Breastfeeding and Stress in Children

Abstract ObjectiveRepeated serious stress e.g. repeated serious life events or chronic stress may contribute to increased morbidity. One of the most important protective health factors for children is breast-feeding, but the mechanisms for this effect are not fully elucidated. Our objective was to assess if the duration of breastfeeding actually could influence degree of stress of children still at school-age. MethodsA random sample of 126 children from the ABIS-study, a prospective population-based child cohort study in southeast of Sweden was included. We had registered duration of breastfeeding and a number of psycho-social factors related to breast-feeding and/or stress. As a biomarker of stress we measured the child´s cortisol in hair at 8 years of age.ResultsWe found a negative correlation (r= -0.23, p=0.009) between total duration of breastfeeding and hair cortisol levels. In a multivariate analysis this association persisted (p=0.006) even when adjusted for other potential intervening factors like age of mother at delivery and early psychosocial vulnerability in the family, an index based on 12 factors.ConclusionA long breastfeeding seems to decrease stress many years later in children. This is a reason to facilitate for mothers to breast-feed their children, also in the modern society where women are expected to have a professional life.

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Breastfeeding and cortisol in hair in children

International Breastfeeding Journal ◽

10.1186/s13006-021-00419-8 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Johnny Ludvigsson ◽

Åshild Faresjö ◽

Tomas Faresjö

Keyword(s):

Total Duration ◽

Modern Society ◽

Population Based ◽

Immune Mediated ◽

Psychosocial Vulnerability ◽

Hair Samples ◽

The Family ◽

Cortisol Levels ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽

Intervening Factors

Abstract Background One of the most important protective health factors for children is breast-feeding, but the mechanisms for this effect are not fully elucidated. Our objective was to assess if the duration of breastfeeding influences cortisol in hair, used as a biomarker for stress in children still at school-age. Methods ABIS (All Babies in Southeast Sweden) is a prospective population-based child cohort study of 17,055 children born Oct 1st1997- Oct 1st 1999, with the aim to study development of immune-mediated diseases. Questionnaires were answered at birth and then at regular follow-ups, and biological samples were collected. As a biomarker of stress, we measured the child’s cortisol in hair collected at 8 years of age, those randomly selected N = 126 children among those with enough hair samples for analyses of hair at 8 years of age. Duration of breastfeeding had been registered as well as psycho-social factors related to breastfeeding and/or stress. Results There was a negative correlation (r = − 0.23, p = 0.01) between total duration of breastfeeding and hair cortisol levels at 8 years of age. In a multivariate analysis this association persisted (p = 0.01) even when adjusted for other potential intervening factors like age of mother at delivery and early psychosocial vulnerability in the family, an index based on 11 factors (Multivariate model: df = 5, adj R2 = 0.15, F = 5.38, p < 0.01). Conclusion Our results show that longer breastfeeding is associated with lower cortisol levels in the child many years later. These associations should be more elaborated in further studies, and these findings also give some implications for public health. Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their children also in the modern society, since breastfeeding promotes health in the child. This information could be given via the obstetric departments and later at the well-baby clinics.

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Premature weaning in East Bhutan: only if mother is pregnant again

Journal of Biosocial Science ◽

10.1017/s0021932000022781 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 27 (3) ◽

pp. 253-265 ◽

Cited By ~ 8

Author(s):

Erik Bohler ◽

Staffan Bergström

Keyword(s):

Breast Feeding ◽

Total Duration ◽

Subsequent Pregnancy ◽

First Year ◽

On Demand ◽

Breast Feed ◽

Negative Effect ◽

Second Year ◽

Supplementary Foods ◽

The Relationship

SummaryThe relationship between breast-feeding and subsequent pregnancy in East Bhutan is examined, against the background of local attitudes to family planning. Ninety-eight mothers who had given birth 30–36 months earlier were interviewed. Semisolid supplementary feeding was introduced at a median age of 3 months. Median total duration of breast-feeding was 28 months, and day and night breast-feeding on demand was continued throughout. Median duration of postpartum amenorrhoea was 12 months, and was associated with the timing of the introduction of supplementary foods.There was a significant association between the occurrence of a subsequent pregnancy and early termination of breast-feeding. The relationships between breast-feeding pattern and pregnancy interval are complex, and their relative influence changes with time. During the first year postpartum, infertility during lactational amenorrhoea is important. During the second year there is a strong negative effect on lactation from the next pregnancy. The only important reason for ceasing to breast-feed within 2 years seems to be a new pregnancy.

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Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Pregnant Women regarding Benefits of Breast Feeding and Immunization in newborns.

