Since 1980, the incidence of preterm birth has increased in the United States. The health importance of human milk is well-known. However, mothers of preterm infants are often concerned that they may not produce enough milk for their infants who are frequently too immature to breastfeed. The herb fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is purported to be an effective galactagogue. This double-blind placebo-controlled study sought to determine if fenugreek increased breast milk volume and prolactin (PRL) levels in mothers of preterm infants. The sample included 26 mothers of infants less than 31 weeks gestation. Commencing on the fifth postpartum day, each mother consumed 3 capsules of fenugreek (or placebo), 3 times per day for 21 days. Data analysis revealed no statistical difference between the mothers receiving fenugreek or those receiving placebo in terms of milk volume or PRL. No adverse effects were noted in the mothers or infants.

Healthcare providers typically use an infant’s weight loss in the first days of life as a measurement of effective feeding. Additional feeding volumes are often recommended when the infant reaches weight loss of seven to ten percent of their birth weight. This study examined the relationship of the amount of maternal intravenous fluids (IV) given during labor, and infant maximum weight loss during hospital admission. The method was a retrospective cross-sectional review of medical records for 186 healthy mothers and their infants who delivered at a Baby Friendly™ certified hospital in southwest Ohio. Maternal average IV mL per hour positively correlated with infant maximum weight loss.

Parents often perceive infant gastroesophageal reflux (GER) as a serious problem. Frequently, GER is explained as a normal process, but there are instances where parents’ concerns are valid. Provided are 3 case studies from the private practice of an IBCLC. Each case initially presented with what sounded like normal infant GER. Upon further evaluation, with close follow-up and more detailed history taking, each case required advanced medical attention. These cases highlight the unique role of the IBCLC in helping to assess GER, the value of working as a team member with baby’s physicians, and the importance of listening carefully to parental instincts and concerns.

Maternal–child health courses must cover the perinatal period from preconception to postpartum. Nursing students must learn skills for labor support as well as postpartum care including the support and promotion of breastfeeding. Students have limited opportunities to practice lactation support skills during their clinical rotations, and their primary resource on breastfeeding is often the course textbook. For an undergraduate nursing course, an innovative educational strategy was developed using a series of breastfeeding scenarios with the incorporation of animated avatars. Each scenario connected to a larger case study similar to a day in the life of a postpartum nurse dealing with breastfeeding situations on the hospital unit. Students were given a list of links and breastfeeding resources beyond the course textbook they could use to address the scenarios.