Search Results (377)

Background: Breastfeeding enhances infant and maternal health, but global breastfeeding rates remain suboptimal. Virtual reality (VR) emerges as a promising tool for breastfeeding education. The objective of this review was to assess the effectiveness of VR-based interventions on breastfeeding outcomes in pregnant and postpartum women. Methods: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and CENTRAL were searched until 10 January 2026, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies comparing VR-based interventions (immersive simulations, 360° videos, or head-mounted displays) with standard care or non-VR comparators in pregnant or postpartum women. Primary outcomes included breastfeeding self-efficacy, motivation, and breastfeeding technique (LATCH score). Secondary outcomes included exclusive breastfeeding rates, milk production, and maternal anxiety. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 and ROBINS-I tools for RCTs and non-RCTs, respectively. A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted, with results reported as mean differences (MD) or risk ratios (RR), along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Certainty of the evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Results: Five studies (4 RCTs and 1 quasi-experimental; n = 344) were included. VR improved prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy (2 studies, MD: 13.93; 95% CI: 10.96–16.90), motivation (1 study, MD: 2.88; 95% CI: 1.66–4.10), and LATCH score (1 study, MD: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.37–2.07), and reduced time to breastfeeding initiation (1 study, MD: −22.4 min; 95% CI: −29 to −15.9), the certainty of evidence was low to very low for these outcomes. No significant effects were observed for postnatal self-efficacy, exclusive breastfeeding, or maternal anxiety. Formal assessment of publication bias could not be done. The small sample sizes for most outcomes, heterogeneity, the open-label nature of the trials, and the subjective nature of the outcomes should be considered when interpreting these results. Conclusions: VR-based interventions may improve process outcomes, such as prenatal breastfeeding self-efficacy, motivation, breastfeeding technique, and early breastfeeding initiation; the certainty of evidence is low to very low. Evidence for clinically important outcomes, including exclusive breastfeeding and maternal anxiety, remains inconsistent. Larger, well-designed RCTs are warranted before these interventions can be considered in routine practice. Full article

Eating behavior and eating habits are shaped from the earliest stages of life through interactions among biological, familial, social, and environmental factors. The aim of this narrative review is to integrate evidence on the early-life determinants of eating behavior and their influence on dietary intake from infancy to adolescence. A narrative review was conducted with a structured search approach prioritized on longitudinal studies, intervention trials, and policy evaluations when available, and using cross-sectional evidence mainly to describe patterns and sociodemographic factors. Synthesizing the current evidence, our framework proposes that breastfeeding, responsive complementary feeding, and self-regulatory parenting are associated with higher responsiveness to internal hunger, satiety cues, and preference for nutrient-dense foods. Conversely, coercive practices, early exposure to highly palatable foods, and the influence of food marketing are linked to dominant hedonic responses and impulsive consumption patterns. Furthermore, family environments characterized by stress or food insecurity, together with high access to low-nutrient foods, may increase vulnerability to poor eating habits and emotional eating during adolescence. Overall, the evidence highlights the need for preventive interventions that integrate parenting support, school food education, digital marketing regulation policies, and the promotion of healthy food environments across multiple sectors. Understanding the biological, psychological, and social factors linking early determinants to dietary intake and eating behaviors across development is essential for promoting a balanced relationship with food and preventing chronic diseases from an early age. Full article

