Breastfeeding MedicinePub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-04-21DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2024.0368
Luis Seoane Estruel, Tatiana Andreyeva
{"title":"Maternity Care Practices and Their Role in U.S. Breastfeeding Disparities.","authors":"Luis Seoane Estruel, Tatiana Andreyeva","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2024.0368","DOIUrl":"10.1089/bfm.2024.0368","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Breastfeeding provides substantial health benefits for both children and mothers; yet the U.S. rates remain suboptimal, with disparities shaped by structural, social, and policy factors. This study examines how the U.S. hospital maternity care practices influence breastfeeding initiation, with particular attention to their impact across different population groups. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We analyzed cross-sectional county-level variations in hospital maternity care quality and breastfeeding initiation from 2017 to 2022 using data from the National Vital Statistics System and the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care (mPINC) surveys. We employed a linear probability model to assess these relationships. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Higher county mPINC scores are significantly associated with increased breastfeeding initiation, with each additional point linked to a 0.10 percentage point (pp) increase (<i>p</i> < 0.001). This association varies by race/ethnicity. Each additional mPINC point corresponds to a 0.25 pp increase for non-Hispanic Black mothers (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and a 0.14 pp increase for non-Hispanic American Indian/Alaska Native mothers (<i>p</i> < 0.001), approximately three and two times higher, respectively, than the increase for non-Hispanic White mothers. The effect of better maternity practices also differs by county type, with a 0.08 pp increase in metro areas (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and a 0.17 pp increase in nonmetro areas (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Higher quality hospital maternity care practices are associated with increased breastfeeding initiation, particularly among population groups with historically lower breastfeeding rates. Enhancing maternity care policies and practices may help reduce long-standing breastfeeding disparities.</p>","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"579-587"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143964980","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Breastfeeding MedicinePub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-22DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2025.0064
Sarra Bae, Erin M Schofield, Natalie L Davis
{"title":"Toxicology Screening for Marijuana and Impact on Breast Milk Feeding Policies in Neonatal Intensive Care Units.","authors":"Sarra Bae, Erin M Schofield, Natalie L Davis","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0064","DOIUrl":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0064","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major psychoactive marijuana cannabinoid, can be transferred to neonates via maternal breast milk (MBM) feeds, but available literature on the safety of concomitant breastfeeding and THC use is inconsistent. This study aimed to assess neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) policies related to toxicology screening and provision of MBM from THC-positive mothers. We hypothesized variation in policies exists across the nation and may be associated with state legalization status. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Cross-sectional survey of U.S. NICU policies related to: (1) toxicology screening of mother-baby dyads and (2) MBM feeding limitations based on THC screening status. We assessed the impact of THC legalization status on the various MBM limitations. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Of 187 NICUs surveyed, 79% performed selective toxicology screening based on risk factors, clinical concerns, or provider discretion. Of those that specifically addressed THC exposure and MBM feeding policies, 60% had at least one limitation to MBM feeds, ranging from preventing any MBM feeding during NICU admission to limiting MBM until mother tested negative for THC. We found no significant association between state legalization status and MBM limitations. NICU and nursery policies differed in 33% of institutions. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Substantial variation exists in NICU policies regarding toxicology screening and MBM limitations related to THC. These inconsistent policies are based not on THC legalization status but rather on the location of delivery. More research is needed on the effect of THC exposure on neonates, but we could limit inconsistent care by following current national medical organization guidelines of education and shared decision-making with mothers.</p>","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"567-572"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144118804","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Breastfeeding MedicinePub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-04-04DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2025.0018
Susanna Foxworthy Scott, Julie Searcy, Izzi Jordan
