Demographics and baseline characteristics
CHRONIC DISEASES
Demographics and baseline data were related to both parents and the infant. Maternal data was collected in relation to age, body mass index, education level, employment status, whether the pregnancy had been planned (or not), number of previous births, mode of birth, chronic diseases, use of drugs during pregnancy and steroid use, as well as consumption of iron and other supplements. Paternal data collected included occupation type, level of education, and socio-economic status. Data collected in relation to the infant included birth weight, height, head circumference, gestational age at birth, neonatal age upon entry to the study, observed sex at birth, cause of hospitalization and type of serum injected into the infant (e.g., Dextrose water) along with the infant feeding method chosen. Maternal food consumption known to increase human milk production such as lettuce, basil leaves, dill, fenugreek, carrot juice, spinach, sesame, and fennel was also monitored. Data relating to the infant was extracted from medical records by the researcher. Maternal and paternal data was recorded and self-reported by the parents.