scholarly journals Providing breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic: Concerns of mothers who contacted the Australian Breastfeeding Association

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naomi Hull ◽  
Renee L Kam ◽  
Karleen D Gribble
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Response ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Milk Supply ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
National Planning ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Insufficient Milk

Concerns of mothers seeking breastfeeding support during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the experiences of Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) volunteers who assisted them, were explored via an online survey. Surveys were completed 16th March to 18th of May 2020 and described the COVID-19 related concerns of 340 individuals. One hundred and thirty six mothers (64%) sought support to protect their infants by continuing breastfeeding, increasing milk supply, or restarting breastfeeding. Mothers were commonly stressed, isolated and needing reassurance. Thirty four (10%) raised concerns about COVID-19 and breastfeeding safety. One hundred and twenty nine (61%) informed volunteers they were unable to access face-to-face health services because of fear or unavailability. Most common breastfeeding concerns were related to insufficient milk or weight gain, painful breasts, relactation, and reducing supplemental milk. Volunteers reported mothers were worried stress had reduced milk supply, that milk supply concerns were exacerbated by the inability to weigh infants, and that seeking medical treatment was being delayed. ABA volunteers stated they felt supported and confident assisting mothers while also expressing distress at mothers situation. ABAs role in emergency response should be recognised and national planning for infant and young child feeding in emergencies, must be urgently developed, funded, and implemented.

scholarly journals Breastfeeding and Humanitarian Emergencies: the Experiences of Pregnant and Lactating Women During the Earthquake in Abruzzo, Italy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Giusti ◽  
Francesca Marchetti ◽  
Francesca Zambri ◽  
Elide Pro ◽  
Eleonora Brillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Breast Milk Substitutes ◽  
Standard Practices

Abstract Background: Emergencies have a great impact on infant and young child feeding. Although the evidence, the recommended feeding practices are often not implemented in the emergency response, undermining infant and maternal health. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of pregnant and lactating women during the earthquake emergency that occurred in L’Aquila on April 6, 2009.Methods: The study design was qualitative descriptive. Data were collected by individual semi-structured interviews, investigating the mother’s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, infant formula or complementary feeding during the emergency and the post emergency phase. Data analysis was categorical and was performed by using N-Vivo software.Results: Six women who were pregnant at the time of the earthquake were interviewed in January 2010. In addition to the essential needs of pregnant and lactating women, such as those related to the emergency shelters conditions, the main findings emerged from this study were: the reconfiguration of relationships and the central role of partners and family support; the need of spaces for sharing experiences and practices with other mothers; the lack of breastfeeding support after the hospital discharge; the inappropriate donations and distribution of Breast Milk Substitutes.Conclusions: During and after L’Aquila earthquake, several aspects of infant and young child feeding did not comply with standard practices and recommendations. The response system appeared not always able to address the specific needs of pregnant and lactating women. It is urgent to develop management plans, policies and procedures and provide communication, sensitization, and training on infant and young child feeding at all levels and sectors of the emergency response.

scholarly journals The experiences of pregnant and lactating women during the earthquake emergency in Abruzzo: ten years later, what have we learned?

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angela Giusti ◽  
Francesca Marchetti ◽  
Francesca Zambri ◽  
Elide Pro ◽  
Eleonora Brillo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Lactating Women ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Breast Milk Substitutes ◽  
Standard Practices

Abstract Background Emergencies have a great impact on infant and young child feeding. Although the evidence, the recommended feeding practices are still not implemented in the emergency response, undermining infant and maternal health. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of pregnant and lactating women during the earthquake emergency that occurred in L’Aquila on April 6, 2009. Methods The study design was qualitative descriptive. Data were collected by individual semi-structured interviews, investigating the mother’s experiences of pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, infant formula or complementary feeding during the emergency and the post emergency phase. Data analysis was categorical and was performed by using N-Vivo software. Results Six women who were pregnant at the time of the earthquake were interviewed in January 2010. In addition to the essential needs of pregnant and lactating women, such as those related to the emergency shelters conditions, the main findings emerged from this study were: the reconfiguration of relationships and the central role of partners and family support; the need of spaces for sharing experiences and practices with other mothers; the lack of breastfeeding support after the hospital discharge; the inappropriate donations and distribution of Breast Milk Substitutes. Conclusions During and after L’Aquila earthquake, several aspects of infant and young child feeding did not comply with standard practices and recommendations. The response system appeared not always able to address the specific needs of pregnant and lactating women. It is urgent to develop management plans, policies and procedures and provide communication, sensitization, and training on infant and young child feeding at all levels and sectors of the emergency response.