Journal of Bahria University Medical and Dental College ◽

10.51985/jbumdc2018010 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 08 (01) ◽

pp. 40-43

Author(s):

Kumail Sajjad ◽

Nafeesa Batool Kazmi ◽

Raheela Rafique ◽

Shakeel Ahmed

Keyword(s):

Pregnant Women ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Cross Sectional Study ◽

Millennium Development Goal ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Development Goal ◽

Breast Feed ◽

The Family ◽

Immunization Study

Objectives: To study the knowledge attitude and practices of pregnant women regarding benefits of breastfeeding and immunization. Study design: Descriptive cross-sectional study Material and Method: This study was conducted at Department of Obstetrics of P.N.S. Shifa Hospital Karachi over a period of six months. All pregnant women admitted in the obstetric ward were included. After obtaining informed consent participants were administered questionnaire, which was filled in by the researcher. The questions were in the native language. Performa includes questions pertinent to knowledge, attitude and practices regarding benefits of breast feeding and immunization to achieve the millennium development goal 4. Results: Despite of the level of education out of 235 participants at most of them (97%) were aware of role of immunization and breast feeding. But 14.5% lack knowledge of frequency of breast feeding. 42.11% participants said doctor advise her to breast feed while 52.2% counseled by the family lady, midwife and friends. 45.96% participants never got advice by the doctors against use of un-prescribed drugs during pregnancy. Conclusion: The knowledge attitude and practices of pregnant women regarding benefits of breastfeeding and immunization are not upto the mark. There is a need to increase the education of the mothers to ensure better understanding regarding breastfeeding and immunization to achieve the Millennium Development Goal 4.

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Breast Feeding among Mothers Attending Immunization Clinic at Health Centresin Rivers State Nigeria: An Institutional-based Survey

Archives of Current Research International ◽

10.9734/acri/2020/v20i230174 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 22-29

Author(s):

Nneka Gabriel-Job ◽

Uju S. Azubogu

Keyword(s):

Breast Feeding ◽

Work Place ◽

Breastfeeding Support ◽

The Family ◽

Health Centres ◽

Immunization Services ◽

Returning To Work ◽

One Year ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding ◽

Rivers State

Introduction: Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), is considered effective for children’s survival. The practice and duration of EBF still remain low. The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of breastfeeding and factors preventing EBF practicesamong mothers attending Health Centres for immunization services in Rivers State, Nigeria. Methodology: Participants (n=480) were mothers who delivered their babies 4-18 months before onset of the study and attended immunization clinic (Health Centres in Obio/Akpor, Rivers State, Nigeria). An interviewer administered pre-tested, semi structured questionnaire was used to obtain the following information: their knowledge of EBF, their breast feeding practices, and reasons for not practicing EBF. Results: Majority (86.3%) had heard of EBF, having heard it from a health facility. Only 153 (32.0%) women agreed that colostrum should be fed to a new born. 338 (70.4%) responded that the duration of EBF is 6 months while 302 (62.1%) responded that breast feeding should be stopped immediately after the infant becomes one year old. 149 (31.0%) practiced EBF; EBF was significantly related to antenatal care attendance(p = 0.02),spousal support(p = 0.03) and parity (p = 0.003). Returning to work after childbirth was the main reason for not practicing EBF. Conclusion: Adequate information on the benefits and duration of breastfeeding is needed to enable effective breastfeeding. Support from the family and work place may enhance the practice of EBF in Rivers State.

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Breast-feeding initiation and exclusive duration at 6 months by social class – results from the Millennium Cohort Study

Public Health Nutrition ◽

10.1079/phn2004702 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 8 (4) ◽

pp. 417-421 ◽

Cited By ~ 52

Author(s):

YJ Kelly ◽

RG Watt

Keyword(s):

Cohort Study ◽

Social Class ◽

Breast Feeding ◽

Population Based ◽

Millennium Cohort Study ◽

Feeding Rates ◽

Class Differences ◽

Breast Feed ◽

The Uk ◽

Breast Fed

AbstractObjectivesTo assess breast-feeding initiation and rates of exclusive breast-feeding for the first 6 months after birth, and to examine social class differences in breast-feeding rates.DesignFirst sweep of a longitudinal population-based survey, the Millennium Cohort Study.SettingFour countries of the UK.SubjectsSubjects were 18 125 singletons born over a 12-month period spanning 2000–01. Data were collected by parental interview on the initiation of breast-feeding and exclusivity at 1, 4 and 6 months after birth.ResultsOverall breast-feeding was initiated for 71% of babies, and by 1, 4 and 6 months of age the proportions being exclusively breast-fed were 34%, 3% and 0.3%, respectively. There were clear social class differences and mothers with routine jobs with the least favourable working conditions were more than four times less likely (odds ratio (OR) 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18–0.29) to initiate breast-feeding compared with women in higher managerial and professional occupations. Women in routine jobs were less likely to exclusively breast-feed their infants at 1 month (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.36–0.50) and 4 months (OR 0.5, 95% CI 0.31–0.77) compared with women in higher managerial and professional occupations.ConclusionsClear social class differences in breast-feeding initiation and exclusivity for the first 4 months were apparent in this large UK sample. By 6 months, less than 1% of babies were being exclusively breast-fed. A co-ordinated multi-faceted strategy is required to promote breast-feeding, particularly among lower-income women.