{"title":"\"Why Is There Not a Doctor that Knows Anything About This Part of My Body?\" Patient Perspectives on Chronic Lactation Insufficiency.","authors":"Susanna Foxworthy Scott, Julie Searcy, Izzi Jordan","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0018","DOIUrl":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0018","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Introduction:</i></b> Although exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of life, many lactating individuals discontinue due to low milk supply, a condition sometimes referred to as chronic lactation insufficiency (CLI). Affecting an estimated 5-15% of lactating individuals, CLI can stem from both extrinsic factors (e.g., infant feeding challenges) and intrinsic ones (e.g., endocrine or metabolic disorders). This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of individuals with CLI and their interactions with healthcare providers (HCPs). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 individuals who self-reported experiencing low milk supply, were 18 or older, and were members of the \"IGT and Low Milk Supply Support Group\" on Facebook, which has approximately 10,700 members. Data were analyzed using phronetic iterative analysis which is a cyclical, reflexive coding approach that emphasizes practical reasoning. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Participants reported significant challenges, including: (1) not being believed or taken seriously; (2) facing discrepancies between providers that led to fragmented care; and (3) experiencing a lack of knowledge from HCPs, including lactation consultants. Many described actively seeking a diagnosis and meaningful support but instead receiving inconsistent advice and little to no diagnostic insight into their condition. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> These findings highlight the urgent need for improved education and training among HCPs to address the complex realities of CLI. They also point to the importance of advancing personalized approaches to breastfeeding support and expanding research to determine causes and diagnostics for low milk supply. By centering patient voices, this study identifies critical gaps in care and communication that prevent effective support for those navigating CLI.</p>","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"554-559"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143779074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Breastfeeding MedicinePub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-03-26DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2024.0392
Sarah Costello, Donna Santillan, Tope Awelewa, Noelle Bowdler
{"title":"Influence of Race and Ethnicity on Meeting Intention to Exclusively Breast Milk Feed at Postpartum Hospital Discharge.","authors":"Sarah Costello, Donna Santillan, Tope Awelewa, Noelle Bowdler","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2024.0392","DOIUrl":"10.1089/bfm.2024.0392","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Racial/Ethnic disparities in breastfeeding practices exist despite strong evidence for significant health benefits of breastfeeding for the mother-newborn dyad. Breastfeeding intentions are known to predict breastfeeding practices at hospital discharge and breastfeeding retention in the long term. Interventions during postpartum hospitalization can help mothers achieve breastfeeding intentions and reduce racial/ethnic gaps in breastfeeding on discharge. This study aims to identify racial/ethnic disparities in meeting intentions to exclusively breast milk feed (EBMF) on hospital discharge. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> This was a retrospective cohort study of mothers who intended to EBMF and their newborns delivered at term at a single academic medical center during 2022. The primary outcome was EBMF at discharge. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Participants included non-Hispanic Black (NHB) (<i>n</i> = 96), Hispanic (<i>n</i> = 97), and non-Hispanic White (NHW) (<i>n</i> = 955) mothers who intended to EBMF. Mothers who identified as NHB (40.6%) or Hispanic (64.9%) were significantly less likely to EBMF compared with NHW (87.5%) mothers (odds ratio [OR] = 0.14, 95%CI [0.08, 0.23] and OR = 0.37, 95%CI [0.22, 0.61], respectively) at newborn hospital discharge. Rurality, insurance type, gravidity, parity, gestational diabetes, and birth weight were not associated with breast feeding choice/practices at discharge, but increasing age was associated with an increased likelihood of EBMF (OR = 1.07, 95%CI [1.03, 1.11]), as was neonatal intensive care unit admission (OR = 2.93, 95%CI [1.18, 7.31]). Cesarean birth was associated with decreased likelihood of EBMF (OR = 0.57, 95%CI [0.38, 0.85]). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Significant racial/ethnic disparities in EBMF at hospital discharge exist among those who intended to EBMF, which are not explained by differences in other examined covariates.</p>","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"546-553"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143708396","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Breastfeeding MedicinePub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-04-17DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2025.0086
Philip O Anderson
{"title":"Antipsychotics and Breastfeeding.","authors":"Philip O Anderson","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0086","DOIUrl":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0086","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"531-534"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143971890","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Breastfeeding MedicinePub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-13DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2025.0045
Antoinette Nelson-Rodriguez, Kelley Saia, Xin Xie, Jeremiah Momper, Davida M Schiff, Elisha M Wachman
