International Breastfeeding Journal最新文献

{"title":"Views, feelings, and thoughts of first-time mothers regarding breastfeeding in public: a qualitative study.","authors":"Aslıhan Aksu, Ruveyda-Sultan Darğın, Gülnisa Küpelikılıç","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00733-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13006-025-00733-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The existing literature on breastfeeding in public has primarily concentrated on societal perceptions. However, women are the central figures in breastfeeding in public spaces. In particular, first-time breastfeeding mothers may feel incapable of breastfeeding or may have different perceptions of breastfeeding based on what they see or hear around them. Breastfeeding in public places may be difficult for these mothers. Therefore, it is essential to examine the perceptions of first-time breastfeeding mothers regarding breastfeeding in public to gain a better understanding of their thoughts and concerns, and to identify the factors influencing breastfeeding practices, particularly in public.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted to examine the views, feelings, and thoughts of first-time mothers regarding breastfeeding in public. This qualitative descriptive study was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews at Kahramanmaras Sütcü İmam University Health Practice and Research Hospital in Türkiye between May and September 2024. All interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed. In analysis, the researchers followed Colaizzi's seven-step analysis method and identified and organized clusters of themes from the statements in the transcribed interviews. The MAXQDA software was used for coding and identifying relationships between themes and sub-themes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Data saturation was reached with 34 participants. The analysis revealed four primary themes and 13 subthemes that represented the views, feelings, and thoughts of first-time mothers: (1) Confronting breastfeeding in public; (2) Challenging emotions related to breastfeeding in public; (3) Demotivating factors for breastfeeding in public; (4) Needs related to breastfeeding in public. The acceptability of breastfeeding in public varied among the participants, with negative narratives being more prevalent. A significant number of participants expressed a desire to avoid societal condemnation, viewing breastfeeding without a cover as improper. Additionally, certain culturally specific beliefs were identified as barriers to breastfeeding in public.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study found that first-time mothers' views, feelings and thoughts about breastfeeding in public were influenced by the community's attitude. Additionally, the findings underscored the crucial role of culturally specific beliefs in shaping mothers' motivation to breastfeed in public. Therefore, proactive interventions targeting both new mothers and their environment are essential to change mothers' negative perceptions of breastfeeding in public.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144210234","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Applying the theory of planned behavior to examine breastfeeding determinants in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council: a systematic review.","authors":"Ayoub Al-Jawaldeh, Dana Matbouli, Dima Itani, Sara Diab, Mandy Taktouk, Sally Naalbandian, Lara Nasreddine","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00739-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00739-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Appropriate and timely nutrition during infancy constitutes a critical window of opportunity to ensure proper growth and development. Despite the established benefits of breastfeeding (BF), the proportions of breastfed infants remain disappointingly low in countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this systematic review aims at examining infant feeding intentions, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and beliefs towards BF amongst women in various countries of the GCC.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Pertinent data were obtained through a search of peer-reviewed studies published between 2012 and 2024. A total of 12 electronic databases have been searched.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 101 studies were retained. The largest number of studies was from the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia (80 studies). The results were mapped across the five TPB constructs: intention, subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavioural control and beliefs. Findings showed that, although the intention to BF was high, the intention to exclusively BF was considerably lower. BF was found to align well with the religious norms and social expectations in countries of the GCC. However, factors such as shyness, embarrassment and reticence over BF in public and pumping at work were reported by various studies. There was a negative attitude towards the suitability of BF for working mothers and it was common for women to consider that formula feeding and BF provide equal benefits. Perceived behavior control towards exclusive BF and the sufficiency of breast milk supply was identified as low in several studies, particularly amongst primigravida women and mothers of twins. Women believed that BF in public may expose them to the \"evil eye\" and that BF may lead to breast sagging.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>By identifying opportunities and gaps under each of the TPB constructs, the results of this review may assist in the development of future culture-specific interventions aimed at BF promotion in countries of the region. These include multi-level interventions encompassing the educational system, the media and social media, in addition to community and hospital-based interventions. The results also call for the development of policies tailored to the identified factors in each of the TPB constructs.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12125868/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144188547","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Viable bacterial communities in freshly pumped human milk and their changes during cold storage conditions.","authors":"Eliska Pivrncova, Jan Bohm, Vojtech Barton, Jana Klanova, Petra Borilova Linhartova","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00738-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00738-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Human milk harbors diverse bacterial communities that contribute to infant health. Although pumping and storing milk is a common practice, the viable bacterial composition of pumped milk and the impact of storage practice on these bacteria remains under-explored. This metagenomic observational study aimed to characterize viable bacterial communities in freshly pumped human milk and its changes under different storage conditions.