Introduction: Prelacteal feeding, the practice of giving newborns substances other than breast milk within the first few days of life, remains a common yet harmful practice in many low- and middle-income countries, including Ethiopia. No evidence in Ethiopia indicates that mHealth can help improve prelacteal feeding. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of mobile health (mHealth) intervention on reducing prelacteal feeding practices and improving antenatal care (ANC) and postnatal care (PNC) utilization among mothers in South Ethiopia. Methods: A cluster-randomized controlled trial (CRT) was conducted in rural areas of South Ethiopia. A total of 20 clusters were selected using simple random sampling for intervention (mHealth) and control groups, each containing 340 women. Mothers in the intervention group received automated weekly SMS messages and reminders on exclusive breastfeeding, prelacteal feeding risks, ANC, and PNC. Mothers were only selected if they could read, write, and use mobile phones. Results: The mHealth intervention significantly reduced prelacteal feeding practice (AOR = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.06–0.58); p < 0.05). Higher ANC visits related to decreased prelacteal feeding (AOR = 0.28, 95% CI: 0.21–0.39; p < 0.001). The log count of ANC visit increased by 0.14 among intervention groups (IRR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.06–1.25; p < 0.001). The PNC time was delayed 2.05 days among controls (β = −2.05, 95% CI: −2.66–−1.42; p < 0.001). Maternal and partner education, postnatal time, and ANC visits influenced prelacteal feeding. Conclusions: This finding might suggest that mHealth can reduce prelacteal feeding practices and improve maternal healthcare behaviors such as ANC attendance and timely PNC. These findings highlight the potential of mobile health interventions in promoting healthy maternal and infant practices in rural settings, where healthcare access is limited. Further research is needed to explore the long-term impacts of such interventions on maternal and child health outcomes. Multi-level analysis reduced variability. However, an unexplained variance could be reduced by including more cluster-level variables. Full article

Background/Objectives: Nipple trauma is one of the most common complications during breastfeeding and may lead to pain, discomfort, and the premature cessation of lactation. This systematic review aimed to synthesize and critically appraise recent evidence (2020–2026), reflecting current clinical practices and emerging interventions, for the prevention and management of nipple trauma in breastfeeding women. The primary emphasis was on pain reduction and healing with a secondary consideration of their impact on breastfeeding continuation and duration. Methods: The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and included a literature search in the PubMed and Scopus databases. Primary research studies published between 2020 and 2026 focusing on interventions in breastfeeding women experiencing nipple trauma or nipple pain were included. A total of 22 studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: The interventions included the topical applications of natural products such as olive oil, expressed breast milk, coconut oil, beeswax-based products, and lanolin, nipple shields, and educational interventions focusing on correct breastfeeding techniques. The findings suggest that several of these interventions may reduce nipple pain and promote the healing of nipple trauma, while breastfeeding education and professional support appear to improve breastfeeding experience and continuation. Conclusions: The heterogeneity of the included studies highlights the need for further well-designed clinical research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pregnant and breastfeeding people require special considerations for enrollment in clinical trials. However, the baseline proportion of cardiovascular clinical trials including pregnant and breastfeeding people remains unclear. The objective of this study was to characterize the representation of pregnant and breastfeeding people in cardiovascular randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and to determine whether inclusion has increased following the 2018 removal of pregnancy from the FDA’s “vulnerable population” designation. Methods: We screened eight high-impact general medicine and specialty journals for cardiovascular RCTs published between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023. We included RCTs examining pharmacological, behavioral, educational, device, or procedural interventions. We excluded RCTs that recruited exclusively male, pediatric, geriatric, or postmenopausal populations, and those specifically designed for obstetrical populations. We also excluded publications reporting follow-up or subgroup, pooled, or secondary analyses of previously published trials. Data from RCTs were independently extracted in duplicate following the PRISMA guidelines. We examined each RCT for pregnancy and breastfeeding inclusion criteria, rationale for exclusion, and contraception requirements. Results: Of 3764 citations identified, 586 met the inclusion criteria. In total, four (0.7%) RCTs permitted inclusion of pregnant people, 382 (65%) explicitly stated their exclusion, and 200 (34%) did not provide specific enrolment criteria for them. The few studies that explicitly stated exclusion of pregnant people (31/382, 8.1%) provided a rationale. 225 (38%) RCTs explicitly stated exclusion of breastfeeding people, and none explicitly permitted inclusion. There was no significant difference in the proportion of pregnant or breastfeeding people included or excluded from RCTs that began enrollment before 2018 versus after 2018. Conclusions: Pregnant and breastfeeding people are primarily excluded from cardiovascular RCTs, and the justification for their exclusion is rarely provided. Full article

