CDC researchers found that 83.9% of infants across the US received any breast milk in 2017, with those born at-term having an 84.6% breast milk receipt rate, compared with 77.3% for those born late preterm, 76% for those born early preterm and 71.3% for those born extremely preterm. The findings in the agency's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report suggest that hospital implementation of evidence-based policies backing breastfeeding and donor milk access and the development of infant breastfeeding practices for those facing extended hospitalization-related challenges may help address gestational age disparities in breast milk receipt.

Breastfed babies who received early, limited formula supplementation had a similar likelihood of being breastfed at age 6 months but had reduced odds of still breastfeeding at age 12 months, compared with those who were exclusively breastfed, according to a study in JAMA Pediatrics. "The results suggest that using early, limited formula may not have a negative impact on infants, but it may alter maternal attitudes toward breastfeeding," said researcher Dr. Valerie Flaherman.

Data from 12 case studies showed lithium transfer from breast milk to an infant during breastfeeding varied, but overall there was not a demonstrated association with adverse effects, according to a study in the International Review of Psychiatry. Adverse events were found in three cases, but researchers said it was difficult to differentiate factors including concomitant medication use.

An infographic produced by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that, on average, per person health care spending among US women in 2015 was higher than among men. A 2017 survey showed 20% of women had not had a medical test or treatment in the past year because of the cost, compared with 15% of men.

A Commonwealth Fund report found combined nationwide mortality from suicide, drug overdoses and alcohol reached record levels in 2017, but parts of the country were affected more heavily than others. The report, which used 47 measures to rank states, also looked at population health more broadly and found that health care coverage was a key differentiator between high- and low-ranking states.

Masimo has obtained additional 510(k) clearance from the FDA for its O3 Regional Oximetry platform for use in neonates and infants. The system monitors the hemoglobin oxygen saturation of blood on both sides of the brain using near-infrared spectroscopy.

A telehealth education and psychosocial support program developed for women with gestational diabetes was associated with improved blood glucose monitoring and appointment attendance, compared with usual care, researchers reported at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting. Both groups saw increased knowledge about gestational diabetes and there were no reported differences in delivery data and other clinical outcomes.

A workforce report on emergency, transport and trauma nursing showed there are an estimated 167,375 providers of direct patient care in these areas, with 43% under the age of 40. These nurses had an average of 16 years career experience, 78% of the registered nurses had a bachelor's degree or higher, and 58% had a specialty board certification.

A US Department of Labor report found the economy added 75,000 jobs in May, far lower than the 180,000 expected by economists. Health care and social services added 24,000 jobs.