FFHA Newsletter – December 2025
Breastfeeding First Helps Preterm Babies Breathe Better and Eat More
This randomized controlled study (babies were put into groups by chance) looked at 90 preterm infants (babies born early) in a NICU (a special hospital unit for very small or sick newborns). Half had their very first oral feed at the breast, and half got their mother’s milk by bottle. During feeding, breastfed babies had higher oxygen saturation (how much oxygen is in the blood) and lower heart rate (how fast the heart beats), showing better physiological (body) stability. They also took in more milk, shown by a bigger weight gain right after feeding, a higher percent of the recommended amount, and better feeding efficiency (how much milk per minute). Feeding time was about the same in both groups. These results suggest that starting with breastfeeding can support better suck–swallow–breathe coordination (how babies suck, swallow, and breathe smoothly), keep babies calmer, and may help moms continue breastfeeding after going home.
In short, breastfeeding as the first oral feed helped preterm babies stay more stable and get more milk than bottle feeding.
Sabaz N, Gözen D, Taştekin A. Effects of breastfeeding and bottle feeding as the initial oral feeding on physiological parameters and feeding performance in preterm infants: A randomized controlled study. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2025;1–13. doi:10.1002/jpn3.70295.
Nursing care that helps women with varicose veins
This review explains different kinds of varicose veins, with a focus for women on pelvic varicose veins (swollen veins in the pelvis) that can cause chronic pelvic pain (long-lasting lower belly pain), and on great saphenous vein problems (saphenous: the big vein along the inner leg) that lead to leg swelling and aches. Nurses use compression therapy (snug medical stockings or wraps that gently squeeze the legs) as a main tool for leg veins, along with skin care, movement coaching, and patient education to prevent skin sores and ease symptoms. For pelvic varicose veins, the paper highlights posture changes, regular walking, weight control, and strong emotional support, plus guidance after procedures like embolization (blocking a blood vessel on purpose) to lower the chance of thrombosis (a blood clot). The review notes real-life hurdles many women face: compression gear can be hot, tight, and costly, standards of care differ between clinics, and long-term adherence (sticking with the plan) can be hard without ongoing coaching. Looking ahead, the authors point to smart compression devices that adjust pressure, telehealth check-ins, and better team-based care (multidisciplinary: different health pros working together) to make care more comfortable, affordable, and consistent. Overall, the message is to tailor care to each vein type and each woman’s lifestyle and goals, combining proven steps with clear education and mental health support.
Personalized, nurse-led care—plus new smart tools—can ease pelvic and leg vein symptoms for women and improve daily life.
Wang C, Sun H, Wang F, Shen S, Li J. Nursing Care Strategies for Varicose Veins: A Narrative Review. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. 2025;18:7667–7678. doi:10.2147/JMDH.S564809.
Pilates + Usual Physical Therapy May Help Women with Ongoing Low Back Pain
This small pilot study tested whether adding Pilates to conventional kinesiotherapy (kinesiotherapy: exercise-based physical therapy) could help adults with chronic non‑specific low back pain (chronic: lasting 3 months or more; non‑specific: no single clear cause). Thirty adults completed an 8‑week, supervised program three times a week, alternating mat Pilates with standard core and stretching moves for the lower back and pelvis (lumbo‑pelvic: the lower back and pelvic area). The program was safe—no problems or injuries were reported—and most people kept up with their sessions, showing good feasibility (feasibility: how doable and acceptable something is). After the program, people reported less pain and disability and showed better back movement and flexibility, which can support daily tasks like lifting, sitting, and caregiving. For women, the focus on core strength and body awareness may be especially helpful for pelvic support and posture, which are often stressed by sitting jobs and family demands. Because this was a small study without a comparison group, the authors say larger randomized controlled trials (randomized controlled trials: bigger studies that compare treatments fairly) are needed to confirm the benefits and see how long they last.
An 8‑week, supervised mix of Pilates and usual therapy looked safe and promising for easing long‑lasting low back pain and improving movement in the low back–pelvic area.
Citation:
Mahajan S, Rathore KS, Choubey R, Saharan AK, Srivastava N, Gupta A. Feasibility of Integrating Pilates with Conventional Kinesiotherapy for Managing Chronic Low Back Pain: A Pilot Study. Journal of Orthopaedic Case Reports. 2025 Nov;15(11):374-380. doi:10.13107/jocr.2025.v15.i11.6406.