{"title":"Pharmacokinetics and Breast Milk Transfer to Infants of Subcutaneous Extended-Release Buprenorphine for the Treatment of Individuals with Opioid Use Disorder.","authors":"Antoinette Nelson-Rodriguez, Kelley Saia, Xin Xie, Jeremiah Momper, Davida M Schiff, Elisha M Wachman","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0045","DOIUrl":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0045","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Background:</i></b> Extended-release buprenorphine (XR BUP) is commonly used for individuals with opioid-use disorder (OUD), however, with limited experience in pregnancy. <i>N</i>-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), an excipient of monthly XR BUP formulations, is a developmental toxicant. No information is available on pharmacokinetics or breast milk transfer in lactating individuals receiving XR BUP. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Samples of maternal plasma, infant plasma, and breast milk were collected from lactating individuals between 0 and 6 months postpartum receiving monthly XR BUP. All samples were analyzed for BUP and NMP concentrations using a validated liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry assay. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Three lactating individuals provided a total of nine maternal plasma, six infant plasma, and five breast milk samples. Mean BUP concentrations were 6.0 ng/mL (standard deviation [SD] 1.6) in maternal plasma, 8.9 ng/mL (SD 6.6) in breast milk, and below the lower limit of quantitation for all infant plasma samples. We estimated the relative infant dose (RID) of BUP to be 1%. NMP was detectable in maternal plasma (mean 5.43 μg/mL, SD 4.56) and breast milk (mean 3.83 μg/mL, SD 5.07) only from samples measured between 1 and 5 hours after dosing. NMP was not detected in infant plasma. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> Among lactating individuals receiving XR BUP, BUP was present in low levels in maternal plasma (similar to nonlactating individuals on XR BUP) and breast milk of lactating individuals receiving XR BUP (similar to lactating individuals on sublingual BUP), resulting in a low RID. NMP passes into breast milk, however, was not present in infant plasma. Additional data are needed before definitive conclusions can be made.</p>","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"588-592"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12411086/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143966708","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Breastfeeding MedicinePub Date : 2025-08-01Epub Date: 2025-05-15DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2025.0113
Elien Rouw
{"title":"To Supplement or Not to Supplement-That Is the Question.","authors":"Elien Rouw","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0113","DOIUrl":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0113","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":"598-599"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144075970","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Why We Should Attend a Breastfeeding Medicine Conference.","authors":"Elien Rouw, Julie Ware","doi":"10.1177/15568253251364370","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15568253251364370","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2025-07-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144741181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Hematologic Drugs and Breastfeeding.","authors":"Philip O Anderson","doi":"10.1177/15568253251359880","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/15568253251359880","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144625373","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rebecca Hoban, Qinglin Pei, Clarisa Medina Poeliniz, Yarden Golan Maor, Rachel E Walker, Paula P Meier, Angela Monk, Leslie A Parker
{"title":"Maternal Complications of Pregnancy and Achievement of Secretory Activation and Coming to Volume in Breast Pump-Dependent Mothers of Preterm Infants.","authors":"Rebecca Hoban, Qinglin Pei, Clarisa Medina Poeliniz, Yarden Golan Maor, Rachel E Walker, Paula P Meier, Angela Monk, Leslie A Parker","doi":"10.1089/bfm.2025.0040","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2025.0040","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b><i>Objective:</i></b> Mother's own milk (MOM) sodium (Na) is an objective measure of secretory activation (SA), which is often delayed or impaired after preterm delivery. We sought to determine in pump-dependent mothers of preterm infants, impacts of maternal comorbidities on lactation outcomes using objective measures, including MOM Na, pumping frequency and MOM volumes for the first 14 postpartum days. <b><i>Study Design:</i></b> In this secondary analysis of four prospective cohorts, we examined outcomes using logistic and linear regression, survival analysis, and mediation and moderation sub-analyses. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A total of 143 mothers (57.3% Black, 30.8% Hispanic; 35.0% with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy [HDP]; 9.8% diabetic; 73.8% high body mass index [BMI]) delivered at 29.1 ± 2.8 weeks. Mothers pumped 4.7 ± 1.8 times/daily. Daily pumping frequency was a significant independent predictor of all modeled outcomes (<i>p</i> < 0.001 SA achievement, maintenance, and time to SA achievement; daily MOM volume; coming to volume [CTV; 500 mL/day]). 88.1% achieved SA by MOM Na ≤16 mM at postpartum day 5.6 ± 2.5. Only 41.3% of this subset continuously maintained SA until postpartum day 14. HDP was negatively associated with time to SA (<i>p</i> = 0.039). BMI values were negatively associated with MOM volume (<i>p</i> = 0.017) and CTV achievement (<i>p</i> = 0.02). Effects of daily pumping frequency were moderated by BMI (SA achievement and time to SA) and diabetes (CTV), with worse outcomes for higher BMI or diabetes despite similar pumping frequencies. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Daily pumping frequency was the significant independent predictor for early lactation outcomes in a breast pump-dependent cohort of mothers of preterm infants. Further research on the interplay between modifiable and unmodifiable lactation risks in high-risk populations is needed.</p>","PeriodicalId":9142,"journal":{"name":"Breastfeeding Medicine","volume":"20 7","pages":"512-520"},"PeriodicalIF":2.1,"publicationDate":"2025-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144582999","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}