The Research Recap: 35- Opioid-Dependent Mothers, Ramadan Fasting, Virtual NICU Support, and Maternal Sleep

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty explores five new research articles that offer clinical insight for lactation professionals. From a trauma-informed program to support breastfeeding in parents with opioid use disorder, to the impact of Ramadan fasting, sleep quality in Syrian mothers, and virtual NICU support—this evidence-based roundup helps IBCLCs expand their clinical lens and better serve diverse families.

Key Studies and Takeaways:

1. “Enhancing Breastfeeding Experience and Self-Efficacy in Opioid-Dependent Breastfeeding Mothers: Insights from the PeriWell Intervention”

Citation: Moss, D., & Busch, D. W. (2025). Clinical Lactation, 15(3–4), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.1891/CL-2024-0011

• Describes a 12-week trauma-informed perinatal intervention for mothers with opioid use disorder (OUD)
• Integrates the Positive Direction Model and the Tri-Core Breastfeeding Model
• Focuses on emotion regulation, trauma screening, lactation education, and self-efficacy
• Program supports MAT (medication-assisted treatment) patients and their infants with NAS/NOWS
• IBCLCs working in recovery care settings can use this model to offer holistic, ongoing support

2. “Does Ramadan Fasting Affect Breast Milk Sufficiency Perception and Maternal Functioning of Breastfeeding Mothers?”

Citation: Akça, K., Güngörmüş, Z., & Bayrakçı, E. (2025). Clinical Lactation, 15(3–4), 231–239. https://doi.org/10.1891/CL-2024-0020

• Cross-sectional study of 62 breastfeeding mothers during Ramadan in Turkey
• Mothers who fasted and ate the pre-dawn meal (sahur) showed improved maternal functioning and confidence in milk sufficiency
• No improvements in mothers who skipped sahur or didn’t fast
• Highlights the psychological and nutritional importance of sahur
• IBCLCs should support religious observance with individualized guidance—not blanket restrictions

3. “Effects of a Virtual Supportive Program on the Knowledge of Mothers of Preterm Infants and Their Bonding”

Citation: Pusri, S., Payakkaraung, S., & Thampanichawat, W. (2025). Infant Mental Health Journal, 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1002/imhj.70013

• Quasi-experimental study with 74 NICU mothers in Thailand
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• A 7-day virtual program improved bonding and reduced anxiety—even in mothers with medically complex infants
• Components included video calls, daily updates, cue recognition training, and emotional check-ins
• IBCLCs can advocate for virtual or hybrid support models to maintain maternal connection in NICU settings
• Preterm cue education and emotional support should be core parts of lactation care

4. “Motherhood Unveiled: Examining the Dynamic Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Breastfeeding Confidence in Postpartum Primiparous Women in Syria—A Cross-Sectional Study”

Citation: Aldairy, A., et al. (2025). BMC Public Health, 25, 1521. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22709-0

• Survey of 316 first-time mothers in Syria
• Better sleep quality was significantly correlated with higher breastfeeding self-efficacy
• Older, wealthier mothers had more confidence; highly educated mothers had worse sleep
• IBCLCs should acknowledge sleep as a key determinant of feeding success, especially in new parents
• Integrating sleep hygiene tips and emotional support into lactation visits could improve outcomes

Conclusion:

From trauma-informed interventions to cultural and emotional factors, these studies highlight the complex web that shapes breastfeeding experiences. For IBCLCs, staying informed means being equipped to offer care that’s not only effective—but also inclusive, compassionate, and responsive to each family’s context.

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