Background: Breastfeeding benefits mothers and infants, and the promotion of breastfeeding is important. Feeding strategies include exclusive breastfeeding, feeding with both human milk and formula, and exclusive formula feeding. Objectives: This study was conducted to clarify the actual situation by assuming that mixed feeding comprises several groups with different characteristics. At the same time, the study also aimed to clarify the factors associated with breastfeeding. Methods: Single-term infants without underlying disease born at Tokyo Metropolitan Hospital between 2019 and 2024 participated in this study. The distribution of formula intake among infants receiving both human milk and formula was analyzed using a Gaussian mixture model, and the optimal number of distribution components was calculated using the Bayesian information criterion. Using linear regression analysis, factors associated with formula intake were identified. Results: A total of 2628 participants (exclusive breastfeeding, 842 (32.0%); mixed feeding with human milk and formula, 1496 (56.9%); and exclusive formula feeding, 290 (11.0%)) were included in the study. Linear regression analysis showed that the factors associated with amount of formula intake were late preterm birth (coefficient 39.7, p < 0.01), maternal age (reference under 30 y, age ≥ 30 y and <35 y coefficient 6.3, p = 0.66, age ≥ 35 y and <40 y coefficient 45.5, p < 0.01, age ≥ 40 y coefficient 106.9, p < 0.01) and delivery mode (cesarean section, coefficient 53.6, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Feeding strategies involving both human and formula milk are not homogeneous, and interventions should be developed based on these differences. Moreover, several factors were found to be associated with breastfeeding, which may help promote breastfeeding. Full article

Background: Breastfeeding is considered the optimal source of nutrition for infants admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs). Despite these well-documented benefits, establishing and sustaining breastfeeding in NICU settings remains challenging due to inadequate uptake of breastfeeding support measures. This scoping review aimed to examine the evidence on factors influencing the uptake of breastfeeding support practices in NICUs. Methods: The search was undertaken across four electronic databases: PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Library. Primary studies published in English between 1994 and 2025 were included. Eligible studies focused on factors influencing breastfeeding support, implementation, or uptake of breastfeeding-related interventions in NICU settings. Exclusion criteria included studies not involving NICU populations, studies not addressing breastfeeding outcomes or support, secondary literature, and non-English publications. A total of 30 peer-reviewed studies met the inclusion criteria. Data were charted and synthesized using thematic analysis. Results: A total of 30 studies met the inclusion criteria. Four major themes influencing breastfeeding support uptake in NICUs were identified: (1) institutional commitment to the Neonatal Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (Neo-BFHI), (2) NICU breastfeeding protocols and care practices, (3) breastfeeding training for NICU staff and mothers, and (4) parental breastfeeding motivation and family support. Across studies, breastfeeding support was strengthened by organizational breastfeeding policies, staff education, lactation support services, family-centred care practices, and parental involvement. However, variations in NICU resources, institutional practices, and staff support contributed to inconsistencies in breastfeeding implementation and continuation. Conclusions: Breastfeeding support in NICUs is influenced by interconnected organizational, clinical, educational, and psychosocial factors. The findings highlight the importance of integrated breastfeeding-supportive approaches that combine institutional commitment, standardized NICU practices, healthcare provider education, and family-centred care to improve breastfeeding support for vulnerable infants in NICU settings. Full article

