Study on Micro-organisms Causing Breast Pain and Infection in Lactating Women
Author Information
Author(s): Amir Lisa H, Cullinane Meabh, Garland Suzanne M, Tabrizi Sepehr N, Donath Susan M, Bennett Catherine M, Cooklin Amanda R, Fisher Jane RW, Payne Matthew S
Primary Institution: La Trobe University
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the role of Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans in breast pain and infection among lactating women.
Conclusion
The study will help clarify the organisms involved in breast thrush and mastitis, and their impact on maternal psychological health.
Supporting Evidence
- Breastfeeding women can experience a range of problems, including breast pain and infections.
- Mastitis occurs in 15 to 20% of Australian breastfeeding women, often requiring hospitalization.
- 75% of mastitis episodes occur in the first seven weeks following birth.
- Women reporting nipple and breast candidiasis are more likely to have Candida spp isolated from their swabs.
- Women with mastitis are more likely to have S. aureus isolated from their breast milk.
Takeaway
This study is looking at how certain germs might cause pain and infections in breastfeeding moms, and how that affects their feelings after having a baby.
Methodology
A longitudinal descriptive study involving swabs and questionnaires from 400 pregnant women at two hospitals in Melbourne, followed up postpartum.
Potential Biases
The study may have an over-representation of women with private health insurance, which could influence breastfeeding intentions.
Limitations
Participants are not representative of all Australian women as the study only includes nulliparous women who can read and write in English and live within a certain distance from Melbourne.
Participant Demographics
Nulliparous women aged 18-50, at least 36 weeks pregnant, intending to breastfeed for at least eight weeks postpartum.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website