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Association between reproductive factors and postmenopausal osteoporosis

Osteologie/Osteology ◽

10.1055/s-0037-1620001 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 20 (03) ◽

pp. 248-251

Author(s):

H. R. Meybodi ◽

N. Khalili ◽

P. Khashayar ◽

R. Heshmat ◽

A. Hossein-nezhad ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bone Mineral Density ◽

Bone Mineral ◽

Reproductive Factors ◽

Population Based ◽

Age At Menarche ◽

Mineral Density ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Number Of Children ◽

Menstrual History ◽

Duration Of Breastfeeding

SummaryThe present cross-sectional research was designed to study possible correlations between clinical reproductive factors and bone mineral density (BMD) values.Using the data gathered by the population-based Iranian Multicenter Osteoporosis Study (IMOS), we investigated the correlation found between reproductive factors and osteoporosis. Subjects were recruited from five major cities of Iran. Bone mineral density was measured using Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry and the results were analyzed against the age at menarche and at menopause, number of pregnancies, children and abortions, and the history (and duration) of breastfeeding.Data was available for 2528 women. Gravidity and number of children were reversely correlated with BMD. Younger age at menarche was associated with higher BMD values, whereas there was no significant correlation between age at menopause and menstrual history and BMD.Our study suggests that clinical reproductive factors, particularly number of children and breastfeeding, could be incorporated as predictors of BMD levels in women. Given the controversial results obtained in different studies, longitudinal studies should be carried out to enlighten the importance of these factors and the rationale of their use to predict BMD values in different settings.

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A comparative analysis of financial awareness of the Northwestern Federal District population

Regional Economics Theory and Practice ◽

10.24891/re.18.3.474 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 18 (3) ◽

pp. 474-491

Author(s):

G.V. Belekhova

Keyword(s):

Comparative Analysis ◽

Financial Literacy ◽

Federal District ◽

Population Based ◽

District Population ◽

The Family ◽

The Russian Federation ◽

Ministry Of Finance ◽

Financial Awareness ◽

Competence System

Subject This article deals with the issues of determining the level of financial literacy, identifying problems, and comparing the financial literacy rates of the population of different areas. Objectives The article aims to identify territorial differences in the overall level of financial literacy of the population of the Northwestern Federal District regions and study the prevalence of problems related to the family budget, using financial products, and risk. Methods For the study, we used a sociological survey and an original methodology for indexing the level of financial literacy of the population based on the methodology of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, taking into account the adults' financial competence system proposed by the Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation. Results The article determines the level of financial literacy of the Northwestern Federal District population and identifies similar problems for the District's regions. Conclusions A comparative analysis of the components of financial literacy of the four regions reveals the strengths and weaknesses of each of them. This will help adjust financial literacy programmes being implemented in some regions and developed in others.

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Relationship between obesity and lower rates of breast feeding initiation in regional Victoria, Australia: an 8-year retrospective panel study

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-044884 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (2) ◽

pp. e044884

Author(s):

Melanie Rae Bish ◽

Fiona Faulks ◽

Lisa Helen Amir ◽

Rachel R Huxley ◽

Harold David McIntyre ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Breast Feeding ◽

Mode Of Delivery ◽

Panel Study ◽

Multivariable Analysis ◽

Morbidly Obese ◽

Hospital Data ◽

Targeted Interventions ◽

Live Births ◽

Breast Feed ◽

Over Time

ObjectivesUsing routinely collected hospital data, this study explored secular trends over time in breast feeding initiation in a large Australian sample. The association between obesity and not breast feeding was investigated utilising a generalised estimating equations logistic regression that adjusted for sociodemographics, antenatal, intrapartum and postpartum conditions, mode of delivery and infant’s-related covariates.DesignPopulation-based retrospective panel.SettingA regional hospital that serves 26% of Victoria’s 6.5 million population in Australia.ParticipantsAll women experiencing live births between 2010 and 2017 were included. Women with missing body mass index (BMI) were excluded.ResultsA total of 7491 women contributed to 10 234 live births. At baseline, 57.2% of the women were overweight or obese, with obesity increasing over 8 years by 12.8%, p=0.001. Although, breast feeding increased over time, observed in all socioeconomic status (SES) and BMI categories, the lowest proportions were consistently found among the obese and morbidly obese (78.9% vs 87.1% in non-obese mothers, p<0.001). In the multivariable analysis, risk of not breast feeding was associated with higher BMI, teenage motherhood, smoking, belonging to the lowest SES class, gravidity >4 and undergoing an assisted vaginal or caesarean delivery. Compared with women with a normal weight, the obese and morbidly obese were 66% (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.40 to 1.96, p<0.001) to 2.6 times (OR 2.61, 95% CI 2.07 to 3.29, p<0.001) less likely to breast feed, respectively. The detected dose–response effect between higher BMI and lower breast feeding was not explained by any of the study covariates.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of increasing breast feeding proportions in regional Victoria over the past decade. However, these proportions were lowest among the obese and morbidly obese and those coming from the most disadvantaged backgrounds suggesting the need for targeted interventions to support breast feeding among these groups. The psychosocial and physiological associations between obesity and breast feeding should further be investigated.

