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Nutrients
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Advancing Maternal and Child Nutrition: Pathways to Equity and Resilience
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Advancing Maternal and Child Nutrition: Pathways to Equity and Resilience

A special issue of Nutrients (ISSN 2072-6643). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (25 November 2024) | Viewed by 9251

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Blessing J. Akombi-Inyang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Interests: global health; maternal neonatal and child health; malnutrition; adolescent health services; epidemiology; public health; developing countries
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores the multifaceted landscape of maternal and child health, with a particular focus on diet, nutrition, and their determinants. This topic delves into the complexities surrounding maternal and child nutrition, examining various factors that influence health outcomes at different levels. The articles within this Special Issue related to research, analysis, and case studies that provide insights into actionable strategies for improving maternal and child nutrition. Themes such as equity, resilience, and transformative change are woven throughout the discussions, emphasizing the importance of addressing disparities along racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic lines. Collaborative efforts, interdisciplinary partnerships, and community engagement are underscored as essential components for driving progress in maternal and child nutrition initiatives.

Dr. Blessing J. Akombi-Inyang
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nutrients is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • maternal and child health
  • nutrition
  • diet
  • child nutrition

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Published Papers (4 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1912 KiB  
Article
Maternal and Infant Characteristics and Pumping Profiles of Women That Predominantly Pump Milk for Their Infants
by Zoya Gridneva, Ashleigh H. Warden, Jacki L. McEachran, Sharon L. Perrella, Ching Tat Lai and Donna T. Geddes
Nutrients 2025, 17(2), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17020366 - 20 Jan 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 961
Abstract
Background: Whilst it is inconvenient and time-intensive, predominantly (PP) and exclusively pumping (EP) mothers rely on breast expression to provide milk for their infants and to ensure continued milk supply, yet these populations are poorly understood. Methods: We assessed and characterised Western Australian [...] Read more.
Background: Whilst it is inconvenient and time-intensive, predominantly (PP) and exclusively pumping (EP) mothers rely on breast expression to provide milk for their infants and to ensure continued milk supply, yet these populations are poorly understood. Methods: We assessed and characterised Western Australian PP mothers (n = 93) regarding 24 h milk production (MP) and infant milk intake and demographics, perinatal complications and breastfeeding difficulties, the frequencies of which were compared with published general population frequencies. Pumping efficacy and milk flow parameters during a pumping session in PP mothers (n = 32) were compared with those that pump occasionally (reference group, n = 60). Results: PP mothers had a higher frequency of pregnancy complications and breastfeeding difficulties than the general population. Exclusive pumping did not impact the 24 h MP and the amount of milk available to the infant. PP mothers had more milk ejections, longer active flow duration and lower milk removal efficacy ratios; however, responsiveness to pump (time to first milk ejection), total flow duration, time to stop pumping, percentage of available milk removed and comfort parameters were not different to the reference group. Conclusions: Despite the reported challenges, when an effective pump is used, predominant or exclusive pumping does not negatively affect the 24 h MP and the amount of milk available to the infant. Increasing awareness of the impacts of perinatal and breastfeeding complications on women may assist health professionals in early identification of mothers at high risk for early cessation of breastfeeding, escalating early postpartum intervention and targeted breastfeeding support. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Maternal and Child Nutrition: Pathways to Equity and Resilience)
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10 pages, 210 KiB  
Article
Nurses’ Techniques for Bottle-Feeding of Infants with Feeding Difficulties: A Qualitative Descriptive Study
by Eri Tashiro, Shingo Ueki, Eri Nagatomo and Junko Miyata
Nutrients 2024, 16(21), 3612; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16213612 - 24 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1319
Abstract
Background/Objectives: This study identified bottle-feeding techniques for infants with feeding difficulties. Methods: Between December 2021 and April 2022, a survey was distributed to nurses with at least 5 years of experience in caring for infants at 1109 hospitals in Japan. The questionnaire included [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: This study identified bottle-feeding techniques for infants with feeding difficulties. Methods: Between December 2021 and April 2022, a survey was distributed to nurses with at least 5 years of experience in caring for infants at 1109 hospitals in Japan. The questionnaire included open-ended questions regarding preparation before bottle-feeding, methods of nipple insertion, methods of assisting with sucking, and criteria for continuing bottle-feeding. The responses were classified according to semantic similarity. Results: In total, 514 valid responses were received. The respondents had an average of 19.16 years of experience as a nurse or midwife. The most frequently used nipples for infants with feeding difficulties were the Combi Breastfeeding Model, Pigeon Weak Sucking Nipple, and Bean Stalk Nipple. Preparation before bottle-feeding consisted of six categories, including determining the timing of feeding and stimulation to promote wakeup. Nipple insertion methods consisted of four categories, such as assisted opening of the mouth, nipple insertion, and nipple insertion depth. Methods of assisting with sucking were divided into four categories, including encouraging sucking ability from around the mouth and matching the infant’s sucking pace. The criteria for continuing bottle-feeding spanned three categories, including willingness to suck and ensuring necessary nutrition. Conclusions: The variety of survey responses describes the current state of bottle-feeding technologies. A combination of several techniques indicated that feeding strategies may lead to effective and appropriate feeding. The nurses continued feeding based on an assessment of the infant’s acceptance. Future studies regarding bottle-feeding techniques must consider the individuality of each infant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Maternal and Child Nutrition: Pathways to Equity and Resilience)