More Births, Higher Chance of Overactive Bladder — Weight Plays a Role
This study looked at U.S. women and found that higher parity (parity: the number of times a woman has given birth) was linked to more overactive bladder (overactive bladder, or OAB: a problem where you feel a strong, sudden need to pee and may leak). Using national data from 2005–2018, women with four or more births had higher rates of OAB than women with fewer or no births. Body mass index (BMI: a number from your height and weight that shows if your weight is in a healthy range) explained part of this link, meaning extra weight may increase OAB risk after multiple births. Hypertension (hypertension: high blood pressure) and higher BMI were each tied to more OAB symptoms, suggesting that keeping a healthy weight and blood pressure could help. The authors suggest that weight management may lower OAB risk for women with several births, along with talking to a doctor or nurse about pelvic floor care (pelvic floor: the muscles that support the bladder, uterus, and bowel). The study used survey answers to define OAB and was cross-sectional (cross-sectional: looked at people at one point in time), so it shows links but cannot prove cause.
More births were linked to more overactive bladder, and part of the risk may be due to higher body weight, which is a changeable factor.
Zhao P, Wang L, Jiang Z, Wang C, Chen Y, Huang J, Wu J, Xu Z. The positive correlation between parity and overactive bladder in American adults: the mediating effect of body mass index. BMC Public Health. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-25703-8
Relaxation Training May Ease Hot Flashes and Boost Body Confidence During Menopause
This study tested whether relaxation training could ease vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) and improve body awareness (noticing signals from your body) in women during menopause (when periods stop for good) and postmenopause (postmenopausal: at least 12 months after the last period). Forty-eight women ages 50–65 took 30-minute online sessions three times a week for six weeks, learning progressive muscle relaxation (tensing and then relaxing muscle groups) and deep/diaphragmatic breathing (slow belly breathing). After training, both groups had fewer vasomotor symptoms and reported better body awareness and body image (how you feel about your body). Sleep quality improved in women currently going through menopause, but not as much in those already postmenopausal, and the menopause group saw bigger overall gains. The program was online and home-friendly, which may help women who cannot attend in person, though some had trouble focusing on video sessions and the study did not include a control group for comparison. These findings suggest relaxation training could be a drug-free option to help manage hot flashes and support sleep and body confidence during the menopause transition.
Simple at-home relaxation and breathing exercises may help many women reduce hot flashes and feel better in their bodies during menopause, with the biggest sleep benefits seen before full postmenopause.
Sahin G, Ozunlu Pekyavas N, Aytar A. Relaxation training for vasomotor symptoms and body awareness in menopausal and postmenopausal women. Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies. 2025;45:502-507. doi:10.1016/j.jbmt.2025.09.021
Breastfeeding and Mental Health After a Traumatic Birth
This study looked at whether breastfeeding is linked to better mental health for women who had a traumatic birth experience (a birth that felt very distressing and overwhelming). Researchers used data from a trial that tested early EMDR therapy (a trauma treatment that uses guided eye movements to help process hard memories) after childbirth and followed 143 women for 9 weeks postpartum (after birth). Most women started breastfeeding, and at 2 weeks those who were breastfeeding reported fewer mother–baby bonding (emotional connection) problems than those who were not. By 9 weeks, women who stopped breastfeeding showed more symptoms of PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder, a mental health condition that can include nightmares, flashbacks, and strong anxiety) and depression (lasting sadness and low interest) than those who kept breastfeeding, though these results were early and from a small group. The study also noted that women with past sexual abuse were less likely to start breastfeeding, pointing to the need for gentle care that understands the effects of past trauma. The authors say these findings are early and call for more research, but they suggest that extra help with breastfeeding and bonding could support mental health after a difficult birth.
Breastfeeding after a traumatic birth may be tied to stronger bonding and possibly better mental health, so caring, individualized support matters.
Manshanden, T. M. N., Hendrix, Y. M. G. A., Scheele, F., Velzel, J., & van Pampus, M. G. (2025). Exploring the relationship between breastfeeding and psychological well-being after traumatic childbirth: A secondary analysis of the PERCEIVE study data. Journal of Psychosomatic Obstetrics & Gynecology, 46(1), 2588223. https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2025.2588223
Most Americans See Healthy Habits as Key to Lowering Dementia and Stroke Risk, but Women Are Less Certain
This U.S. survey asked people what they think about lowering the risk of dementia (a disease that causes serious memory and thinking problems) and stroke (a “brain attack” when blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts) through healthy habits. About 8 in 10 had known someone with one of these conditions, and more than 3 out of 4 believed that keeping or changing to a healthy lifestyle can lower their risk—especially for stroke, where over 9 out of 10 agreed. People who knew someone with dementia or stroke were even more likely to believe that healthy habits help, suggesting that personal experience shapes views. A key finding for women: women were less likely than men to believe that lifestyle can reduce dementia risk, pointing to a need for clear, women-centered education and support. The authors suggest using tailored messages for groups who are less sure—like women and those with less formal education—to encourage practical steps such as staying active, eating well, not smoking, and managing blood pressure and blood sugar. For many women who act as caregivers, these results also highlight the power of shared stories and community programs to motivate healthy changes.
