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Objective  The study compares the short-term outcomes of late preterm infants (LPI) at an academic center in San Diego, California after a change in protocol that eliminated a previously mandatory 12-hour neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) observation period after birth. Study Design  This is a retrospective observational study examining all LPI born with gestational age 35 to 36 6/7  weeks between October 1, 2016 and October 31, 2017. A total of 189 infants were included in the review. Short-term outcomes were analyzed before and after the protocol change. Results  Transfers to the NICU from family-centered care (FCC) were considerably higher (23.2%) following the protocol change, compared to before (8.2%). More infants were transferred to the NICU for failed car seat tests postprotocol compared to preprotocol. Length of stay before the protocol change was 5.13 days compared to 4.80 days after. Conclusion  LPI are vulnerable to morbidities after delivery and through discharge. We found an increase in failed car seat tests in LPI cared for in FCC after elimination of a mandatory NICU observation after birth. The transitions of care from delivery to discharge are key checkpoints in minimizing complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Breast milk feeding (BMF) is associated with lower neonatal morbidity in the very preterm infant (<32 weeks gestation) and breastfeeding is beneficial for maternal health. Previous studies show large variations in BMF after very preterm birth and recognize the need for targeted breastfeeding support in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU). In a European collaboration project about evidence-based practices after very preterm birth, we examined the association between maternal, obstetric, and infant clinical factors; neonatal and maternal care unit policies; and BMF at discharge from the NICU. In multivariable analyses, covariates associated with feeding at discharge were first investigated as predictors of any BMF and in further analysis as predictors of exclusive or partial BMF. Overall, 58% (3,826/6,592) of the infants received any BMF at discharge, but there were large variations between regions (range 36-80%). Primiparity, administration of antenatal corticosteroids, first enteral feed <24 hr after birth, and mother's own milk at first enteral feed were predictors positively associated with any BMF at discharge. Vaginal delivery, singleton birth, and receiving mother's own milk at first enteral feed were associated with exclusive BMF at discharge. Units with a Baby Friendly Hospital accreditation improved any BMF at discharge; units with protocols for BMF and units using donor milk had higher rates of exclusive BMF at discharge. This study suggests that there is a high potential for improving BMF through policies and support in the NICU. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIM: Low level of knowledge and practice of exclusive breast feeding have been reported in Nigeria especially in rural communities. The purpose of this study is to identify factors contributing to low knowledge and practice of exclusive breast feeding (E B F) in rural communities of Abia State, Nigeria and apply health promotion intervention (H P I) to address these factors in order to increase knowledge and practice of E B F. METHOD: A quasi-experimental study design was used. Four communities formed the unit of allocation to experimental and control groups for the purpose of introducing health promotion intervention. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting the study sample. A sample size of 400 households out of 1978 enumerated from the four communities was used for the survey, two as experimental and two as control. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire that was interviewer administered. Data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Chi-square and Mc Nemar statistic were used in determining statistical significance. Analysis of knowledge and practice of EBF was taken before and after H P I and compared in both experimental and control groups. RESULTS: The results indicated increase in knowledge of E B F from 28(14%) to 200(98.5%). Correspondingly, practice of E B F increased from 21 (10%) to 162(80%) in the experimental group. No significant increase was made in the control group both in knowledge and practice of EBF. Factors contributing to low level of practice of EBF in the study area included low level of knowledge about ten steps to successful breast feeding, illusory fears about EBF, ignorance, resistance to change, cultural imperatives and medical reasons. Health promotion intervention directed at the rural women helped to scale up the practice of EBF to 70% within nine months. CONCLUSION: The study recommends health promotion intervention as a proven method for scaling up knowledge and practice of EBF in rural communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study which evaluates the sex ratio of older population in rural areas of India. According to the research, most of the morbidity cases were in dental problems, visual acuity disorder, hypertension and hearing impairment. It found that women have the highest statistical rates of arthritis, skin diseases and eye disorders.

Objective. To evaluate the influence of a program to promote breast-feeding on the consumption of infant formulas. Material and methods. We reviewed the reports of consumption of infants formulas during the 22 months previous to (period A) and after (period B) the beginning of the campaign. The total number of tins consumed and the number of liters prepared was recorded, and the quantity consumed and the cost per child was calculated. The data were analyzed by non-paired Student's t test, and the level of statistical significance was fixed at p < 0.05. Results. There were statistically significant differences regarding the number of tins, kilograms of formula, liters of prepared milk, total cost of the product, consumption of formula per child and cost of feeding per child. The differences in all variables were favorable to period B. Discussion. Our results suggest that breast-feeding campaigns decrease the consumption of infant formulas and the cost of feeding the newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents studies which compared birth practices in Northwest Russia in 2000 and 2002 and in Northern Norway in 2000. The studies used the "Women's Experience of Birth" questionnaire. The mode of delivery and social support experienced by women involved in the studies are discussed. The importance of designated baby friendly Hospital Initiative is stressed.