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This descriptive retrospective study surveyed women attending two lactation/breastfeeding conferences about their experiences with mastitis. One-third of the sample reported having mastitis while breastfeeding their last child. Episodes of mastitis occurred most often in the first three months postpartum; however, one-third occurred after six months and nearly one-quarter occurred after one year of breastfeeding. The outer upper quadrants of both breasts were found to be the most frequent sites of infection. The incidence of mastitis in the left and right breasts did not differ. More than one-third of the respondents did not contact their physician when they developed mastitis and and nearly half never used antibiotics for the infection. All respondents reported continuing to breastfeed through the infection. Mothers reported that the following factors (in order of importance) preceded their mastitis: fatigue, stress, plugged duct, change in the number of feedings, engorgement/stasis, an infection in the family, breast trauma and poor diet. Study findings indicate that the most important teaching areas for preventing mastitis are management and control of stress and fatigue.

Postpartum maternal health affects maternal functional status, future pregnancy outcomes, maternal chronic disease development, and infant health. After pregnancy, however, many mothers may find that they face gaps in care related to their health and caregiving roles. Research shows that they were unprepared, uninformed, and unsupported during the postpartum period as they struggle with physical and emotional symptoms, infant caregiving, breastfeeding concerns, and lifestyle adjustments. Limited follow-up after a diagnosis of gestational hypertension or gestational diabetes and screening for postpartum depression are additional gaps in preventive and supportive care. Integrative reviews revealed modest efficacy and limitations of recent postpartum health promotion and disease prevention interventions. System, clinical, and community strategies are identified to address these gaps in women's postpartum health services.

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There is an urgent need to offer genomics in accessible and effective education for nursing practice to optimize health outcomes regardless of geographic location.