Peer-led prenatal breast-feeding education: A viable alternative to nurse-led education.

Source: Midwifery, 2012, 28(1), p. 733-9.

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Date of publication: February, 2012.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: An evaluation of a pre-natal breastfeeding class developed and facilitated by peer breastfeeding “buddies” in comparison with an established nurse-led class. The findings suggest that peer-led breastfeeding classes can enhance the accessibility of breastfeeding education and support for expectant mothers.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens, for more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Juggling work and motherhood: the impact of employment and maternity leave on breastfeeding duration: a survival analysis on growing up in Scotland data.

Source: Maternal and Child Health Journal, 2012, 16 (2), p. 519-27.

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Date of publication: February, 2012.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: This study explored how employment and maternity leave related to the duration of breastfeeding among mothers inScotland. It found that employment and early return to work are both associated with shorter periods of breastfeeding and suggests that more flexible working and leave conditions could help to promote a longer duration of breastfeeding among working mothers.

Length of publication: 9 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.

Human milk vs formula feeding among preterm infants: short-term outcomes

Source: American Journal of Perinatology, 2012, 29 (2), p.121-6.

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Date of publication: February, 2012.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: A study examining the short-term outcomes among preterm infants in relation to the type of feeding administered – human milk or formula. The findings suggest that the advantages of human milk feeding of preterm infants may include lower incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).

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.

Can hormones in breastfeeding protect against postnatal depression?

Source: British Journal of Midwifery, 2012, 20 (2), p.88-93.

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Date of publication: February 2012.

Publication type: Journal article.

In a nutshell: This article examines the hormonal changes brought about by suckling and lactation which may act to reduce the incidence of postnatal depression. It follows on from a previous article which reviewed the evidence of the beneficial effects of breastfeeding against postnatal depression.

Length of publication: 6 pages.

Some important notes: This article is available in full text to all NHS Staff using Athens, for more information about accessing full text follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Methods of milk expression for lactating women

Source: The Cochrane Library

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Date of publication: 7^th December, 2011.

Publication type: Review.

In a nutshell: This is an update to a previous Cochrane review which aims to assess the acceptability, effectiveness, safety, effect on composition, contamination and cost implications of methods of milk expression. The available evidence indicates that low-cost measures such as early initiation of expressing for an infant unable to breastfeed, relaxation, hand expression, and lower cost pumps may be as effective, or more effective, than large electric pumps for some outcomes. Caution is needed in applying these results beyond the specific method examined in each study due to the small sample sizes, large standard deviations, small number of studies reviewed, and the diversity of the interventions examined.

Length of publication: 86 pages.

In-hospital formula supplementation of breastfed babies: a population-based survey

 

Source: Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 2011, 38 (4), p. 302-10.

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Date of publication: December, 2011.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: A study exploring the use of in-hospital formula supplementation and the factors associated with both mother and baby and care setting which influence this practice. The study suggests that the baby-friendly hospital initiative may be an effective strategy to better support exclusive breastfeeding.

Length of publication: 9 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.

Learning the hard way: expectations and experiences of infant feeding support

Source: Birth: Issues in Perinatal Care, 2012, early view: DOI: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.2011.00509.x

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Date of publication: 9^th January, 2012.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: Results of a large-scale national survey which aimed to gain a better understanding of what support is needed in the post-partum period to enable women to initiate and continue to breast feed their babies.

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 and infant temperament at age three months

Source: PloS, 2012, 7 (1), e29326.

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Date of publication: January 2012.

Publication type: Research

In a nutshell: This study suggests that breast-fed babies are more irritable. Over 300 mothers were asked to comment on the temperament of their own baby and to state whether they were using breast or bottle.  Breastfed babies were deemed to have “more challenging temperaments”. However, the authors suggest that whilst bottle-fed babies may appear more content they may be at of being over-nourished and greater weight gain.

Length of publication: 7 pages.

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.

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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)

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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.