MARCH 2021 NEWSLETTER

All Day‐Long Pacifier Use and Intelligence Quotient in Childhood: A Birth Cohort Study

Methods: Data from 3532 children from the 2004 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort were analyzed. Children were recruited and assessed at birth and followed up at 3 months, and 1, 2, 4, and 6 years. Data on pacifier use duration and intensity were obtained via interviews with mothers in all six follow‐up visits. IQ was estimated at 6 years using the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children and standardized for the analyses. Crude and adjusted coefficients were calculated (linear regression) for all the data collected in follow‐up assessments for pacifier use.
 
Conclusions: We found a strong association between intense pacifier use up to 4 years of age and lower IQ at 6 years. A dose‐response gradient was observed, with greater IQ deficits in children who used a ADL pacifier for longer durations. The mechanisms underlying this association need to be clarified. One hypothesis is that children using a pacifier, especially those who use it more intensely, are less stimulated.
 
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/ppe.12752?campaign=wolearlyview

Breastfeeding: A Key Investment in Human Capital

An article “Exclusive Breastfeeding, Child Mortality, and Economic Cost in Sub-Saharan Africa” and its Commentary, “Breastfeeding: A Key Investment in Human Capital” in the March Issue of Pediatrics are well worth reading.

Despite improvements over time, sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of “under-5 mortality” in the world (75.8 per 1000 live births in 2019) and persistently high child stunting (33% in 2019). High under-5 mortality and stunting, along with other factors, contribute to poor human capital outcomes and lost economic productivity. Breastfeeding is the child’s first immunization and the single most important life-saving intervention for young children and, by implication, is likely to have a big impact on productivity and economic growth.

Researchers added to the literature by linking breastfeeding to economic growth at the country level in Africa. Evidence has revealed that increased exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates are significantly associated with a decreased risk for under 5-yearchild mortality and with decreased cumulative non-health gross domestic product loss (TCNHGDPL). If exclusive breastfeeding prevalence improved by 10%, the related TCNHGDPL) would save ~1 billion.

If you would like more information on these articles, contact wightsd@aol.com.

Article Abstract:
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/147/3/e2020030643.full.pdf

Comment Abstract:
https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/pediatrics/147/3/e2020040824.full.pdf
 

Birth & Beyond App Now Available on Google Play & the Apple App Store 

The smartphone app Birth & Beyond is now available in an Android version by Global Health Media. The app provides mothers, fathers, and other caregivers with easy access to their videos on labor, birth, breastfeeding, and the first two years after birth. The iPhone version has been well received, and the Android version will now be able to reach many more users in Africa, Asia and South America. It is now available in 26 languages.

For more information about the app visit https://globalhealthmedia.org/
 

California Women’s Law Center Releases Updated “ABC’s of Breastfeeding” Report Card for L.A. County School Districts

This recently published report demonstrates a widespread improvement among majority of districts. The report card illustrates an assessment of breastfeeding policy impacting female employees and students in education and evaluates school districts’ compliance with California’s Title IX notification mandates. This evaluation is outside San Diego County, however, can provide relative policy framework and help to guide improvements in breastfeeding equity throughout all local regions.

Visit the California Women’s Law Center website HERE

View the “ABC’s of Breastfeeding” Report Card HERE

COVID-19 Vaccines and Pregnancy: A Summary from British magazine “The Scientist”.

https://tinyurl.com/9v7krapd

“Good Bacteria” In Breast Milk Changes Over Time

The cocktail of beneficial bacteria passed from mother to infant through breast milk changes significantly over time and could act like a daily booster shot for infant immunity and metabolism. The research, conducted by scientists from Montreal and Guatemala and published in Frontiers in Microbiology, has important implications for infant development and health.
 
“Studying microbiomes of diverse communities is important in order to understand the variation present in humans,” says co-author Kristine Koski, an Associate Professor in the School of Human Nutrition at McGill. “Most human milk microbiome studies have been conducted with mothers from high income countries, generating an incomplete picture of the important bacteria passed to infants during early development.”

https://scienceblog.com/521238/good-bacteria-in-breast-milk-changes-over-time/

MCN Article Highlights Differences in Breastfeeding Intentions and Need to Further Evaluate Disparities

The journal Maternal & Child Nutrition published an article titled "Meeting breastfeeding intentions differ by race/ethnicity, Infant and Toddler Feeding Practices Study‐2”.

The study reviewed how prenatal breastfeeding intentions impact breastfeeding practices in a WIC cohort. Hispanic and non‐Hispanic Black women were less likely to meet their longer breastfeeding intentions than non‐Hispanic White women. Understanding how racism, bias and discrimination contribute to women not meeting their breastfeeding intentions may help efforts to reduce breastfeeding disparities. It is imperative that a more thorough assessment of the underlying factors that contribute to the differential experiences non‐Hispanic Black women and Hispanic women face is an immediate need.

Momnibus Act of 2021

Now it’s time for all of us to gather together and let our voices be heard. The Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act of 2021 builds on existing legislation to comprehensively address every dimension of the maternal health crisis in America.
In supporting this bill, you can join us in improving health outcomes by effecting policy change at the federal level. If you are looking to take action on this urgent issue, you can get involved by:

• Reaching out to your Members of Congress in the House of Representatives and the Senate to make your voice heard about why this issue matters to you. You can look up your Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives here, and you can find information about your Senators here. 
• Spreading the word on social media: sample posts can be found here.
• Joining the efforts of community-based organizations who are leading critical initiatives where you live.
• Staying informed about Momnibus updates by following the Black Maternal Health Caucus on Twitter.

Promoting and Protecting Human Milk and Breastfeeding in a COVID-19 World

This excellent report was product of a Roundtable discussion convened and facilitated by Medela AG, held on the 24th July, 2020 to initiate a global dialogue on the impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding and human milk practices. Perspectives from key stakeholder groups, including lactation researchers, virologists, neonatologists, pediatricians, midwives, and nursing professionals were sought to identify and highlight key issues.

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fped.2020.633700/full?eType=EmailBlastContent&eId=a76d1e6c-1c6c-4995-8e5a-b3982f08e8c8

Virtual Workshop Series on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, with the USLCA

The United States Lactation Consultant Association is hosting a virtual workshop titled "Equity-Mindedness Professional Learning Series"  Wednesday, March 24, through Friday, March 26, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. EST daily.

The three-day workshop includes an examination of individual, institutional, and systemic influences in relation to social injustice. Participants will learn more about their own socialization and social identities along with the conscious and unconscious prejudices and biases they may hold. The first session is free to all attendees, and the entire workshop is free for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color attendees.