Articles tagged with Breast Feeding
A study found that higher breastfeeding intensity is associated with more favorable early postpartum lipid profiles among women with prior gestational diabetes. Greater breastfeeding intensity may be linked to a more favorable early cardiometabolic profile in these women.
A $3.3 million NIH grant will support a five-year study on opioid treatment during breastfeeding, aiming to improve drug safety for lactating mothers. The researchers will develop a cell-based assay and use physiologically based pharmacokinetic models to predict drug levels in mothers and infants.
A study by researchers from Wroclaw Medical University found that anxiety and psychological flexibility are stronger predictors of mothers' perceived readiness for newborn care than postpartum pain or physiological changes. Readiness to care for a newborn reflects a woman's perception of her current physical and emotional resources.
A recent study found that early engagement with WIC services, including nutrition education and breastfeeding support, is associated with increased likelihood of remaining in the program during a child's first year. Families who enrolled earlier in pregnancy and fully used food benefits were more likely to continue participating.
A national survey reveals half of sleep-deprived nursing moms rely on AI for breastfeeding advice, often leading to preventable health scares. Pediatricians emphasize the importance of human guidance and expertise over AI-driven solutions.
A new study reveals soaring infant formula milk prices are causing financial strain, anxiety, guilt, and isolation among UK parents. The research found nearly every parent surveyed reported damage to their mental health, with some feeling regret over having a baby due to the high cost of formula.
The review challenges common misconceptions about early milk production and breast pumps. It found that colostrum is sufficient for newborn needs and pacifier use does not interfere with breastfeeding. The study's findings suggest 'small changes' to support breastfeeding success in hospitals.
A study by Universitat Pompeu Fabra found that Instagram comments associate breastfeeding with the ideal of good motherhood, fostering guilt among women who cannot breastfeed. The research highlights the tension between idealized representation and everyday reality, revealing a need for critical awareness and empowerment.
A study of 88,037 Japanese children found exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months associated with a higher prevalence of food allergy and atopic dermatitis. However, it also showed lower rates of bronchial asthma and allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.
A study analyzing county-level data reveals broad geographic patterns and local factors influencing breastfeeding initiation in the US. Localized approaches addressing disparities in breastfeeding initiation are necessary to complement national policy efforts.
A systematic review found that babies born by caesarean section or exposed to antibiotics around the time of birth tend to have differences in their gut bacteria composition, with less diversity and beneficial bacterial groups less abundant. Exclusively breastfed infants appear to show a partial restoration of microbial balance.
A nationwide Japanese study of over 82,000 children found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months significantly reduces the risk of short sleep duration at one year of age. The study also suggests that breast milk's adaptability to infant needs and its melatonin content help regulate healthy sleep rhythms.
A new study from the University of Bergen shows an association between breastfeeding up to six months of age and a reduced risk of ADHD symptoms. Exclusive breastfeeding during this period appears to offer the strongest protective effect, with clear but moderate benefits observed even after adjusting for genetic risk factors.
A new study published in Science found that trans-vaccenic acid (TVA) in breast milk promotes the development of a broader and more effective immune cell population in mice. TVA exposure during breastfeeding also reprograms immune cells to improve responses to pathogens, leading to faster recovery times from infections.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open followed 264 mother-infant pairs to assess the anatomy of the upper lip frenulum and its relation to breastfeeding difficulties. The research found no association between the anatomical characteristics of the upper lip frenulum and breastfeeding problems.
A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds significant increases in knowing how a mother's pre-pregnancy health affects her baby, as well as rising awareness of drinking beer or wine during pregnancy being not safe. However, uncertainty persists about other maternal health recommendations.
Researchers have created a new scale to measure whether lactating mothers' psychological needs are being met, providing a tool to improve breastfeeding outcomes. The study found that when all three basic needs (autonomy, competence, and relatedness) are satisfied, exclusive breastfeeding is more likely to persist.
A new study found that targeted maternal screening can prevent adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, a rare and aggressive cancer caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. The research identified high disease rates among non-Hispanic Caribbean-born US residents, particularly in Florida and New York.
A pilot study of 100 exclusively breastfeeding women found that maternal dairy intake is associated with decreased concentrations of numerous human milk lipids. The study suggests a link between healthy dairy intake and lower levels of specific milk lipid species, which may have implications for infant health.
