfeeding after Bariatric Surgery Scale (BBSS) was developed and validated in three phases: Phase 1, generating items by reviewing the relevant literature and the theory of planned behaviour; Phase 2, evaluating content validity with a panel of experts; and Phase 3, evaluating face validity, exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation, and reliability and responsiveness.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Initially, 40 items were generated in Phase 1. After assessing content and face validity, the number of items was reduced to 22. The results of exploratory factor analysis yielded a scale with 22 items in five domains, including \"healthcare provider support,\" \"perceived behavioural control,\" \"subjective norms,\" \"positive breastfeeding experience,\" and \"negative feelings and challenges.\" These subscales explained 63.19 and 69.70% of the total variance, respectively. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each subscale was >0.70, and the intraclass correlation coefficient for each subscale was >0.75.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This scale showed acceptable validity and reliability for measuring breastfeeding behaviour and experiences in mothers who have had bariatric surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"795-806"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13615319/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147838840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Breastfeeding and Father Support: Bibliometric Analysis.","authors":"Elif Erdoğan, Serap Ejder Apay","doi":"10.1177/08903344261430128","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261430128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The objective of this study is to analyse the academic literature on paternal support during breastfeeding using bibliometric methods and to identify research trends, influential institutions, countries, and journals in this field.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The Web of Science database was used to collect articles published between 1989 and June 30, 2025, concerning paternal support during breastfeeding. All titles were screened to ensure they met the inclusion criteria, and English titles were considered a primary requirement. A total of 517 articles met the inclusion criteria. The study data were analysed using the open-source R Studio software and the \"biblioshiny for bibliometrix\" package, an R software tool.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study's data consists of 458 articles, including 47 reviews, six conference abstracts, three presentations, one correction, and one piece of editorial material. The most notable increase in scientific publications on breastfeeding and father support occurred between 2016 and 2021. The journals with the most publications in this field were the <i>International Breastfeeding Journal</i>, <i>Journal of Human Lactation</i>, <i>Maternal and Child Nutrition</i>, and <i>Midwifery</i>. The most productive countries were the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, and Canada. The article titled \"Incorporating Recognition and Management of Perinatal and Postpartum Depression Into Pediatric Practice\" tops the list with the highest total number of citations, receiving 379 citations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study highlights recent trends and key institutions in paternal support during breastfeeding through bibliometric analysis, contributing to existing knowledge and guiding future research and practice.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"634-647"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13615311/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147930347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Business Case for Breastfeeding: Identifying Which Barriers and Facilitators Employers Prioritize When Supporting Breastfeeding Employees in the Workplace.","authors":"Tomeka Frieson, Tahnee Cookson Muhammad, Monica Belyea, Ayeisha C Cole, Natasha Ray, Kathleen O'Connor Duffany","doi":"10.1177/08903344261430644","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261430644","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In the United States, 66.7% of women who had a baby in the past year have returned to work, yet many struggle to maintain their breastfeeding goals after their return. Research identifies common barriers and facilitators to providing lactation accommodations, but these studies predate recent state and federal laws that strengthen workplace lactation protections.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>To identify what employers currently prioritize as the main barriers and facilitators to supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted with 40 employers in a mid-sized city in Connecticut. Surveys were distributed via door-to-door outreach, email, and phone calls, and the Active Implementation Framework was used to inform survey questions. Data were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Employers identified \"happy employees\" as the top benefit of supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace, while \"finding a private space for employees to pump or breastfeed that's not a bathroom\" was the top challenge. Employers mentioned themes like \"increasing breastfeeding knowledge and communication\" and \"receiving funding and financial support\" as the main ways to overcome challenges. However, only 40.0% and 32.5% of employers provided their employees with time and space to breastfeed, respectively, and fewer than 50% of employers acknowledged several known benefits of supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace as benefits for their own business.