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Attitudes of Expectant Fathers Regarding Breast-Feeding

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.90.2.224 ◽

1992 ◽

Vol 90 (2) ◽

pp. 224-227

Author(s):

Gary L. Freed ◽

J. Kennard Fraley ◽

Richard J. Schanler

Keyword(s):

Breast Feeding ◽

Formula Feeding ◽

Education Programs ◽

Feeding Method ◽

Familial Support ◽

Feeding Group ◽

Breast Feed ◽

Nursing Mothers ◽

Expectant Fathers ◽

Study Population

Fathers participate in choosing the feeding method for their newborns. However they traditionally have not been included in most breast-feeding education programs. To examine expectant fathers' attitudes and knowledge regarding breast-feeding, we surveyed 268 men during the first session of their Childbirth education classes at five private hospitals in Houston, Texas. The study population was 81% white, 8% black, and 6% hispanic. Ninety-seven percent (n = 259) of the total were married. Fifty-eight percent (n = 156) reported that their spouses planned to breast-feed exclusively; several signficant differences existed between these men and those who reported plans for exclusive formula feeding. The breast-feeding group was more likely to believe breast-feeding is better for the baby (96% vs 62%; P < .0001), helps with infant bonding (92% vs 53%; P < .0001), and protects the infant from disease (79% vs 47% P < .001). The breast-feeding group was also more likely to want their partner to breast-feed (90% vs 13%; P < .0001) and to have respect for breast-feeding women (57% vs 16%; P < .0001). Conversely, those in the formula feeding group were more likely to think breast-feeding is bad for breasts (52% vs 22%; P < .01), makes breasts ugly (44% vs 23%; P < .05), and interferes with sex (72% vs 24%; P < .0001). The majority of both groups indicated breast-feeding was not acceptable in public (breast-feeding = 71%, formula feeding = 78%, P < .05). These data demonstrate misperceptions and a lack of education regarding breast-feeding in the formula feeding group and a lack of public acceptance in both groups. We conclude that fathers must be included in breast-feeding education programs. Confrontation of myths and misperceptions prenatally may help to overcome obstacles to the initiation of breast-feeding and to provide greater familial support for nursing mothers.

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Breast-Feeding, Birth Interval, and Infant Health

PEDIATRICS ◽

10.1542/peds.74.4.695 ◽

1984 ◽

Vol 74 (4) ◽

pp. 695-701

Author(s):

John E. Anderson ◽

James S. Marks ◽

Tai-Keun Park

Keyword(s):

Breast Feeding ◽

Indirect Effects ◽

Infant Health ◽

Fertility Rates ◽

Recent Issue ◽

Birth Intervals ◽

Contraceptive Effect ◽

Breast Feed ◽

Lower Fertility ◽

Demographic Surveys

In this section we consider the indirect effects of breast-feeding on infant health through its effect on birth intervals. First, we examine the evidence that breast-feeding is associated with longer intervals between births. Then we discuss studies that have attempted to show that short birth intervals are related to poorer infant health. EFFECT OF BREAST-FEEDING ON INTERVALS BETWEEN BIRTHS Breast-feeding is associated with a delay in the return of ovulation after a birth, with longer intervals between births, and with lower fertility rates occurring in populations where this practice is prolonged. In a recent issue of Population Reports,13 numerous studies that evaluate the contraceptive effect of breast-feeding were reviewed. Studies that link breast-feeding and fertility include clinical reports based on small numbers of women, larger prospective studies, and single-round demographic surveys which may be representative of national populations. Clinical Studies Because ovulation is difficult to measure, studies linking breast-feeding with ovulation have been limited to small numbers of clinic-based subjects.4,14,17 These studies have shown that women who breast-feed—and those who breast-feed for longer periods—tend to ovulate later following a birth than other women. This effect is believed to be related to the hormone prolactin, which is released through the stimulus caused by the infant's sucking. Prolactin promotes the production of breast milk and is believed to be related to the inhibition of ovulation. Levels of prolactin and the anovulatory effect are related to the frequency and intensity of nursing. Thus, women who breast-feed partially on infrequently, while giving supplementary food, are more likely to ovulate than those who breast-feed fully.

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