SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19 infection, breastfeeding, breastmilk and mother-baby separation
By Dr Susan Tawia, BSc PhD Dip Breastfeeding Mngt [...]
Expanding information and care practices for women experiencing lactation after infant death
In recent years, stillbirth and infant death have gained increased attention in the media, and from policy makers, researchers and practitioners. Significantly, however, a mother’s lactation and milk donation options after stillbirth or infant death remain hidden.
Skin-to-Skin Contact/Kangaroo Care
Skin-to-Skin Contact (SSC) is when a naked baby is placed prone on the bare chest of their mother/father/partner/significant other. A blanket is then placed over the back of the baby, so that they remain warm.
Immunology and breastmilk
This article is a summary of the immunological properties of breastmilk with a focus on a select number of bioactive components.
Assessing adequate milk intake in term newborns
This article discusses the evidence around expected weight loss in the early days after birth and strategies to assess the intake of a full-term breastfed baby without the use of scales.
Oral Effects of Breastfeeding
The risks of not breastfeeding are many and varied. Perhaps less well-known is the importance of breastfeeding for children with regards to their oral development. Breastfeeding maximises the correct development of speech organs (tongue, lips, mandible, maxilla, soft palate, hard palate, cheeks, dental arches, oral muscles, floor of mouth), with respect to posture, mobility and strength.
Lactation after infant death. Australian Breastfeeding Association
More than 4000 Australian women experience late miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or older infant death annually.1 The physiological process of secretory activation leading to the onset of breastmilk production is triggered by delivery of the placenta2 and occurs even in the absence of a living infant. Unfortunately many women feel unsupported by their healthcare team when it comes to lactation after infant death.
What breastfeeding education (if any) are undergraduate health students receiving? Mindy Booker, student dietitian (Honours) (QUT)
Inaccurate and inconsistent advice from health professionals is commonly reported by women as a barrier on their breastfeeding journey (Clifford & McIntyre, 2004; Department of Health, 2018). A number of studies have identified that a wide range of health professionals, including general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists and dietitians have low levels of breastfeeding knowledge and skills, and clinicians report that they do not feel confident supporting breastfeeding women (Yang et al, 2019; Bagwell et al 1993; Fei Sim et al, 2018; Ryan & Smith, 2017; Taveras et al, 2004).
Using domperidone to treat low breast milk supply. Luke Grzeskowiak PhD, BPharm(Hons), GCertClinEpid, AdvPracPharm, FSHP The Robinson Research Institute, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide
The importance of breastfeeding for maternal and child health [...]
Colostrum. Dr Alison Stacey, MBBS (Hons) BMedSci DCH DRANZCOG FRACGP Cert IV Breastfeeding Education IBCLC Dip Breastfeeding Management
Colostrum plays a unique role in the transition of the baby to extra-uterine life. It differs from mature breastmilk in a number of ways. Colostrum is a concentrated source of protein, sodium and immunoglobulins (Brodribb 2019). Lower carbohydrate (lactose) levels result in lower volumes; whereas in mature breastmilk, lactose acts osmotically to draw water into the milk (Brodribb 2019). Colostrum also has a laxative effect, helping baby to pass meconium (Brodribb 2019). Secretory IgA, lactoferrin and maternal lymphocytes provide a source of passive immunity to complement that provided via the placenta (Wambach 2016). Human milk oligosaccharides promote the colonisation of baby’s intestinal system with bifidobacteria and act as decoys to prevent infection by pathogens (Wambach 2016).
