Breast feeding horizon scanning bulletin – Volume 3 Issue 7

A Critical Review of the Impact of Continuing Breastfeeding Education Provided to Nurses and Midwives

Source: Journal of Human Lactation, 2011, 27 (4) p. 381-393.

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Review.

In a nutshell: A review of 15 studies analyzing practices related to the continuing education of health care professionals in relation to breastfeeding.  The findings of this review support the WHO assertion that health care professionals who look after pregnant women and new mothers should receive at least 18 hours of education on this specialised area of care.

Length of publication: 13 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Maternal diet and breastfeeding: A case for rethinking physiological explanations for breastfeeding determinants

Source: Early Human Development, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2011.11.002 (in press)

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: This paper examines the relationship between maternal diet and duration of breastfeeding.  The authors found that although there was a correlation between higher maternal vegetable & fruit intake and longer breastfeeding, there was no causal relationship.  However, it was noted that a broader understanding of the social determinants of breastfeeding is needed.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Breastfeeding Multiples: it can be done.

Source: Newborn & Infant Nursing Reviews, 2011, 11 (4), p. 194-197.

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: December, 2011.

Publication type: Journal article.

In a nutshell: An article looking at many of the issues surrounding breastfeeding and multiple births and what support is available for mother and baby.

Length of publication: 4 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library

Gender differences in the effect of breastfeeding on adult psychological well-being

Source: European Journal of Public Health, 2011, doi:10.1093/eurpub/ckr135

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: October 2011

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: This study uses data from the National Child Development Study (1958) and the British Cohort Study (1970) to explore the hypothesis that breastfed babies would have higher psychological well-being in adulthood in relation to the pathway of childhood psychological adjustment. After taking socio-demographic factors at birth into account, the study found that being breastfed contributed to psychological well-being in women, but not men.

Length of publication: 6 pages

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Exploring the mother’s perception of latching difficulty in the first days after birth: An interview study in an Italian hospital

Source: Midwifery, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.midw.2011.09.010

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: A study examining the issues and experiences of Italian mothers in relation latching difficulties in the first few days postpartum.  The authors identify a number of themes from this qualitative research which suggest that whilst many mothers develop their own approaches to overcome latching difficulties, they need consistent advice and support from health care professionals.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

A review of evidence around postnatal care and breastfeeding

Source: Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Reproductive Medicine, 2011, 21 (12) p. 346-350.

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: December, 2011.

Publication type: Journal article.

In a nutshell: A look back at developments in postnatal care over the last 10 years and how greater emphasis on evidence-based care has influenced postpartum and breastfeeding support. 

Length of publication: 5 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Tongue movement and intra-oral vacuum of term infants during breastfeeding and feeding from an experimental teat that released milk under vacuum only

Source: Early Human Development, 2011, doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2011.10.012  (in press)

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: This study examines the theory that a vacuum is integral to the removal of milk from the breast rather than peristaltic compression of the breast.  The study used a specially designed teat as well as breastfeeding and recorded ultrasound images and intra-oral vacuum measurements to ascertain the pressures and movements required to feed effectively.  It was found that breastfed infants were able to remove milk from a teat using only vacuum with a similar tongue movement to that of breastfeeding.  This supports recent suggestions that vacuum is a critical factor in removing milk from the breast.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Effect of Warm Breastshields on Breast Milk Pumping.

Source: Journal of Human Lactation, 2011, 27 (4) p.331-338.

Follow this link for abstract.

Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: A paper investigating the comfort, efficiency and effectiveness of expressing milk using a warmed breast shield and a standard breast shield.  The study found that using a warmed breast shield when expressing with an electric pump was comfortable for mothers and improved the efficiency of milk removal.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

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