A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.
Babies exclusively breastfed for at least three months have distinct epigenetic marks in their blood related to immunity and development. These findings come from the largest study on this topic, conducted across an international consortium.
A new study found that breastfeeding practices vary significantly between urban slum and non-slum areas in India. Urban slum mothers tend to start breastfeeding earlier, while non-slum mothers are more likely to breastfeed only breastmilk for the first five months.
Recent studies show that T cells support milk production and have lasting effects on maternal health and infant immunity. The review highlights emerging evidence of the crucial role of immune cells in lactation, which can inform strategies to improve maternal and infant health outcomes.
A study of 168 second-time mothers found that those who breastfed were less likely to experience depression and anxiety 10 years after pregnancy. Each week of lifetime exclusive breastfeeding was associated with a 2% lower likelihood of reporting depression and anxiety, after accounting for influential factors.
A new study found that breast milk carries a distinct mix of bacterial species dominated by Bifidobacterium longum, which is highly prevalent in the infant gut. The researchers also discovered
A new study found that supplementing exclusively breastfed infants with probiotic Bifidobacterium infantis EVC001 between 2-4 months can restore beneficial bacteria in their gut. This approach may have lasting benefits for breastfed infants, even after supplementation stops.
A study from the University of Rochester Medical Center found that farm-exposed infants develop higher levels of protective antibodies and have an earlier maturation of their antibody-producing system. This early development is associated with a lower risk of developing egg allergy.
A study of 349 new parents found intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences more prevalent than thought, causing severe distress linked to higher parenting stress and lower satisfaction. The research highlights the need for normalisation, stigma reduction, and targeted support for affected parents.
A new study explores the potential of long-acting injectable treatments for HIV-positive breastfeeding women, finding that they can prevent up to 160 infant infections per year. The research suggests that these formulations could be cost-effective and widely available globally to reach those who need them most.
A UT Austin study found that switching from whole-food beef to a plant-based meat substitute altered the types of fats in breast milk within six days. The study tested nutritionally balanced meals with identical macronutrients except for the protein source.
A large sample of first-time mothers in the US reported informal human milk sharing, with 1 in 27 participants feeding their infants shared milk. Pediatric practitioners should be aware of this trend and counsel families on risks and recommended risk-reduction strategies.
A new UCLA study reveals that breast milk from women living with HIV contains significantly lower levels of tryptophan, an essential amino acid important for infant immune function and brain development. The study suggests that this depletion may be a common denominator explaining the immune, growth, and cognitive differences seen in c...
A new Cochrane review found that immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers significantly improves exclusive breastfeeding rates, optimal body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The review suggests that skin-to-skin contact should be the global standard of care for all babies after birth.
A new study found that breastfeeding until six months of age helps babies fight off infections and reduce chronic inflammation. The researchers identified specific lipids in breast milk, such as plasmalogens, which appear to lower inflammation and improve immune health.
Researchers at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory have created a tool called MaGNet to analyze the branching structure of mouse mammary glands. The system enables precise comparison of stained images and quantifies data with ease, allowing for earlier detection of breast cancer and investigation into hormonal changes and treatments.
Researchers identified genes associated with breastfeeding disorders and postpartum breast cancer in the mammary gland, revealing potential new targets for investigation. The study provides a detailed atlas of genetic expression for the adult developmental cycle of the mammary gland.
A federally funded study found children with leukemia who were exposed to pesticides during their mother's pregnancy had a higher risk of death. The study, published in Cancers, examined over 800 children and showed pesticide exposure increased child mortality by up to 60%.
Researchers found that breast milk components like melatonin and cortisol vary over the course of the day. Labeling expressed milk as 'morning,' 'afternoon,' or 'evening' could help align feeding times with circadian signals, supporting infant sleep and immune development.
A large-scale study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between early life antibiotic exposure and the development of autoimmune diseases in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 4 million Korean children and discovered no increased risk of Type 1 diabetes, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions.
Researchers at Penn Nursing are driving evidence-based changes to enhance lactation care and improve outcomes for families. Critical strategies include empowering frontline healthcare providers, fostering supportive work environments, and standardizing language to promote breastfeeding journeys.
