TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2
POSTER SESSION: WELLNESS AND PUBLIC HEALTH
Title: INADEQUATE MATERNAL DOCOSAHEXAENOIC ACID
INTAKE IN LACTATING WOMEN
Author(s): S. A. Smith,1 J. M. Gilchrist,2 T. M. Badger2; 1Arkansas
Childrens Nutrition Center, Little Rock, AR, 2Arkansas Childrens
Nutrition Center / University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences,
Little Rock, AR
Learning Outcome: To understand that by following the FDA/EPA
fish consumption guideline, lactating women may not be meeting the
docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) AI. In some cases, maternal
supplementation may be necessary.
Text: Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), are
essential for infant neural and retinal development. Maternal DHA
intake impacts the fatty acid composition of breast milk. Many
American women do not regularly consume fatty fish, which is the
primary source of omega-3. Additionally, the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have
advised pregnant and nursing women to limit their seafood intake to a
varied 12 ounces per week because of the high levels of the neurotoxin,
mercury, found in some fish. If lactating women drastically limit fatty
fish intake, their milk may not meet the needs of their infants, even
with maternal supplementation. We obtained multiple 24-hour dietary
recalls from healthy lactating women (N 85) using Nutrition Data
Systems for Research software. Maternal DHA intake was compared to
the current Adequate Intake (AI, 300 mg/d). Very few (4%) in our
sample met the AI, although intakes were higher among women (n7)
who consumed a DHA supplement (239.9105.9 mg/d) than those who
did not (53.290 mg/d, p 0.0003). The most common dietary sources
of DHA were: salmon, catfish, tuna, shrimp, and eggs. Nursing mothers
who do not meet the AI may not meet the needs of their breast fed
infants, which may have future implications on their development.
Following the FDA/EPA guideline does not guarantee that nursing
mothers will meet the AI. Registered Dietitians should encourage
nursing mothers to consume fatty fish as endorsed by the FDA/EPA,
and when necessary to supplement with DHA.
Funding Disclosure: Funded in part by U.S. Department of
Agriculture CRIS # 6251-51000-004-01S, and LMi
Title: DURATION OF BREASTFEEDING ASSOCIATED WITH THE
BREASTFEEDING PEER SUPPORT PROGRAM FOR HUSBANDS AND
FATHERS OF BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS WIC PARTICIPANTS
Author(s): D. Lovera,1 M. Sanderson,2 M. Bogle,1 M. Vela Acosta3;
1 Ag/Nutrition, Southern Utah University, Cedar City, UT, 2Dixie
Mississippi Delta NIRI, USDA, Agricultural Research Service, Little
Rock, AR, 2Division of Epidemiology, University of Texas-Houston School
of Public Health at Brownsville, Brownsville, TX, 3Division of
Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Texas-
Houston School of Public Health at Brownsville, Brownsville, TX
Learning Outcome: WIC breastfeeding educators should include the
male partner in the counseling sessions.
Text: Objective: To evaluate the association between participation in the
Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
Children (WIC) pilot Peer Dad Program and duration of breastfeeding.
Design: Retrospective cohort study. Methods: Subjects were 200 couples
and 49 mothers whose male partners did not participate in the Peer Dad
Program. WIC mothers who initiated breastfeeding and their male
partners were recruited from the Cameron County Department of Health
and Human Services WIC clinic in Brownsville, Texas. Structured
interviews were conducted with WIC participants and their male partners.
Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate breastfeeding
duration associated with Peer Dad Program participation. Results:
Breastfeeding at least six months was more likely among mothers with
more than a high school education and among those whose infant was
introduced to a pacifier at the hospital. Fathers with less than a high
school education were more likely to support their partner to breastfeed
six months or longer. Maternal characteristics associated with
breastfeeding less than six months included: previous breastfeeding,
difficulty nursing, thinking that breastmilk was not enough for the infant,
thinking they were not producing enough milk, and reporting they had too
many household duties. Although not statistically significant, mothers
whose partner participated in the Peer Dad Program were more likely to
continue breastfeeding at least six months. Conclusion: Peer Dad
Programs have the potential to increase breastfeeding knowledge among
males and increase breastfeeding duration rates among couples. WIC
breastfeeding educators should include the male partner in the counseling
sessions.