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In 2023, twelve lactating mothers from the CELSPAC: TNG cohort (Czech Republic) provided freshly pumped milk samples. These samples were stored under various conditions (refrigeration for 24 h, 48 h, or freezing for six weeks) and treated with propidium monoazide (PMA) to selectively identify viable cells. The DNA extracted from individual samples was subsequently analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on the Illumina platform.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The genera Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Diaphorobacter, Cutibacterium, and Corynebacterium were the most common viable bacteria in fresh human milk. The median sequencing depth and Shannon index of fresh human milk samples treated with PMA (+ PMA) were significantly lower than in untreated (-PMA) samples (p < 0.05 for all), which was true also for each time point. Also, significant changes in these parameters were observed between fresh human milk samples and their paired frozen samples (p < 0.05), while no differences were found between fresh human milk samples and those refrigerated for up to 48 h (p > 0.05). Of specific genera, only + PMA frozen human milk samples showed a significant decrease in the central log-ratio transformed relative abundances of the genera Diaphorobacter and Cutibacterium (p < 0.05) in comparison to + PMA fresh human milk samples.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study demonstrated that the bacterial profiles significantly differed between human milk samples treated with PMA, which represent only viable bacteria, and those untreated. While storage at 4 °C for up to 48 h did not significantly alter the overall diversity and composition of viable bacteria in human milk, freezing notably affected both the viability and relative abundances of some bacterial genera.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12123816/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144182717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of interventions on early initiation of breastfeeding in South Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"M A Rifat, Mahashweta Chakrabarty, Syeda Saima Alam, Masum Ali, Syeda Sumaiya Nasrin, Plabon Sarkar, Aditya Singh, Sanjib Saha","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00736-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00736-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Early initiation of breastfeeding, defined as breastfeeding within one hour of birth, halves the risk of neonatal mortality, establishing it as a crucial outcome component in various interventions implemented across South Asian countries. However, the overall effect of these interventions remain unexamined. Therefore, this study seeks to address this knowledge gap by evaluating the overall effect of these interventions on maternal early initiation of breastfeeding practice.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search was performed to identify randomised controlled trials conducted in South Asia focusing on early initiation of breastfeeding as an outcome variable. The interventions identified were categorized into behavioral, mobile health (mHealth), health system strengthening, and nutritional interventions. Random effects meta-analysis was conducted to estimate the pooled effect of interventions and effectiveness by intervention categories. Heterogeneity was explored by sub-group and meta-regression analyses. The risk of bias and strength of evidence were assessed by Cochrane's RoB2 assessment tool and GRADE criteria, respectively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>We included 22 articles published, representing 19 unique interventions, from a pool of 2,524 screened records for review and narrative synthesis. Among these, 19 articles were eligible for meta-analysis. The pooled relative risk (RR) of early initiation of breastfeeding among mothers in the intervention groups, as compared to their counterparts, was 1.55 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.95; I² = 99.56; p < 0.001). Interventions targeted health system strengthening represented stronger effect than other types of interventions. The overall strength of evidence was moderate.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The overall intervention effect appeared efficacious in improving maternal early initiation of breastfeeding practice in South Asia, providing valuable insights for policymakers to develop contextually feasible strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12117840/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144163771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of discontinuation of lactation consultant program on early infant feeding in Manitoba.","authors":"Amy Hui, Jennifer M Yamamoto, Roxana Dragan, Vanessa Poliquin, Patricia Birk, Katherine Kearns, Elizabeth Decaire, Vivian Omarr, Chukwudumebi Onyiuke, Kira Friesen, Christina Raimondi, Brandy Wicklow, Carol Dyck, Garry X Shen","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00737-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00737-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lactation Consultants (LC) at Health Sciences Centre (HSC) and St Boniface General Hospitals (SBGH) supported the lactation of 2/3 of Manitoba newborns since 1994. The LC program in HSC was discontinued in 2018. Its impact on infant feeding in the province remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>To assess the influence of the LC program cessation on the feeding of newborns in postpartum wards via a retrospective administrative database cohort.