The association between maternal factors and milk hormone concentrations: a systematic review.

Background: Breast milk is the gold standard for infant feeding. It is a dynamic biological fluid rich in numerous bioactive components. Emerging research suggests that these components, including hormones, may serve as signals between mother and offspring.

The impact of maternal mood and economic stress during Covid-19 pandemic on infant behaviour: Findings from the cross-sectional UK Covid-19 New Mum Study.

The UK Covid-19 New Mum Study (cross-sectional study) recorded maternal experience during the early stages of the pandemic. Our previous analyses showed that the pandemic and 2020 national lockdown negatively impacted maternal mental health. Here, we describe changes in infant behaviour (crying and fussiness) reported by the mother during the Covid-19 pandemic compared to beforehand, and test whether these changes are associated with maternal variables (mental health, coping, financial insecurity, income and household support).

Effects of Exclusive Breastfeeding Promotion Interventions on Child Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Introduction: Interventions promoting exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) may benefit infant health outcomes, but evidence is inconsistent. The objective of this review was to assess the effect of interventions promoting EBF on health outcomes in infants and children under 7 years of age.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform from inception to April 2022.

Maternal capital predicts investment in infant growth and development through lactation.

Introduction: Maternal capital (MC) is a broad term from evolutionary biology, referring to any aspects of maternal phenotype that represent resources available for investment in offspring. We investigated MC in breastfeeding mothers of late preterm and early term infants, examining its relationship with infant and breastfeeding outcomes. We also determined whether MC modified the effect of the relaxation intervention on these outcomes.

Socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on new mothers and associations with psychosocial wellbeing: Findings from the UK COVID-19 New Mum online observational study (May 2020-June 2021).

Studies have reported unequal socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated restrictions in the UK, despite support packages. It is unclear how women with young children, a vulnerable group economically and psychosocially, havebeen impacted by income and employment pandemic changes, and how this is associated with psychosocial wellbeing. Using the UK COVID-19 New Mum online survey of women with children <12 months (28th May 2020-26th June 2021; N = 3430), which asked about pandemic impact on their i.

A Breastfeeding Relaxation Intervention Promotes Growth in Late Preterm and Early Term Infants: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Breastfeeding involves signaling between mother and offspring through biological (breast milk) and behavioral pathways. This study tested this by examining the effects of a relaxation intervention in an understudied infant population. Breastfeeding mothers of late preterm (34-36 weeks) and early term (37-38 weeks) infants were randomized to the relaxation group (RG, n = 35), where they were asked to listen to a meditation recording while breastfeeding from 3 weeks post-delivery, or the control group (CG, n = 37) where no intervention was given.

Interventions to Improve Breastfeeding Outcomes in Late Preterm and Early Term Infants.

Late preterm infants (LPIs; born at 34 to 36 gestational weeks) and early term infants (ETIs; 37 to 38 gestational weeks) are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality compared with more mature infants. Breastfeeding can reduce these risks, but feeding difficulties are common among these infants and breastfeeding rates are low. We conducted a systematic review to identify the interventions available to improve any breastfeeding, exclusive breastfeeding, or breast milk yield.

Effect of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant formula on long-term cognitive function in childhood: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials.

PROSPERO registration numbers CRD42018105196 and CRD42018088868.

Maternal mental health and coping during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK: Data from the COVID-19 New Mum Study.

Objective: To assess how mothers are feeling and coping during lockdown, and to identify the potential pathways that can assist them.

Methods: A descriptive analysis of maternal mental health, coping, support, activities, lockdown consequences was conducted. Women living in the UK with an infant aged ≤12 months completed an online survey.

Development of a Repertoire and a Food Frequency Questionnaire for Estimating Dietary Fiber Intake Considering Prebiotics: Input from the FiberTAG Project.

Most official food composition tables and food questionnaires do not provide enough data to assess fermentable dietary fibers (DF) that can exert a health effect through their interaction with the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to develop a database and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) allowing detailed DF intake estimation including prebiotic (oligo)saccharides. A repertoire of DF detailing total, soluble DF, insoluble DF and prebiotic (oligo)saccharides (inulin-type fructans, fructo-oligosaccharides and galacto-oligosaccharides) in food products consumed in Europe has been established.

A within-subject comparison of different relaxation therapies in eliciting physiological and psychological changes in young women.

Background: Stress reactivity can be different in women compared to men, which might consequently influence disease risk.Stress in women may also generate adverse physiological effects on their offspring during pregnancy or lactation. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of different relaxation interventions on physiological outcomes and perceived relaxation in healthy young women, to assist in identifying the most appropriate intervention(s) for use in a subsequent trial for mothers who deliver prematurely.

Mother And late Preterm Lactation Study (MAPLeS): a randomised controlled trial testing the use of a breastfeeding meditation by mothers of late preterm infants on maternal psychological state, breast milk composition and volume, and infant behaviour and growth.

Background: Late preterm infants suffer from more complications and are less likely to be breastfed compared to term infants and their mothers experience higher levels of stress than mothers with term infants. The physiological or hormonal responses that influence milk ejection, milk production, and/or maternal behaviour are possible mechanisms by which maternal distress could negatively influence breastfeeding success. Maternal mood might also affect infant behaviour (feeding, sleeping, and crying) through changes in milk volume and composition, and consequently breastfeeding success and infant growth.