Funding Disclosure: None
Title: CHILDLESS, SINGLE MALES KNOWLEDGE OF
BREASTFEEDING BENEFITS AND THEIR IDEAS FOR
SUPPORTING A FUTURE BREASTFEEDING PARTNER
Author(s): A. P. Grady,1 M. C. Schmidt,1 S. Goebel2;
1
Agriculture & Nutrition, Southern Utah University, Cedar City,
UT, 2Dixie Regional Medical Center, St. George, UT
Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to increase
breastfeeding rates by assessing single mens knowledge of the
benefits of breastfeeding and their thoughts as to how to best
support a future breastfeeding partner.
Text: Breastfeeding (BF) is recognized as the best option for infant
feeding. Education, social influences, and male support all play
roles in determining whether, or how long, a woman will BF.
Whereas previous studies examined fathers attitudes, the purpose
of our study was to determine single mens knowledge of benefits of
BF and their thoughts as to how to best support a future BF
partner. Two hundred forty-nine single, never-married, childless
males over the age of 18 (mean age 21.5 2.7 years) were
surveyed. When asked to list up to three benefits of BF the top five
responses were: 1) Healthier than formula [27.6%], 2) Bonding
[21.7%], 3) Healthier baby [14.3%], 4) Cost [13%] and 5) More
natural [10%]. These represented 86.4% of total responses.
Concerning the best way to support a BF partner, the top five ideas
were: 1) Verbal encouragement [14.5%], 2) Support her [10%], 3)
Dont be embarrassed [8.4%] 4) Help around the house [8%], and 5)
Cover her with a blanket [6.4%]. These encompassed only 49% of
total responses. These data suggest that single men have some
understanding of specific positives of BF but are vague or uncertain
as to what to do to support a BF partner. Furthermore, two of the
support ideas listed above, along with Give wife privacy (#8 at
5%), speak to potentially being uncomfortable or embarrassed when
BF is being done. Studying how women would like to be supported
and educating men in that regard may improve breastfeeding rates.
Funding Disclosure: None
Title: CHILDLESS, SINGLE MALES PERCEPTIONS AS TO
WHY WOMEN CHOOSE NOT TO BREASTFEED
Author(s): M. C. Schmidt,1 A. P. Grady,1 S. Goebel2;
1
Regional Medical Center, Saint George, UT
Learning Outcome: Participants will be able to identify single
mens (future partners) perception of why women would choose
not to breastfeed. By identifying where this population needs
further education, breastfeeding rates may be increased.
Text: Despite the numerous benefits of breastfeeding (BF),
studies indicate that many women do not BF due in part to a
partners negative perception of BF and embarrassment.
Whereas previous studies examined partners/fathers attitudes
of BF, the purpose of our study was to determine single mens
(future partners) perception of why women would choose not to
BF. Two hundred forty-nine single, never-married, childless
males over the age of 18 (mean age 21.5 2.7 years) were
surveyed. They were asked their perception as to why women
would not choose to BF. The top eight responses were: 1)
Physically uncomfortable [23%], 2) Embarrassment [17%], 3)
Would not be able to [13%], 4) Health concerns of mother [8.2%],
5) Inconvenient [7.9%], 6) Time [7.2%], 7) Ruins breast [6.5%],
and 8) Does not want to [4.5%]. These represented 87% of total
responses. These data suggest that this population has
misconceptions and a lack of accurate knowledge about BF. A
future partner may play an important role in supporting the BF
mother to initiate and continue BF. The results of this study
indicate that appropriate early education of men may be an
important factor in improving breastfeeding rates.
Funding Disclosure: None
Journal of the AMERICAN DIETETIC ASSOCIATION / A-111