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 126,285 infants were delivered in all Manitoban hospitals during 2014-2021 [First Nations (FN): 21%, all others: 79%, urban: 55%, rural: 41% and remote: 4%]. The rates of breastfeeding were lower and formula feeding were higher in FN and all other newborns after the program cessation (2018-2021) compared to that during 2014-2017 (p < 0.01). The intensity of the changes in infant feeding among FN or remote-living newborns during 2018-2021 were 2-threefold greater than that among all others or urban/rural-living newborns delivered in HSC (p < 0.01). In contrast, infant feeding status stayed stable for those delivered at SBGH where the LC program did not withdraw. The cessation of LC program decreased adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for exclusive breastfeeding in FN infants (aOR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.88-0.98) and urban-living infants (aOR 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94-0.98), but not in all others, rural- or remote-living infants. Increased odds for formula feeding was detected in FN and all other infants living in various regions in the province during 2018-2021 compared to that during 2014-2017 (p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings suggest that the discontinuation of LC program decreased breastfeeding and increased formula feeding, and the unfavorable changes in infant feeding was most profound among FN and remote-living infants.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12107890/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144152789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of individualized breastfeeding counseling during the dyad's stay in rooming-in: a randomized, multicenter, open and parallel study.","authors":"Mariana Torreglosa Ruiz, Elisa da Conceição Rodrigues, Marialda Moreira Christoffel, Cynthya Viana de Resende, Michele Curcino Cavalcanti, Marianne Guterres Ferreira, Jéssica Aparecida da Silva, Karine Emanuelle Peixoto Oliveira da Silva, Monika Wernet, Ana Letícia Monteiro Gomes, Maria Beatriz Guimarães Raponi, Jacqueline Faria de Oliveira, Divanice Contim, Ana Maria Linares","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00710-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00710-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding counseling is a proven strategy to protect and promote breastfeeding, as evidenced by numerous studies. However, there is limited research on its application during the dyad's stay in rooming-in and its impact on the duration of exclusive breastfeeding. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of individualized counseling during the dyad's rooming-in period and its role in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding until the sixth month of life, compared to standard care.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This randomized, multicenter, parallel, and open clinical trial was conducted at two Brazilian university hospitals. A total of 102 primiparous women, who had conditions and intentions favorable to breastfeeding, were enrolled between December 2023 and April 2024. Following hospital discharge, participants were followed up via telephone until the child reached six months of age, with the study concluding in October 2024. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group received two to four breastfeeding counseling sessions during their hospital stay, while the control group received standard institutional care. Both groups were provided with educational materials on the benefits of breastfeeding and information on where to seek help if complications arose. During the telephone follow-ups, outcomes were measured without any additional interventions. The primary outcome measured was the exclusive breastfeeding rate since birth to the sixth month.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 97 breastfeeding women completed the follow-up, forming the sample for analysis. Compared to the control group, women who received counseling were more likely to maintain exclusive breastfeeding at the fourth month (27/48 (56.2%) vs. 15/50 (30.0%), Prevalence Ratio = 1.88 (Confidence Interval 95% 1.15, 3.07) and the sixth month of the child's life (27/47 (57.4%) vs. 12/50 (24.0%), Prevalence Ratio = 2.40 (Confidence Interval 95% 1.38, 4.16).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Breastfeeding counseling during the dyad's stay in rooming-in was effective in maintaining exclusive breastfeeding until the child's sixth month of life.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>UTN: U1111-1284-3559 / RBR-4w9v5rq (2023-03-20).</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12093738/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144121505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction: Development and prevalence of breastfeeding initiation in a tertiary obstetric center and its influencing factors.","authors":"A L Biermann, L Steinkasserer, L Radomsky, C von Kaisenberg, P Hillemanns, Lars Brodowski","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00735-3","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00735-3","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090376/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144112759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association between postpartum anxiety and depression and exclusive and continued breastfeeding practices: a cross-sectional study in Nevada, USA.","authors":"Smriti Neupane, Ann M Vuong, Amanda Haboush-Deloye, Kaleigh Mancha, Gabriela Buccini","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00734-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00734-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exclusive (EBF) and continued breastfeeding (CBF) as defined by the World Health Organization are the optimal feeding practices. Perinatal Mental Health Conditions (PMHCs) such as anxiety and depression may influence breastfeeding practices. We aimed to examine if maternal postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms, individually and combined (comorbid), influence EBF and CBF practices.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was conducted between November 2022 and March 2023 with 326 mothers of children 0-23 months old, all residing in Clark County, Nevada, USA. Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the association between self-reported postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms and EBF and CBF in the 24 h prior to the survey.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The prevalence of EBF among infants under 6 months old and CBF among children 6-23 months old was 36.3% (n = 41) and 52.1% (n = 111), respectively. After adjusting for maternal socio-demographic, perinatal, and infant/child characteristics, decreased odds of EBF were associated with the presence of postpartum depressive symptoms (AOR 0.13; 95% CI 0.03,0.55) and the comorbid presence of postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms (AOR 0.16; 95% CI 0.04,0.66). Similarly, decreased odds of CBF were associated with the presence of postpartum anxiety symptoms (AOR 0.36; 95% CI 0.16,0.82).