Background/Objectives: Breastfeeding is the best source of food for newborns. Leading health organizations recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months of life, followed by the gradual introduction of complementary foods. Evidence shows that breastfeeding offers numerous benefits for newborns, mothers, society as a whole, and the environment. Current breastfeeding rates fall below the established recommendations. This study aims to describe breastfeeding rates at hospital discharge and one month postpartum, analyze fluctuations in feeding types during this period, and identify any characteristics, preventive factors, and barriers to breastfeeding and mixed feeding. Methods: This is a multicenter observational study in the North Metropolitan area of Barcelona, with 411 participants surveyed by midwives. Results: In total, 79% of women were exclusively breastfeeding, 14% practiced mixed breastfeeding, and 7% used formula feeding at hospital discharge. At one month postpartum, these rates fluctuated to 64%, 23%, and 13%, respectively. Factors such as older age, having a university education, having 16 weeks of parental leave, and having a foreign-born status were positively associated with exclusive breastfeeding, while mental illness was associated with a lower prevalence. The use of breastfeeding accessories was not significantly associated with fluctuations in feeding type, but it was associated with maintaining mixed feeding. Conclusions: It is essential to implement individual and community interventions, educate healthcare professionals on factors that hinder breastfeeding, and promote workplace policies that support breastfeeding.

Background: Breastfeeding mothers have an increased demand for nutrients, including increased intake of certain nutrients, and are recommended to consume a theoretical 500 extra kilocalories (kcal), follow a varied diet, and increase protein, carbohydrate, omega-3, iron, and vitamin D intake. Objectives: We sought to analyze mothers’ energy and nutrient intake and food habits during the postpartum period 6 weeks after delivery and to identify whether there are any differences between breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding mothers. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter observational study at seven sexual and reproductive healthcare centers in the Metropolitan North area of Barcelona (Spain). The sample comprised 393 women who responded to an infant feeding questionnaire and 24 h diet recall (24 HR). We used frequencies and medians for descriptive analysis as well as the chi-squared and Kruskal–Wallis tests for the bivariate analysis. Results: Mean energy intake was lower than the recommendations in 57% of participants. Mothers who exclusively breastfed consumed a median of 201 kcal more than non-breastfeeding mothers, although this was not significant. The intake of fatty acids and micronutrients, such as iron, calcium, magnesium, and especially vitamin D, was insufficient. Breastfeeding mothers consumed significantly more polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (p = 0.0297): 15.4 g vs. 12.7 g per day. Conclusions: There are no significant differences between the diet of breastfeeding and non-breastfeeding women, except for PUFA intake. A general insufficient intake of the analyzed micronutrients was observed. Educational campaigns and dietary guidance from health professionals are a priority.

Background: The effectiveness of the educational intervention on breastfeeding was shown in previous studies. The main objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multimodal educational and support intervention on exclusive breastfeeding rates from a holistic point of view. We will study the environmental impacts of three feeding types (exclusive breastfeeding, mixed and formula feeding), including accessories used, as well as the mother's diet and other relevant factors to reduce the carbon footprint. Methods: This is a prospective multicenter intervention study (Phase II of the GREEN MOTHER project) that will last from 24 weeks of pregnancy until 4-6 weeks after birth, with additional observations of feeding types at 1, 3, 4 and 6 months. The results on rates of different lactation types and duration together with environmental impacts associated to diet and feeding will be compared between 2 groups: 1) an experimental group, which will receive a multimodal educational and support intervention on healthy and sustainable nutrition and breastfeeding, and environmental impacts associated with both; and 2) a control group, which will receive standard educational courses and care. This project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Jordi Gol i Gurina University Institute Foundation for Primary Health Care Research (IDIAP) under code 22/101-P dated 22/02/2023. Discussion: To increase awareness of the environmental impacts of different types of lactation and mother’s diet will be disseminated among relevant professionals and stakeholders: community health worker associations and the general public.