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Understanding what employers currently prioritize as the main barriers and facilitators to supporting breastfeeding employees in the workplace can help improve employer buy-in and refine strategies for public health intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"660-674"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147722744","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":"Human Milk Donation and Human Milk Banking from the Perspective of Fathers: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Zehra Çerçer, Gamze Acavut, Fadime Biçer Şahin","doi":"10.1177/08903344261452004","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261452004","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background and aim: </strong>Most research on human milk donation and human milk banking has focused on mothers, while fathers' perspectives remain insufficiently explored. Although mothers may be willing to donate milk or use donor milk for their own infants, these decisions are often shaped by their spouses' viewpoints. This study aimed to explore fathers' views on human milk donation and human milk banking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This qualitative study used an inductive thematic analysis approach. Data were collected between August and December 2024 through semi-structured interviews with 20 fathers who brought their infants for routine checkups at a state hospital in Türkiye via semi-structured interviews and a descriptive form. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. MAXQDA software was used during the analysis process.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Five main themes with 10 subthemes were identified. Fathers' perspectives reflected a balance between perceived benefits of donor human milk for infants in need and concerns related to religious beliefs, milk kinship, hygiene, and trust. Acceptance of donor milk use for their own infants was conditional and depended on hygienic handling, professional supervision, and transparency regarding donor information. Fathers expressed divided opinions about allowing their wives to donate milk, and views on establishing human milk banks in Türkiye ranged from acceptance to conditional acceptance or rejection.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Fathers' perspectives on human milk donation and milk banking are shaped by the interplay between infant benefits and religious, cultural, and hygiene concerns. Spouses' attitudes and approval regarding milk donation are important family factors influencing decisions about human milk donation.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"865-876"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148301853","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":"Effect of Breast Massage and Virtual Reality Application on Lactation in Postpartum Women: A Randomized, Controlled Trial.","authors":"Şeyma Çatalgöl, Kevser Gürsan","doi":"10.1177/08903344261431660","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261431660","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cesarean delivery can negatively impact breastfeeding due to the effects of anesthesia, incision pain, and insufficient oxytocin release. New nonpharmacologic approaches are needed in the postpartum period to improve breastfeeding success and support initiation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The objective of this study was to examine the effects of breast massage and virtual reality (VR) applied to postpartum women after cesarean section on lactation, breastfeeding skills, and breastfeeding self-efficacy.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This randomized, controlled trial was conducted from January 31, 2025, to June 12, 2025, with 94 postpartum women who gave birth by cesarean section in a training and research hospital in Türkiye. Three different groups were formed: the breast massage group (BMG; <i>n</i> = 32), the virtual reality group (VRG; <i>n</i> = 31), and the control group (CG; <i>n</i> = 31). Interventions were performed at hours 3 and 24 postoperatively. The data-collection tools used in this study were a high-precision infant scale, the Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form, and the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Milk transfer volume, considered a primary outcome at 24 hours postoperatively, showed higher values in the BMG than in the CG (<i>P</i> < 0.05). whereas no difference was found between the VRG and the CG (<i>P</i> > 0.05). In all three groups, 24-hour values increased significantly compared with 3-hour values (<i>P</i> < 0.05). LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment and Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy Scale-Short Form scores, considered as secondary outcome measures, increased over time in all groups (<i>P</i> < 0.05), but no significant difference was observed between the groups (<i>P</i> > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study showed that breast massage increased milk transfer within 24 hours compared with the CG, whereas VR application yielded similar results to the CG. The findings suggest that breast massage may support early milk transfer, but further research is needed regarding the effects of VR.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"585-594"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773465","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":"Effect of VRBaby-Pump on Breastmilk Expression Experiences and Milk Volume in Mothers of Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Meltem Ozkaya, Oznur Korukcu, Alper Ozcan, Hasan Berkan Sayal","doi":"10.1177/08903344261429787","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261429787","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aim: </strong>The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the VRBaby-Pump application on the breast milk expression experience and milk volume of mothers who gave birth preterm.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study is a two-arm parallel design randomized controlled experimental study. The study data were collected from 88 mothers (44 primiparous, 44 multiparous) who had preterm births at the Perinatology and Obstetrics Clinic of Health Sciences University Antalya Training and Research Hospital between January 27 and April 17, 2025. The VRBaby-Pump application consisted of a virtual baby room and a wearable breast pump attached to a toy baby's head. Mothers in the intervention group received breast milk expression training and used the VRBaby-Pump application once a day for 15 minutes over 2 days. Mothers in the control group received only breast milk expression training. Data collection tools included the Personal Information Form, the Breast Milk Expression Experience Scale and the Daily Milk Volume Tracking Form.