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Postpartum anxiety and depression symptoms decreased the odds of breastfeeding practices among mothers of children under two years old in Clark County, Nevada. However, the relationship may be bidirectional or inverse, requiring further research to clarify. Culturally appropriate interventions to reduce postpartum anxiety and depression are essential to improve breastfeeding practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12090565/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144103189","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"How can we support the individual breastfeeding experience? Quantitative results from a mixed-methods study.","authors":"Theresa Philomena Ertlmaier, Oana Costea, Anja Borgmann-Staudt, Monika Berns, Georg Weikert, Mathilde Kersting, Magdalena Balcerek","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00726-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00726-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Despite the health benefits of breastfeeding only 57% of infants were exclusively breastfed at 4 months postpartum in Germany in 2017-2019. Due to the gap between the actual exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates and recommendations, we aimed at investigating further factors influencing breastfeeding duration.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This prospective observational study conducted in Berlin, Germany from 11/2022-05/2024 implemented a mixed-methods design with concurrent triangulation. We present quantitative results here. First-time mothers were surveyed at birth and 2, 6 and 12 months postpartum. Breastfeeding status was assessed by asking \"How are you currently feeding your child?\" and, if anything other than EBF (defined as supply of breastmilk without liquids or solids) was indicated, \"I breastfed exclusively until [date]\". Maternal perception was assessed by asking \"How comfortable do you currently feel with breastfeeding/feeding your child?\", with comfort referring to well-being/statisfaction/feeling good (German = wohlfühlen). Obstetric and newborn characteristics were collected from recruiting hospital's health records: an anthroposophic baby-friendly certified hospital (a-BF), a baby-friendly certified hospital (BF) and a university hospital not certified as baby-friendly (non-BF). Data were analysed descriptively and through multivariate analysis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most of the 326 participating mothers had initiated breastfeeding in the delivery room (94.7%). Mothers reported EBF for a median duration of 5.7 months, with 76.6% achieving ≥ 4 months. High levels of maternal comfort with breastfeeding 2 months postpartum were significantly associated with an EBF duration ≥ 4 months (aOR 7.25, CI 95% 2.11, 24.9). An intended EBF duration of 4-7 months (aOR 4.08, CI 95% 0.29, 57.77), higher breastfeeding comfort shortly after birth (aOR 1.79, CI 95% 0.49, 6.59), delivery in the a-BF clinic (aOR 1.59, CI 95% 0.41, 6.14) and high satisfaction regarding breastfeeding support in the hospital (aOR 1.39, CI 95% 0.41, 4.70) increased likeliness of EBF ≥ 4 months.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our results emphasize the pivotal role of the mother's comfort in the breastfeeding process and it's impact on breastfeeding duration. Strategies to enhace maternal comfort therefore need to be specifically included in maternal care. To explore key aspects of maternal comfort qualitative interviews will address the individual experiences in the breastfeeding journey and identify parent-centred strategies for sustainable breastfeeding.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12085814/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144095771","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A systematic review and meta-analysis of breastfeeding rates, factors influencing breastfeeding and practices in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).","authors":"Maeve Anne O'Connell, Shahla Meedya, Jenan Al Baqali, Kadeeja Alraeesi, Patricia Leahy-Warren","doi":"10.1186/s13006-025-00728-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s13006-025-00728-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Breastfeeding is recommended for optimal infant outcomes. Breastfeeding rates are thought to be suboptimal, but actual rates are not known in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). While there have been various studies about breastfeeding, there is no systematic review or meta-analysis in the UAE which has synthesized available evidence about breastfeeding rates and practices. The primary objectives of this study were to estimate breastfeeding rates, identify factors influencing breastfeeding, and explore breastfeeding practices among women in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review and meta-analysis of relevant published peer-reviewed literature in six relevant electronic databases from 2013 to 1 August 2023. When statistical pooling was not possible, results were synthesized narratively.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twelve studies were included. Pooled data from five studies (n = 2009) indicated that 62% of women initiated breastfeeding within the first hour after birth (95% CI 0.45, 0.78; I² 98.3%). At three months, pooled data from three studies (n = 851) showed that 73% of these women were breastfeeding (95% CI 0.42, 0.96; I² 98.7%). At six months, the rate of exclusive breastfeeding, based on pooled data from three studies (n = 1121), was 29.5% (95% CI 0.14, 0.477, I² 97.5%). Significant heterogeneity was observed, suggesting that the results should be interpreted with caution. Three key themes emerged from the analysis of 12 studies: (1) balancing supportive factors with traditional practices, (2) the role of health service provision in breastfeeding, and (3) the influence of socioeconomic factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This review highlights the importance of integrating cultural competence into healthcare strategies to better support breastfeeding mothers. Additionally, a national infant feeding survey is recommended to address the existing knowledge gaps in the UAE.</p>","PeriodicalId":54266,"journal":{"name":"International Breastfeeding Journal","volume":"20 1","pages":"37"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12085000/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144086943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}