scholarly journals Information seeking of French parents regarding Infant and Young Child Feeding: practices, needs and determinants

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-34
Author(s):  
Sofia De Rosso ◽  
Sophie Nicklaus ◽  
Pauline Ducrot ◽  
Camille Schwartz
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Medical Condition ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Child Age

Abstract Objective: As part of an update of feeding benchmarks targeting children aged 0 to 3 years, this study aimed to explore parental perceptions, information-seeking practices and needs concerning infant and young child feeding (IYCF) to design an efficient communication strategy. Design: Participants were recruited using the quota sampling to complete an online survey. Effects of parity, child age, prematurity, parental education and financial situation on parents’ responses were evaluated separately. Setting: France. Participants: A nationally representative sample of 1001 parents of children <4 years. Results: Parents whose child had any medical condition affecting feeding (CMC, 17%) were considered separately from healthy children’s parents. All the healthy children’s parents recognized the importance of IYCF for children’s health and growth; however, one-third considered the available advice contradictory and not guilt-free. The most used information sources were healthcare professionals (HCPs, 81%), internet (72%) and parental networks (63%). The most influential sources (mean influence ± SDs) included HCPs (7.7±1.7/10), childcare professionals (7.3±1.8/10) and parental networks (6.9±1.8/10). Parents searched for practical tips for implementing IYCF starting when their child was 5 months old. Differences regarding the type of source used by parents with higher vs. lower educations were small. Search strategies differed according to parity or child age but not to prematurity. The CMC parents reported slightly different practices and needs. Conclusions: Parents receive information from multiple sources, which can lead to confusion when deciding which advice to follow. A public health communication strategy adapted to the current parental needs should target these various sources.

scholarly journals The Implementation of Infant and Young Children Feeding Counseling

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (E) ◽  
pp. 224-228
Author(s):  
Elvyrah Faisal ◽  
Fahmi Hafid ◽  
Dwi Erma Kusumawati ◽  
Nasrul Nasrul ◽  
Jurana Jurana
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Child Survival ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Healthy Growth ◽  
The Right ◽  
Central Sulawesi

BACKGROUND: Counseling is an important part of successful infant and young child feeding (IYCF). Optimal IYCF is a key area for improving child survival and promoting healthy growth and development. AIM: The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics and to provide an overview of the input, process, and output components of IYCF counseling in the Central Sulawesi stunting area. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This type of research is a semi-quantitative study which describes the knowledge and abilities of counselors. The population in this study were nutrition officers, midwives, and cadres who had received IYCF training and had followed the orientation of the IYCF module for at least 30 h in stunting focus locations. The sample in the study was counselors who received training in three subdistricts of Central of Sulawesi. RESULTS: The informants were 14 IYCF counselors. All respondents were female, aged 22–48 years. The method of counseling is by the counselor visiting pregnant women/mothers of toddlers/caregivers directly and face to face. In general, inadequate counseling room facilities are the barrier faced by counselors. Training was only limited to orientation and there was no post-training monitoring. The activities carried out by the counselor are in the range of 70–86%. Benefit of giving counseling for IYCF is that mothers will know nutritional status of their children. IYCF increases knowledge about breastfeeding better than milk formulas, the right type and age of feeding. The training has referred to the module referring to the WHO/UNICEF module which is presented in 37 h of field lessons. CONCLUSIONS: Counseling is an important part of successful IYCF. The method of counseling is by the counselor visiting pregnant women/mothers of toddlers/caregivers directly and face to face. Benefit of giving counseling for IYCF is that mothers will know nutritional status of their children.

PERCEIVED INSUFFICIENT MILK AS A BARRIER TO OPTIMAL INFANT FEEDING: EXAMPLES FROM BOLIVIA

2005 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 341-364 ◽  
Author(s):  
MARGARET F. McCANN ◽  
DEBORAH E. BENDER
Keyword(s):  
Infant Feeding ◽  
Global Strategy ◽  
World Health ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Infant Feeding Decisions ◽  
Insufficient Milk ◽  
Research Recommendations ◽  
Urgent Action