Background: Dental caries remain a major public health issue among Italian children, with prevalence exceeding 60% in specific subgroups and marked socioeconomic gradients. Objectives: This multicenter study aimed to describe baseline caries experience, malocclusions, and oral hygiene status in pediatric populations residing in three Italian regions and to develop and preliminarily evaluate the feasibility of an integrated care pathway for the prevention and management of caries and malocclusions. Materials and Methods: Within the CCM 2024 program (ID 10), a cross-sectional baseline assessment was conducted on 795 children aged 6–11 years, examined in school settings and via mobile dental units. Caries experience was assessed using the dmft/DMFT indices and International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) criteria. Malocclusions were evaluated using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Oral hygiene was assessed through standardized clinical indices. The proposed care pathway comprises three tiers: (1) universal, school-based oral health education; (2) targeted clinical preventive and interceptive interventions; and (3) telemedicine/AI-supported follow-up for high-risk children. Descriptive and multivariable statistical analyses were performed. Results: At baseline, overall caries burden was low. No statistically significant differences in dmft/DMFT were observed between males and females. A non-significant trend toward higher caries indices was found among children with a positive breastfeeding history. By contrast, oral hygiene level was strongly associated with caries indices: children with insufficient hygiene had the highest dmft/DMFT, those with moderate hygiene showed intermediate values, and those with optimal hygiene presented the lowest caries experience. In multivariable models, oral hygiene emerged as the main independent predictor of dmft/DMFT. Conclusions: In this low-caries cohort, oral hygiene was confirmed as the principal modifiable determinant of caries risk. A tiered, school- and community-based care pathway focused on hygiene promotion, early screening, and minimally invasive clinical interventions appears feasible at baseline and may be scalable, with the aim of reducing the burden of caries and malocclusions and improving equity in pediatric oral health. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breast Milk Feeding (BMF) benefits mother and infant. However, women with select risk factors report shorter breastfeeding durations. Our previous prospective cohort observational study of a lactation-consultant-led telephone-based support program in the first month postpartum increased BMF rates up to 6 months. This post hoc study further evaluated the program for mothers at increased risk of early breastfeeding cessation. Methods: We performed secondary analysis involving 762 mothers (control, n = 378; intervention, n = 384), recruited between 2018 and 2019. Infant feeding types, including BMF, were recorded at 1, 3 and 6 months. Feeding outcomes were analyzed in association with maternal risk factors. p-values, odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were reported via both univariate (UVA) and multivariate regression analysis (MVA). Results: Via MVA, the intervention was associated with increased 6-month BMF rates in these groupings [OR (95%CI), p-value]: European [1.80 (1.07–2.96), p = 0.027]; South Asian [1.93 (1.19–3.13), p = 0.008]; employed [1.47 (1.02–2.12), p = 0.038]; unemployed [2.15 (1.33–3.50), p = 0.002]; married [1.71 (1.22–2.39), p = 0.002]; social support present [1.51 (1.05–2.16), p = 0.026]; chronic illness [1.93 (1.35–2.75), p = 0.001]; gestational diabetes mellitus [2.17 (1.19–3.95), p = 0.11]; overweight and obese [1.48 (1.03–2.12), p = 0.034]. A derived success score across the study period indicated via UVA associated increases in BMF rates with history of depression and anxiety (MI) [p = 0.044] and ongoing MI [p = 0.033], but these increases were smaller than that for no history of MI [p < 0.001]. No effect was observed in East/Southeast Asian mothers, Middle Eastern mothers, single or de facto mothers, older mothers, mothers without social support and mothers of any skill level. Conclusions: Although early postpartum telephone support was associated with a number of positive findings of improved BMF at 6 months and over the course of the study, the results were mixed. This suggests that future breastfeeding telephone-based initiatives need to be multifaceted in order to target mothers at risk of early breastfeeding cessation. Full article

Background: The neonatal period involves rapid physiological adaptation and high vulnerability to painful stimuli, especially in NICU-admitted infants. Neonates have the neurophysiological capacity for nociception, and repeated pain exposure may impair neurodevelopment. Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly oral sucrose and breast milk, are widely used as first-line analgesic strategies due to their safety and efficacy. However, heterogeneity in existing studies requires evidence synthesis. Methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted to assess the effectiveness of sucrose and breast milk in neonatal pain reduction. PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched for randomized controlled trials published between 2019 and 2024. Studies involving neonates undergoing painful procedures and receiving sucrose, breast milk, or both were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently. Due to heterogeneity in interventions and outcomes, a narrative synthesis was conducted. Results: Thirteen randomized controlled trials were included. Both sucrose and breast milk consistently reduced neonatal pain scores and physiological indicators such as heart rate and oxygen saturation. Sucrose showed rapid, short-term analgesia mediated by endogenous opioid pathways, while breast milk provided additional sensory, nutritional, and emotional benefits that support mother–infant bonding. Multimodal approaches, including kangaroo care, non-nutritive sucking, and swaddling, enhanced analgesic effects. Heterogeneity in protocols and assessment tools limited comparability across studies. Conclusions: Sucrose and breast milk are safe and effective non-pharmacological interventions for neonatal pain management. Their incorporation into standardized multimodal protocols is recommended to optimize analgesia and promote humanized neonatal care. Further research is needed to standardize dosing and evaluate long-term outcomes. Full article