Most Americans believe healthy habits can lower dementia and stroke risk, but women are less convinced about dementia, which means tailored, women-focused education could make a real difference.
Senff JR, Shah-Ostrowski MJ, Tack RWP, et al. U.S. public perceptions on whether risk of dementia and stroke can be modified through maintaining or changing lifestyle. BMC Public Health. 2025;25:4191. doi:10.1186/s12889-025-25077-x.
Determinants of Sexual Health in the First Year After Childbirth
This review looked at why some women have postpartum sexual dysfunction (ongoing sex problems after birth) in the first year after having a baby. The strongest links to problems were perineal trauma (tears or cuts between the vagina and anus) and early pain, especially after an assisted vaginal birth (delivery helped with tools like forceps or a vacuum), which raised the chances of dyspareunia (pain with sex). Breastfeeding was often tied to more vaginal dryness and dyspareunia early on, but these issues usually eased by about 12 months. Women with more partner and family support and a more positive body image tended to report better sexual well-being. The studies used different timelines and measures, so results were combined by themes rather than pooled numbers, but the message was clear: early pain care, scar and pelvic floor support, and relationship support matter. italicized: These findings suggest that early pain management, pelvic floor care, and strong partner support can help protect sexual health after birth.
These findings suggest that early pain management, pelvic floor care, and strong partner support can help protect sexual health after birth.
Boarta, A.; Gluhovschi, A.; Craina, M.L.; Marta, C.I.; Dumitriu, B.; Socol, I.D.; Sorop, M.I.; Sorop, B. Determinants of Postpartum Sexual Dysfunction in the First Year: A Systematic Review. Healthcare 2025, 13, 2977. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare13222977
Choices Beyond Kegels: Exercise Options That Help With Stress Leaks
This study is a systematic review and meta-analysis (a study that gathers many studies and combines their results) of exercises for stress urinary incontinence (SUI—leaking pee when you cough, sneeze, or exercise) in women. The authors looked at 14 randomized controlled trials (fair tests where people are randomly put into groups) with 797 women, testing Pilates, yoga, breathing exercises, lumbopelvic stabilization (core and hip stability exercises), resisted hip rotation, and the Paula method (exercises of the body’s ring-shaped muscles). These alternative exercises worked about as well as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT—Kegel-type exercises that tighten the muscles that support the bladder) for reducing leaks and improving quality of life. They also worked much better than usual care or placebo (a pretend or inactive treatment), and no side effects were reported. This means women who find Kegels hard or boring may choose other movement options they enjoy and can stick with for 4–16 weeks to see benefits. The authors note the evidence quality is low to moderate, and proper guidance matters because some moves can raise belly pressure, so learning good technique from a trained provider can help.
A range of safe exercise options—like Pilates, yoga, core and breathing work—can help stress leaks as much as Kegels, and are better than doing nothing.
Hao J, Yao Z, Remis A, Sun Y, Pu Y, Huang B. Alternative Exercise Regimens for Stress Urinary Incontinence in Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. International Urogynecology Journal. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00192-025-06445-y
Mediterranean-Style Eating in Pregnancy Tied to Lower Diabetes Risk and Better Baby Outcomes
This article reviewed clinical trials to see if the Mediterranean diet helps prevent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM—diabetes first found during pregnancy) and improves mom-and-baby health. Women who followed this eating pattern before or early in pregnancy had a lower chance of GDM (about 15% vs roughly 19–23% in usual care). They also had fewer urinary tract infections (UTIs—bladder infections) and less hypertension/preeclampsia (high blood pressure in pregnancy that can be dangerous for mom and baby). For babies, the diet was linked with fewer small-for-gestational-age (SGA—smaller than expected for weeks of pregnancy) births, fewer preterm births (birth before 37 weeks), and, in some studies, lower perinatal mortality (death around the time of birth) and fewer trips to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU—special hospital unit for sick newborns). Extra virgin olive oil and nuts, especially pistachios, were common parts of the successful plans, along with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, and fish—without alcohol during pregnancy. Cesarean section (C-section—surgery to deliver a baby) rates were similar between groups, and not every study showed the same results, so more research is still needed. If you are planning a pregnancy or are in early pregnancy, talking with your clinician about a Mediterranean-style plan could be a simple, food-based way to support a healthy pregnancy.
Starting a Mediterranean-style diet early in pregnancy may lower the risk of diabetes in pregnancy and support healthier outcomes for moms and babies.
Chagas LA, Silva AVAC, Sousa RML, Callado GY, Araujo Júnior E, Mattar R. Effects of the Mediterranean Dietary Pattern on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus and Its Association with Maternal-Fetal Outcomes: A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials. Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie. 2025. doi:10.1055/a-2748-7385.
