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AbstractBackground:Low-income women have the lowest rates of breastfeeding in the United States. Greater understanding of factors that predict intention to feed artificial breastmilk substitute is needed to inform the design and timing of interventions to promote breastfeeding among vulnerable women. This study aimed to identify demographic and reproductive characteristics and other factors associated with intent to feed artificial breastmilk substitute among low-income women.Materials and Methods:Data from 520 low-income women interviewed at 24–41 weeks of gestation during enrollment in a prenatal breastfeeding education intervention study were analyzed. Participant characteristics, reasons for feeding decision, and sources and types of information received were compared among women intending to feed only artificial breastmilk substitute and other women.Results:Most participants (95%) had already chosen an infant feeding method at the time of interview. There were no differences in plans to return to work by feeding plan. Women reporting intention to feed only artificial breastmilk substitute were less likely to report receiving information about the benefits of breastfeeding, how to breastfeed, and pumps and were more likely to cite personal preference and convenience as reasons for their decision. Women were more likely to intend to feed artificial breastmilk substitute if they had a previous live birth or had not breastfed a child, including the most recent.Conclusions:These findings suggest breastfeeding promotion should target women early and include sensitive, effective ways to promote breastfeeding among women who have not previously successfully breastfed. Breastfeeding history should be elicited, and plans to pump should be supported prenatally.

Purpose Report on the anatomic qualification of the snuffbox radial artery (SBRA) and proximal radial artery (PRA) for pAVF.Methods Retrospective analysis of upper extremity mapping in 64 limbs in 55 dialysis patients was performed. The radial artery was assessed for diameter, patency, flow and proximity to the adjacent vein to SBRA and PRA. Sites qualified for pAVF on a binary basis when the in situ radial artery and adjacent vein were straight, parallel, greater than 2 mm in diameter and within 1.5 mm of each other. Effect of age, sex, diabetes, systolic blood pressure and obesity were assessed with logistic regression. Mean, median and frequency distribution of vessel diameter and distance were analyzed.Results Radial artery sites were qualified for pAVF in 47.6% (30/63) at the SBRA and 87.9% (29/33) at the PRA. SBRA sites were disqualified for vessel size in 36.4% (12/33 overall, usually vein 11/12), distance in 24% (8/33) and both 36.4% (12/33). All (4/4) PRA sites were disqualified for vessel size alone. The adjacent vein was the median vein or cephalic vein for the SBRA, and the perforating vein or vena comitans for the PRA. Effects of age, sex, diabetes, systolic blood pressure, obesity and prior fistula did not attain statistical significance.Conclusions Most dialysis patients meet the anatomic requirements for pAVF in the SBRA or PRA. Vessel size is the most common limiting variable followed by distance between vessels.