In its recently adopted Global Strategy on Infant and Young Child Feeding, the World Health Assembly called for urgent action in addressing the barriers to optimal feeding practices. This paper examines mothers’ concerns about milk insufficiency as a major contributor to suboptimal infant feeding decisions, using survey data from periurban areas of two Bolivian cities. Mothers in the lowland modernizing city of Santa Cruz were more likely than mothers in the highland traditional city of Cochabamba to express concern about insufficient milk, and also less likely to feed their infants according to international recommendations. Furthermore, perceived milk insufficiency was particularly common among mothers of infants younger than 6 months of age – an age at which infants are particularly vulnerable to the adverse effects of breast-feeding cessation and complementary feeding initiation. The paper concludes with policy, programme and research recommendations to address the critical problem of perceived insufficient breast milk.

scholarly journals Effectiveness of peer counseling and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors in the Philippines

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ofelia P Saniel ◽  
Veincent Christian F Pepito ◽  
Arianna Maever L Amit
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Support Groups ◽  
The Philippines ◽  
Breastfeeding Support ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Peer Counselors ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Child Feeding Practices ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Peer Counselor

Abstract Background: The prevalence of early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF)and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) remain low in the Philippines. To help meet the 90% EIBF target and to improve infant and young child feeding practices in the Philippines, the Millennium Development Goals - Fund 2030 Joint Programme (JP) on Ensuring Food Security and Nutrition for Children 0-24 months old was implemented. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of visits by a peer counselor during pregnancy and after delivery, and membership in breastfeeding support groups in promoting these optimal breastfeeding practices. We also aimed to examine the interaction between these two activities to assess their joint effects on both EIBF and EBF.Methods: We used data from the Endline Survey of the Joint Program , which collected socioeconomic data from the households of the mother-infant dyads, demographic characteristics of the mothers, and their particular infant and young child feeding practices. We used logistic regression methods for survey data to study these associations.Results: Out of the 2,343 mother-infant dyads, only 1,500 (63.1%) practiced EIBF and only 624 (27.9%) practiced EBF. After controlling for confounders, those who were visited by a peer counselor during the prenatal period had 1.32 times greater odds of practicing EIBF (95%CI: 0.96, 1.80) and 0.91 times lower odds (aOR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.68, 1.22) of practicing EBF compared to those who were not visited. The association between visits by a peer counselor and EIBF was weak and statistically insignificant. The odds of EBF was also 26% higher among those who were visited by peer counselors after delivery (aOR: 1.26; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.75), but this association was also weak and statistically not significant. Members of breastfeeding support groups had 1.49 times higher odds of EIBF (95% CI: 1.12, 1.98) and 1.59 times higher odds of EBF (95% CI: 1.21, 2.10) compared to those who were not members of breastfeeding support groups; both associations were statistically significant. However, there was no interaction between the different exposure variables on their effects on EIBF and EBF. Conclusions: Breastfeeding support groups may be institutionalized to promote both EIBF and EBF in the Philippines. The role of peer counselors in promoting optimal breastfeeding behaviors should be further reviewed in light of the findings of this study.

scholarly journals Qualitative, longitudinal exploration of coping strategies and factors facilitating infant and young child feeding practices among mothers in rural Rwanda

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanine Ahishakiye ◽  
Lenneke Vaandrager ◽  
Inge D. Brouwer ◽  
Maria Koelen
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Young Child ◽  
Coping Strategies ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child

Abstract Background Mothers in low-income countries face many challenges to appropriately feed their children in the first year such as poverty, food insecurity and high workloads. However, even in the lowest income families there are mothers who succeed to feed their children according to the recommendations. In this paper, we explored the coping strategies that facilitate appropriate breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices among rural Rwandan mothers from birth to one year of a child’s life. Methods This qualitative longitudinal study recruited a purposive sample of 17 mothers who followed the infant and young child feeding recommendations (IYCF). They were selected from a larger study of 36 mothers. In-depth interviews were conducted with mothers of the total group (36 mothers) within the first week, at 4th, 6th, 9th and 12th months postpartum. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Results Coping strategies included improving mothers’ own diet for adequate breastmilk production, prioritizing child feeding over livelihood chores, livelihood diversification and mothers’ anticipatory behaviors such as preparing child’s food in advance. Some of those coping strategies were shifting overtime depending on the development of the children. Personal factors such as breastfeeding self-efficacy, religious beliefs and perceived benefits of breastfeeding were among the facilitating factors. Additionally, social support that mothers received from family members, other mothers in the community, Community Health Workers (CHWs) and health professionals played an important role. Conclusion In challenging contextual conditions, mothers manage to follow the recommended breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices through the interplay of active coping strategies, feeling to be in control and social support. Nutrition promotion interventions that aim to improve IYCF should consider strengthening mothers’ capability in gaining greater control of their IYCF practices and the factors facilitating their appropriate IYCF practices.

