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Preterm and low birth weight infants are at higher risk of neurodevelopmental outcomes; breastfeeding offers several beneficial aspects for them. This study aimed to describe the average neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants and examine the associations between neurodevelopment and breastfeeding among Hungarian preterm infants at 12 months of corrected age. 154 preterm infants with low birth weight (<2500 g) and their mothers were participated in this study. Bayley-III Screening Test (Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development Screening Test, Third Edition) was administered to measure the cognitive, language and motor skills of infants; breastfeeding data was obtained through parental anamnesis. To analyze data, independent sample t-test or the Welch t-test, Mann-Whitney tests, Chi-square tests of independence and Spearman's rank correlation test were used to. Concerning the risk of developmental delay, Receptive and Expressive language and Fine motor subscales were the lowest. Examination of the associations between breastfeeding and neurodevelopmental performance identified significantly higher cognitive (U = 2047.5; P = 0.023) and fine motor (U = 2096.0; P = 0.037) skills in infants who were breastfed. We found significant positive correlations between the duration of breastfeeding and cognitive, expressive language and fine motor skills. The study draws the attention to the importance of breastfeeding and early screening. Further research is required to examine the casual relationship between neurodevelopmental outcomes and breastfeeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Maternal infant-feeding intention is a strong determinant of breastfeeding initiation and duration. However, the effect of intended breastfeeding duration on infant-feeding practices has been less studied. This secondary analysis uses data collected in the CASTLE study which investigated the roles of Candida and Staphylococcus aureus in nipple and breast pain in breastfeeding women; 360 women intending to breastfeed for at least 8 weeks were recruited in late pregnancy and followed weekly for first 4 weeks postpartum. Intended breastfeeding duration was ascertained at recruitment. Method of infant feeding in previous 24 hours was collected at each time point. Women who intended to breastfeed for < 6 months were more likely to give their babies formula during first 4 weeks postpartum: 41% (47/116) compared to 27% (59/220) of women planning to breastfeed for > 6 months, RR 1.5 (95%CI 1.1, 2.1, p=0.01). Only 38% (129/336) of women were completely breastfeeding at the breast at all time points in first 4 weeks; women intending to breastfeed for > 6 months were more likely to be completely breastfeeding at the breast at all time points: 41% (89/220) compared to 26% (30/116) [RR 1.6,95%CI 1.1, 2.2, p=0.008). This suggests that some early formula use stems from maternal perception rather than infant requirement. Clinicians could ask all women antenatally how long they plan to breastfeed to facilitate a discussion about global recommendations for 6 months' exclusive breastfeeding and continued breastfeeding for two years and beyond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The rates of breastfeeding worldwide are slowly improving since 1996. Europe is still trailing behind the global breastfeeding incidence and prevalence rates. Thus, breastfeeding promotion, protection, prolongation and support have become an important challenge as breastfeeding sharply decreases in the first six months of life. Objectives The aim of this project is to determine, assess and identify the real impact of breastfeeding support networks in Murcia (Spain). Methods After searching unsuccessfully for a validated questionnaire, a specific one was developed and validated for measuring the impact of formal and informal support networks through five dimensions: satisfaction, consultation, experience, problems and support. The questionnaire was provided to 500 mothers with experience in breastfeeding, who brought their children to baby paediatricians between 2 June and 27 November 2014. Upon completion of the survey and fieldwork, a detailed statistical analysis was conducted. Results The degree of satisfaction perceived by the users of the services of support breastfeeding networks is remarkable. In addition, mothers who clarified their doubts and discussed their problems with health professionals and/or breastfeeding support networks were more likely to breastfeed for a longer duration compared to those who did not (p = 0.005). Furthermore, mothers who sought support in breastfeeding are more likely to breastfeed for more than 6 months (p < 0.0005). Conclusion Based on this information, we conclude that breastfeeding support networks have a positive influence in the duration of a women’s decision to breastfeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]