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A statistically significant difference was found between the mothers in the intervention and control groups in terms of breast milk expression experience (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and milk volume (<i>p</i> < 0.001). It was determined that mothers in the intervention group had a more positive breast milk expression experience compared to those in the control group, and their milk volume was higher.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>It was determined that the VRBaby-Pump application was effective in improving the breast milk expression experience and in increasing the amount of breast milk among mothers who had preterm births.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"818-834"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147698837","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 Effects of Therapeutic Ultrasound on Human Milk Composition: A Quasi-Experimental Pre-Post Design Study.","authors":"Leanda Jane McKenna, Kristin Eu, Renee McGregor, Stephanie Melanko, Aik Ping Tay, Patricia Gaunt, Ching Tat Lai, Donna Tracy Geddes, Angela Jacques, Adelle McArdle","doi":"10.1177/08903344261430154","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261430154","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Therapeutic ultrasound generates heating within tissues and is a popular treatment option for inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast, but it is unknown if therapeutic ultrasound alters breastmilk composition.</p><p><strong>Research aim: </strong>This study aimed to determine the effect of therapeutic ultrasound on the protein, lactose and fat concentrations of human milk in healthy lactating mothers.</p><p><strong>Method: </strong>This was a single session quasi-experimental, non-superiority, pre-post design study. Twenty-six Western Australian mothers with infants aged 1-6 months and exclusively breastfeeding were included. Mothers with inflammatory conditions of the lactating breast or contraindicated from receiving therapeutic ultrasound, were excluded. Therapeutic ultrasound was applied for 10 minutes to the right breast and samples of 5 ml expressed human milk were collected pre and post ultrasound application. Protein, lactose, and fat concentrations were measured by the Bradford method, enzymatic spectroscopy, and creamatocrit. Statistical analysis included general linear mixed modelling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There was no significant difference in human milk protein composition between measures taken pre and post ultrasound (mean difference, -0.64g/L; 95% CI [-1.93, 0.64], <i>p</i> = 0.328). There was no significant difference in human milk lactose composition (mean difference, -4.77g/L; 95% CI [-11.57, 2.03], <i>p</i> = 0.169) between measures taken pre and post ultrasound. There was a significant increase in human milk fat composition between measures taken pre and post ultrasound (mean difference, 1.36%; 95% CI [0.97, 1.75], <i>p</i> <0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Therapeutic ultrasound applied to the healthy lactating breast does not adversely affect the protein, lactose, or fat concentrations of human milk.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"877-885"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13615316/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147574007","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Third-Trimester Anemia and Early Breastfeeding Outcomes and Postpartum Depressive Symptoms: A Retrospective Comparative Study.","authors":"Raneen Abu Shqara, Rotem Argov, Lior Lowenstein, Maya Frank Wolf","doi":"10.1177/08903344261431947","DOIUrl":"10.1177/08903344261431947","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Although the impact of maternal anemia on adverse maternal outcomes is well established, its relationship with breastfeeding and maternal mental well-being remains insufficiently characterized.</p><p><strong>Research aims: </strong>This study aimed to examine the association between anemia severity in the third trimester and early breastfeeding outcomes and postpartum depressive symptoms.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective comparative observational study included pregnant patients with hemoglobin concentrations of <10.5 g/dL admitted to a tertiary hospital between January 2020 and December 2024. Anemia severity was categorized as mild (9.0-10.5 g/dL; <i>n</i> = 136), moderate (8.0-8.9 g/dL; <i>n</i> = 276), and severe (<8.0 g/dL; <i>n</i> = 96). Breastfeeding outcomes included breastfeeding initiation within 1 hour postpartum, colostrum and milk volume adequacy on postpartum day 1 and at hospital discharge, and exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge. Postpartum depressive symptoms were evaluated using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Patients with severe anemia had lower rates of early breastfeeding initiation than those with moderate and mild anemia (26.0 vs. 31.2% and 52.9%; <i>P</i> < 0.001). Adequate colostrum volume on postpartum day 1 also was less frequent in patients with severe anemia (41.7 vs. 57.2% and 61.0%; <i>P</i> = 0.009). Similar trends were observed at hospital discharge, with lower rates of adequate milk volume (<i>P</i> = 0.021) and exclusive breastfeeding (<i>P</i> < 0.001). Patients with severe anemia had a higher proportion of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale scores >10 (<i>P</i> = 0.043).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Greater anemia severity in late pregnancy was associated with poorer breastfeeding outcomes and higher postpartum depressive symptom scores. These findings underscore the need for continued investigation and clinical attention to anemia identification and management during pregnancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":15948,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Lactation","volume":" ","pages":"558-568"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2026-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773112","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}