scholarly journals Mothers’ perceptions on and learning from infant and young child feeding videos displayed in Mother and Child Health Centers in Kenya - a qualitative and quantitative approach

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-38
Author(s):  
Lauriina Schneider ◽  
Mikko Kosola ◽  
Kerttu Uusimäki ◽  
Sari Ollila ◽  
Crippina Lubeka ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Complementary Feeding ◽  
Health Centers ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Mother And Child Health ◽  
Mother And Child ◽  
And Child Health ◽  
Child Health Centers

Abstract Objective The objective was to explore mothers’ perceptions of educational videos on infant and young child feeding practices, and to assess whether viewing frequencies would influence maternal knowledge, attitudes and feeding practices (KAPs). Design A set of 47 videos were displayed in health centers for 6 months. At three months, we conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with mothers and at six months, administered KAP-questionnaire-based interviews to mothers. Using a quasi-experimental design we compared groups according to video viewing frequencies. Setting The study was conducted in a slum in Nairobi and a rural area in Machakos, Kenya. We installed TV screens in waiting rooms of six Mother and Child Health Centers, where mothers could choose to watch them. Participants Forty-three mothers with children aged 0 to 48 months participated in six FGDs and 547 mothers of children aged 0 to 23 months in KAP interviews. Results The mothers from the FGDs found the videos acceptable and beneficial. Videos enhanced mothers’ learning and empowered them to support others in learning. The KAP data showed that after adjustments, breastfeeding (p=0.06) and complementary feeding knowledge (p=0.01), complementary feeding attitudes (p=0.08), as well as hygiene knowledge and practices (p=0.003) were better among mothers who had seen videos three to four times, or five or more times, compared to mothers who had seen the videos once or twice. Conclusions Videos were an accepted form of education and were beneficial when watched repeatedly. The videos could be a good addition to current IYCF education efforts in Kenya.

scholarly journals Infant and young child feeding practices in Ethiopia: analysis of socioeconomic disparities based on nationally representative data

2021 ◽  
Vol 79 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigatu Regassa Geda ◽  
Cindy Xin Feng ◽  
Bonnie Janzen ◽  
Rein Lepnurm ◽  
Carol J. Henry ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Child ◽  
Feeding Practices ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Proportional Odds ◽  
Child Feeding ◽  
Gainful Employment ◽  
Young Child Feeding ◽  
Child Feeding Practices ◽  
Infant And Young Child ◽  
Unit Increase

Abstract Background Undernutrition among children is a priority area of public health concern in Ethiopia. The purpose of this study was to examine disparities in Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices among children 6–23 months. Method Data were drawn from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS). A total of 3240 children aged 6–23 months were used for the present analysis. The outcome variable was IYCF practice score (ranging 0–7) which was constructed based on the linear and combined effects of four sets of variables: breastfeeding, avoidance of bottle feeding, diet diversity score and minimum feeding frequency. IYCF practice score was further recoded into three categories. Proportional odds regression was used to assess the determinants of IYCF category. Results The proportional odds regression analysis showed that IYCF scores significantly decreased by 5% (Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) = 0.95; 95% CI: 0.93–0.97) for every unit increase in the child’s age. Households with fathers of primary and secondary and above level education were 1.37 times (95% CI: 1.14–1.66) and 1.67 times (95% CI: 1.26–2.23) more likely to be in the high IYCF category than in the poor IYCF category. The likelihood of being in the high IYCF practice category decreased for non-working mothers by 30% (AOR = 0.70; 95% CI: 0.59–0.83) compared to those working in gainful employment. The chance of being in the high IYCF practice category decreased by 29% for households with no access to radio (AOR = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.59–0.85). Those with medium and rich/richer wealth category were 1.54 times (95% CI: 1.22–1.94) and 1.40 times (95% CI: 1.11–1.75) more likely to belong to high IYCF practice category than being in poor IYCF category. For every unit increase in health service utilization, the chance of falling in higher IYCF category increases by 1.15 times (95% CI: 1.08–1.23). The chance of falling in higher IYCF practice category decreases for rural residents by 37% (AOR = 0.63; 95% CI: 0.47–0.84) compared to those residing in urban areas. Conclusion For a child, the first two years is the time span during which linear faltering of growth is most prevalent and the period when the process of becoming stunted is almost complete. This study recommends improving access to women for gainful employment, provision of economic support to poor rural women, education and promotion of nutrition messages using most accessible media and boosting the positive role of fathers in child feeding practices.

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