Background: Pneumonia of viral and polymicrobial origin predominates the pathological profile of clinical childhood pneumonia, with high admissions rates in recent times. Identifying factors associated with prolonged hospital stay may aid in developing risk reduction strategies for improved admission outcomes. Methods: A facility-based historical cross-sectional study was conducted with a random selection of 186 medical records from January 2020 to December 2024 of children aged 0 to 5 with clinical pneumonia at a tertiary Hospital in Mthatha. Results: Over the five-year study period, clinical pneumonia accounted for 10.4% (95% CI: 9.8–11.1%, n = 950/9098) of the total under-five admissions. The median age was 108.5 (interquartile range (IQR) = 48.0–345.5) days, mainly comprising males (51.1%) and infants (65.2%), with viral (91.6%) and mild (88.0%) forms of pneumonia. The median length of hospital stay was 5 (IQR = 3.3–8) days, and 91 (49.5%) of the children had a prolonged hospital stay. In modified Poisson regression, infants [(relative risk (RR) = 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.6–4.3), p < 0.001]; neonates (RR = 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2–4.6, p = 0.013); bacterial pneumonia (RR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2–2.6, p = 0.007); being hypoxic (RR = 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3–3.6, p = 0.003); absence of other respiratory tract infections (RR = 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2–2.1, p = 0.003), incomplete vaccination (RR = 1.5, 95% CI: 1.0–2.2, p = 0.038), non-usage of herbal medications (RR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.3–2.2, p < 0.001), difficult breathing (RR = 1.7, 95% CI: 1.1–2.6, p = 0.028), current breastfeeding (RR = 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4–1.0, p = 0.048), other morbidities (RR = 0.7, 95% CI: 0.5–0.9, p = 0.002) were associated with prolonged length of hospital stay. Conclusion: Stratification of under-five children at admission according to age, type of pneumonia, vaccination status, and presence of other morbidities are needed to enhance monitoring and timely medical interventions. Full article

Over the past several decades, the gut microbiome (GM) has been the focus of extensive investigation. In recent years, major discoveries such as the role of maternal breastfeeding in infant GM development and mode of delivery on infant GM health have expanded scientific knowledge on this topic. As this is a rapidly expanding field of research, substantial work remains to further elucidate and integrate the existing evidence on its role in allergic response and immunological development. This comprehensive review will examine the latest discoveries in GM research and its role in the development of food allergies across the lifespan. Examining the existing literature may identify knowledge gaps regarding precise mechanisms through which the development of GM influences the maturation of the immune system. Given the abundance of the literature, we conducted a database search for articles published within the past 10 years. A total of 56 original research articles were retrieved, analyzed, and included in our review. This review article aims to integrate the current evidence on understanding how the development of GM impacts the immune system and food allergy response throughout the lifespan. We aim to uncover microbial mechanisms of allergy response, host and microbe interactions, and opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Additionally, we aim to reveal gaps in the current knowledge of the GM’s influence on allergy development, offering directions for future research. Full article