A new study shows that delivering a single injection of gene therapy at birth may offer years-long protection against HIV. The treatment uses an adeno-associated virus to deliver instructions to muscle cells, which produce broadly neutralizing antibodies capable of neutralizing multiple strains of HIV.
Researchers discovered that immune cells called T cells are abundant in mammary glands during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with some relocating from the gut. This finding may help explain the benefits of breastfeeding and inform dietary decisions to enhance breast milk production and quality.
Researchers found that women with hypertensive disorders in pregnancy are more likely to never breastfeed or stop early. The study suggests targeted interventions could promote cardioprotective benefits of breastfeeding among these women.
Deepshika Ramanan, a Salk Assistant Professor, has been recognized as a Rita Allen Foundation Scholar for her innovative research on maternal immunity and lactation. She will receive annual grants of up to $110,000 to conduct groundbreaking work in neuroscience, cancer, immunology, and pain.
A new protocol has been developed to establish a safer standard for medication use during breastfeeding. The study focuses on the concentration of prednisolone and metformin in breast milk and infant plasma, addressing a significant knowledge gap in human lactation studies.
A new wearable device measures breast milk intake in real-time, providing clinical-grade monitoring of breastfed babies. The device eliminates uncertainty around milk consumption, reducing parental anxiety and improving clinical management for vulnerable babies in the NICU.
Scientists at the University of Southern California have developed a wearable lactation pad that monitors breast milk for safe levels of acetaminophen. The device provides real-time information, enabling parents to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and medication use, and may also be adapted to detect other drugs and biomarkers.
A Brazilian study of over 700 infants found that ultra-processed food consumption negatively affects gut diversity and abundance, particularly in non-breastfed children. Breastfeeding mitigates this effect, promoting higher Bifidobacterium levels and better health markers.
A study of 352 newborn pairs found that maternal childhood trauma can lead to excessive weight gain in male children as early as the first two months of life. This may increase future risk of obesity and diabetes, highlighting a potential intergenerational effect.
A recent psychological study found that high levels of toxic metals in mothers and newborns are associated with early childhood development problems. Breastfeeding during the first six months is generally considered favourable to an infant’s health, but exposure to toxic metals reduces its intensity and duration.
A randomized clinical trial found no association between immediate skin-to-skin contact and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes in very preterm neonates. However, the intervention was shown to enhance breastfeeding practices up to 12 months compared to standard care.
The USPSTF updates its recommendation on primary care interventions to support breastfeeding, citing established associations between breastfeeding and child health benefits. As of 2021, 59.8% of infants at 6 months are breastfed, while 27.2% are exclusively breastfed.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine found that 85% of postpartum-initiated lactation in ICUs aligns with national averages. Limited documentation and delays during mechanical ventilation are identified as barriers to lactation. The research team is developing an algorithm and guideline to support patients' lactation goals.
A recent study published in The Journal of the American Medical Association found that breast milk from mothers with gestational diabetes has a unique composition that benefits their infant children. Babies of mothers with gestational diabetes experience faster linear growth, lower fat percentages, and reduced weight gain.
Exclusive or longer breastfeeding duration is associated with lower risk of developmental delays and social/neurodevelopmental conditions. This finding may inform parents, caregivers, and public health initiatives promoting early child development.
Researchers found that women who became pregnant after the start of the pandemic were more likely to experience preterm birth and low birth weight, regardless of COVID-19 infection severity. Moderate-to-severe infections during pregnancy also increased the risk of adverse outcomes.
A new study by UCL researchers found that the oxytocin system is affected in breastfeeding mothers with postnatal depression. Oxytocin levels in breast milk were reduced in mothers experiencing depression after using a nasal spray containing the hormone.
A study from the University of Missouri found that rural first-time moms are more likely to stop breastfeeding due to a lack of practical knowledge, community support, and access to lactation consultants. The research aims to improve support and resources for new mothers in rural areas.
Virtual breastfeeding support through telelactation services has been shown to increase breastfeeding rates among new mothers, particularly among Black mothers. The study found that 70.6% of mothers who received virtual support reported any breastfeeding at 24 weeks, compared to 66.8% of those without access.
Scientists are studying how microplastics affect microbial communities in ponds, with potential implications for carbon cycling and the global biosphere. Microbes have adapted to plastic surfaces, which could impact aquatic environments.