scholarly journals A mixed-methods longitudinal study of Marshallese infant feeding beliefs and experiences in the United States: a study protocol

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Britni L. Ayers ◽  
Cari A. Bogulski ◽  
Lauren Haggard-Duff ◽  
James P. Selig ◽  
Pearl A. McElfish
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Exclusive Breastfeeding ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
The United States ◽  
Breastfeeding Intention ◽  
Maternal And Infant Health

Abstract Background Arkansas has the largest population of Marshallese Pacific Islanders residing in the continental United States. Marshallese are disproportionately burdened by poorer maternal and infant health outcomes. Exclusive breastfeeding can prevent or help mitigate maternal and infant health disparities. However, exclusive breastfeeding among United States Marshallese communities remains disproportionately low, and the reasons are not well documented. This paper describes the protocol of a mixed-methods concurrent triangulation longitudinal study designed to explore the beliefs and experiences that serve as barriers and/or facilitators to exclusive breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration among Marshallese mothers in northwest Arkansas. Methods The mixed-methods design collects qualitative and quantitative data during simultaneous data collection events, at third trimester, six weeks postpartum, and six months postpartum. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed separately and then synthesized during the interpretation phase. The research team will disseminate results to study participants, research stakeholders, the broader Marshallese community, and fellow researchers. Discussion Findings and results will be presented in subsequent manuscripts upon completion of the study. This study will be an important first step to better understand beliefs and experiences to exclusive breastfeeding intention, initiation, and duration in this community and will inform tools and interventions to help improve health outcomes. The study will also aid in filling the gap in research and providing essential information on the infant feeding beliefs and barriers among a Marshallese community in Arkansas.

scholarly journals Outcomes of Care for 1,892 Doula-Supported Adolescent Births in the United States: The DONA International Data Project, 2000 to 2013

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtney L. Everson ◽  
Melissa Cheyney ◽  
Marit L. Bovbjerg
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Perinatal Care ◽  
The United States ◽  
National Sample ◽  
Outcomes Of Care ◽  
Adolescent Deliveries ◽  
Maternal And Infant Health ◽  
International Data

This is the largest study to-date to report on outcomes of care for a national sample of doula-supported adolescent births (n = 1,892, birth years 2000 to 2013). Descriptive statistics were calculated for maternal demographics, risk profiles, labor/birth interventions and occurrences, and birth outcomes. In this national sample, childbearing adolescents and their neonates experienced improved health outcomes and lower rates of intervention relative to national statistics for adolescent deliveries in the United States. Key findings are consistent with previous studies on the effects of doula care for marginalized and medically underserved communities. Results strengthen the case for doulas as a perinatal care strategy for improving maternal and infant health outcomes and decreasing inequities among childbearing adolescents.

scholarly journals Analysis of Prenatal Breastfeeding Self-Efficacy and Anxiety Surrounding Giving Birth During COVID-19 Among Pregnant Women in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 236-236
Author(s):  
Erin McKinley
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Sample Mean ◽  
Feeding Method ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Breastfeeding Intention ◽  
Food And Agriculture

Abstract Objectives To assess the relationship between perceived level of anxiety and concern with giving birth during COVID-19 and level of prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy among a sample of pregnant persons in the United States. Methods A sample of 849 pregnant persons, representing all 50 states and 5 US territories, were recruited via social media advertisements to take a 78-item web-based survey between May and December of 2020. The survey items assessed prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy using the valid PREP to BF scale, breastfeeding intention, anxiety with giving birth during COVID-19, concern for the baby being exposed at birth, and confusion with pregnancy recommendations during COVID-19. Results The sample, mean age 28.9 years, had a relatively high mean PREP to BF score (308.52 ± 62.74; range 39–390). Over 95% indicated a plan to incorporate breastmilk into their infant feeding routine either exclusively (68.96%) or in combination (26.5%). Seventy-one % were not confused by safe pregnancy recommendations, while 50.7% were “concerned” or “very concerned” their baby would be exposed to COVID-19 at birth, and 63.3% indicated they were “anxious” or “very anxious” about giving birth during the pandemic. One-way ANOVAs revealed persons with higher perceived anxiety (P = .024), more confusion over recommendations (P < .001), and more concern for their baby's exposure (P = .002) had significantly lower PREP to BF scores than their counterparts. Conclusions A pregnant person's anxiety, confusion over recommendations, and concern for their baby's safety had significant negative effects on prenatal self-efficacy for successful breastfeeding after birth during COVID-19. Prenatal healthcare teams should aim to discuss these aspects and reassure of proven safety protocols with pregnant patients to ease anxiety, confusion, or fear while helping to maintain or improve self-efficacy for the intended infant feeding method. Funding Sources This material is based upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, US Department of Agriculture, Hatch project LAB94426.

Review of the Epidemiologic Evidence for an Association Between Infant Feeding and Infant Health

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1984 ◽  
Vol 74 (4) ◽  
pp. 615-638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mary Grace Kovar ◽  
Mary K. Serdula ◽  
James S. Marks ◽  
David W. Fraser
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Breast Feeding ◽  
Intellectual Development ◽  
Infant Health ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
The United States ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Industrialized Countries ◽  
Disease Specific

The approach in this paper is to investigate the health impact of feeding infants breast milk or its substitutes in the United States and other industrialized countries today. This report is limited to an evaluation of epidemiologic and clinical studies of human populations conducted in the United States and other industrialized countries and published since 1970. QUESTIONS ADDRESSED This review addresses five questions on breast-feeding: 1. Is breast-feeding associated with lower post-neonatal mortality than alternative forms of feeding? 2. Is breast-feeding associated with lower infectious disease-specific morbidity than alternative forms of feeding? 3. Is breast-feeding associated with lower rates of allergic disease-specific morbidity than alternative forms of feeding? 4. Is breast-feeding associated with malnutrition as indicated by either unusually rapid growth or faltering growth? 5. Is breast-feeding associated with bonding or with better psychological and intellectual development? QUESTIONS NOT ADDRESSED The decision to focus on specific questions meant that several issues could not be addressed. For example, the relationship between breast-feeding and fertility, the possible impact of breast-feeding on the mother's health, and the possible impact of a mother's health condition or her use of drugs on infant feeding are not discussed, nor are medical characteristics of the infant that might make breast-feeding difficult or inadvisable. Thus, several factors that should be taken into consideration in evaluating whether breast-feeding should be encouraged or discouraged in specific circumstances are not discussed in this section. Biochemical and immunologic laboratory studies and animal studies have also not been reviewed. Such studies are potentially valuable, and the decision to exclude them should in no way be interpreted as failure to recognize their importance.

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