Background/Objectives: Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) between mother and infant is known to promote breastfeeding initiation and early bonding. However, evidence regarding the sustained effects of daily SSC during the postpartum period on breastfeeding outcomes and maternal mental health remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of structured daily SSC on breastfeeding outcomes, lactation status, and maternal postnatal mental health in a real-world clinical setting. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was used to compare mothers who performed daily SSC (SSC group) with those receiving care as usual (control group). Data were collected on postpartum Day 1, Day 3, Week 2, and Week 4. Primary outcomes included exclusive breastfeeding duration, continued breastfeeding duration, and lactation status. Multiple linear regression analyses adjusted for baseline breastfeeding intention and maternal age. Results: A total of 50 mother–infant dyads were included (SSC: n = 40; control: n = 10). The SSC group was associated with longer exclusive and continued breastfeeding durations and better lactation status (p < 0.05). Depressive symptoms did not differ significantly between groups, although both groups showed decreasing trends over time. After adjustment, daily SSC remained significantly associated with longer exclusive breastfeeding duration (adjusted β = 9.18 days, p = 0.034) and continued breastfeeding duration (adjusted β = 10.57 days, p = 0.001). Conclusions: Daily SSC is a simple and feasible intervention that may be associated with improved breastfeeding outcomes and lactation performance. Incorporating structured SSC into routine postpartum care may support breastfeeding sustainability and maternal recovery. Full article

Background: Screening for presymptomatic type 1 diabetes (T1D) reduces the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and allows for early intervention with disease-modifying therapies. Despite the rising incidence of T1D in Bulgaria, screening initiatives remain limited. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of selective T1D screening in high-risk children and identify potential clinical associations with islet autoimmunity. Methods: The study targeted a recruitment of 250 children aged 0–18 years (200 with a relative with T1D and 50 without). Screening for islet autoantibodies (AABs), including glutamic acid decarboxylase (GADA), insulin (IAA), insulinoma-associated-2 (IA-2A), zinc transporter-8 (ZnT8A), and islet cell cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ICAs), was performed via chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA). Participants testing positive for one or more AABs were scheduled for longitudinal immunological and metabolic follow-up to evaluate the persistence of autoimmunity and disease progression. Results: Between October 2024 and February 2026, the pilot study recruited 210 participants (84% of the 250 target), including 160 children with a relative (target 200) and 50 without a family history of T1D (target 50). Within the high-risk group, seven children (4.4%) tested positive for a single autoantibody (3 GADA, 2 ZnT8A, 1 IA-2A, and 1 IAA), while no autoantibodies were detected in the group without a relative. No cases of multiple autoantibody positivity or stage 3 T1D were identified in either group. Furthermore, no statistically significant associations were observed between autoantibody positivity and secondary factors, including breastfeeding, allergic status, a high-glycemic diet, frequent illness, and personal history of autoimmune disease. Conclusions: The findings validate the feasibility of selective T1D screening in Bulgaria, driven by high public interest and successful recruitment across both high-risk and general population cohorts. While this exploratory study found no significant clinical correlations, it establishes a vital roadmap for larger, longitudinal research. Ultimately, this pilot framework provides a scalable model for implementing standardized early detection to reduce the burden of T1D on the national healthcare system. Full article

Background: This study aimed to contribute to the growing empirical interest in the role of positive body image in the context of breastfeeding. Research Aim: We examined the association between positive attitudes toward breastfeeding and breastfeeding intentions among postpartum women and investigated the mediation of functionality appreciation. Method: A total of 305 women who had given birth within the past 1 to 3 months (M = 34.11 years) participated in the study. Women completed a questionnaire assessing breastfeeding attitudes, appreciation of breastfeeding functionality, breastfeeding intentions, previous breastfeeding experience, as well as Body Mass Index and sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics. A mediation model was used to examine direct and indirect associations between attitudes toward breastfeeding, breastfeeding intentions, and functionality appreciation. Results: Results showed significant associations between positive attitudes towards breastfeeding, breastfeeding intentions, and functionality appreciation. Positive attitudes toward breastfeeding were positively associated with breastfeeding intentions (β = 0.63, p < 0.001) and with functionality appreciation (β = 0.51, p < 0.001), with functionality appreciation accounting for a significant indirect association (β = 0.21, 95% CI [0.14, 0.29]). Finally, previous breastfeeding experience was positively associated with breastfeeding intentions (β = 0.15, p < 0.001). Conclusions: This study marks the initial attempt to examine the significance of functionality appreciation in postpartum women, highlighting potential associations between breastfeeding attitudes and breastfeeding intentions. These findings may offer preliminary insights for future research and for informing the development of targeted interventions, although further evidence from more diverse populations is needed. Full article