Review

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17 pages, 314 KiB  
Review
Impact of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus on Fetal Growth and Nutritional Status in Newborns
by Karolina Karcz and Barbara Królak-Olejnik
Nutrients 2024, 16(23), 4093; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16234093 - 27 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2212
Abstract
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most prevalent complications associated with pregnancy, exhibiting a gradual rise in prevalence worldwide. Given the potential for numerous short- and long-term complications for both mother and child, patients diagnosed with GDM require individualised treatment [...] Read more.
Background: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is one of the most prevalent complications associated with pregnancy, exhibiting a gradual rise in prevalence worldwide. Given the potential for numerous short- and long-term complications for both mother and child, patients diagnosed with GDM require individualised treatment to compensate for metabolic abnormalities and ultimately reduce the risk of the known adverse consequences of impaired glucose tolerance. Methods and results: The manuscript presents a summary of the current knowledge on changes in maternal metabolism during physiological pregnancy and pregnancy complicated by gestational diabetes. Furthermore, the article provides a synthesis of the findings from recent research examining the impacts of gestational diabetes and the therapeutic modalities employed on the nutritional status of the fetus and neonate. Additionally, the review elucidates the function of the placenta and placental hormones in fetal development, as well as the impact of hyperglycemia, insulin resistance and adipokines on fetal and neonatal nutritional programming and predisposition to metabolic complications in adulthood. Conclusions: The metabolic environment, resulting from abnormal glucose tolerance during pregnancy, exerts a particularly significant impact on fetal growth and, consequently, on the birth weight and fat mass of the newborn infants. This is a pivotal factor influencing the nutritional and metabolic programming of the developing fetus, predisposing the individual to the development of metabolic complications throughout their lifetime. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Maternal and Child Nutrition: Pathways to Equity and Resilience)
30 pages, 1165 KiB  
Review
Impact of Bifidobacterium longum Subspecies infantis on Pediatric Gut Health and Nutrition: Current Evidence and Future Directions
by Vanessa Nadia Dargenio, Fernanda Cristofori, Viviana Fara Brindicci, Federico Schettini, Costantino Dargenio, Stefania Paola Castellaneta, Andrea Iannone and Ruggiero Francavilla
Nutrients 2024, 16(20), 3510; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16203510 - 16 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4269
Abstract
Background: the intestinal microbiota, a complex community vital to human health, is shaped by microbial competition and host-driven selective pressures. Among these microbes, Bifidobacterium plays a crucial role in early gut colonization during neonatal stages, where Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis [...] Read more.
Background: the intestinal microbiota, a complex community vital to human health, is shaped by microbial competition and host-driven selective pressures. Among these microbes, Bifidobacterium plays a crucial role in early gut colonization during neonatal stages, where Bifidobacterium longum subspecies infantis (B. infantis) predominates and is particularly prevalent in healthy breastfed infants. Objectives: as we embark on a new era in nutrition of the pediatric population, this study seeks to examine the existing understanding regarding B. infantis, encompassing both preclinical insights and clinical evidence. Methods: through a narrative disceptation of the current literature, we focus on its genetic capacity to break down various substances that support its survival and dominance in the intestine. Results: using “omics” technologies, researchers have identified beneficial mechanisms of B. infantis, including the production of short-chain fatty acids, serine protease inhibitors, and polysaccharides. While B. infantis declines with age and in various diseases, it remains a widely used probiotic with documented benefits for infant and child health in numerous studies. Conclusions: the current scientific evidence underscores the importance for ongoing research and clinical trials for a deeper understanding of B. infantis’s role in promoting long-term health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advancing Maternal and Child Nutrition: Pathways to Equity and Resilience)
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