Articles tagged with Breast Feeding
A systematic review found that prenatal and postnatal interventions, duration, and mother emotional support are critical factors in promoting exclusive breastfeeding. The study suggests that more support and interventions in the postpartum period may be necessary to achieve the international goal of exclusive breastfeeding for six months.
A new study by Brigham Young University researchers reveals that breastfed babies perform better in school due to their mother's sensitivity to emotional cues and reading habits. The study found that these parenting skills can yield significant improvements in brain development by age 4.
A new poll from U-M's National Poll on Children's Health found that only 12% of uninsured parents take breastfeeding support classes. The study highlights the need for more affordable and accessible support to promote breastfeeding among all families.
A new study suggests that breast-feeding may have overstated benefits for children's long-term health and well-being. The research analyzed data from over 8,000 siblings and found no significant differences in most health outcomes between those who were breast-fed and bottle-fed.
A study by UC Davis researchers found that mothers who receive formula in the hospital are less likely to fully breastfeed their babies in the second month of life. The study, published in The Journal of Pediatrics, suggests that early formula use limits breastfeeding and increases the likelihood of quitting earlier.
A new study of over 7,000 older Chinese women found that breastfeeding was associated with a lower risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with women who breastfed being around half as likely to develop the condition. The study also found a statistically significant trend of decreasing RA risk with increasing duration of breastfeeding.
Research at Albert Einstein College of Medicine found that lactation consultants improved breastfeeding rates among women who resisted it. The studies showed that support from a lactation consultant significantly increased the chances of exclusive breastfeeding for three months, crucial for mother and child health benefits.
A University of Granada study found that early breast-feeding and natural deliveries contribute to higher maternal satisfaction. The researchers monitored 60 mothers and discovered a strong correlation between positive birth experiences and continued breastfeeding, reducing the risk of postpartum depression.
The project supports the introduction of two innovative contraceptive vaginal rings in USAID-priority countries, including a one-year ring and a three-month Progesterone Vaginal Ring for breastfeeding women. The rings offer effective, user-controlled methods with no need for healthcare provider insertion or refrigeration.
Research reveals that African-American college students are aware of the benefits of breast-feeding for infants, yet many hesitate due to social stigma and discomfort in public. The study suggests that early education and exposure can encourage positive attitudes towards breast-feeding among young Black women.
Researchers found that giving an iodine capsule to breastfeeding mothers is more effective in providing their babies with the essential trace element than administering it directly to the infant. However, both methods have limitations and do not guarantee sufficient iodine intake for both mother and child.
Breastfeeding and introducing solid foods between 17-24 weeks of age can help develop a stronger immune system against food allergies. This approach is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics and European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology recommendations.
A Kaiser Permanente study found that pre-pregnancy obesity and older maternal age are risk factors for delayed lactation in women with gestational diabetes. The study analyzed 883 women and reported that 33% experienced delayed milk production, which was associated with greater severity of GDM.
Research suggests that depressed levels of insulin-like growth factor (IGF) may be a biomarker for autism occurrence. Breastfeeding could serve as a natural source of IGF, potentially lowering the risk of autism development.
Research finds that early skin-to-skin contact in the delivery room significantly increases exclusive breastfeeding rates, particularly when mothers intend to breastfeed exclusively. Skin-to-skin contact and maternal intention are strongly associated with successful breastfeeding outcomes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have discovered a breast milk protein, Tenascin-C (TNC), that neutralizes HIV and may protect exposed infants. The protein binds to and blocks virus entry, providing widespread protection against infection.
A study found that over three-fourths of breast milk samples purchased online contained bacteria that can cause illness, with high levels of contamination linked to poor shipping practices. Milk banks, which provide pasteurized milk from carefully screened donors, are a safer alternative for sick babies.
A study published in JAMA Neurology found that prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs was associated with impaired fine motor skills in children at age 6 months. However, breastfeeding by mothers taking these medications was not linked to adverse development in children up to 36 months old.
A new study found that 92% of new moms reported at least one breastfeeding concern three days after birth, with infant feeding issues being the most common. The study suggests a two-pronged approach to support breastfeeding mothers, including strengthening protective factors and ensuring professional lactation support.
A study found that frequent bedsharing between mothers and infants was associated with longer breastfeeding durations. However, researchers also warned about the increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) related to bedsharing.
A study found UK commercial baby foods lack essential nutrients, being predominantly sweet and similar in energy content to breast milk. They are often introduced too early, conflicting with government recommendations for exclusive breastfeeding until six months.
Scientists have discovered that breast milk contains beneficial bacteria from the mother's gut, which is essential for establishing a healthy gut microbiome in babies. This finding confirms the importance of breastfeeding and highlights the need to develop formula milk that mimics nature.
A new analysis found that breastfeeding for over 6 months may safeguard nonsmoking mothers against breast cancer, with a 10-year delay in diagnosis compared to shorter breastfeeding periods. In contrast, smoking mothers did not benefit from longer breastfeeding
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that exclusive breastfeeding from 6 to 7 months of age is linked to a decreased risk of overweight and obesity in school-aged children in Japan. The study analyzed data from over 43,000 children born after 37 weeks of gestation.
A study of 602 new mothers found that extroverted and emotionally stable individuals are more likely to breastfeed and continue breastfeeding. Mothers who were introverted or anxious faced challenges with breastfeeding, including feelings of self-consciousness and difficulty accessing support services.
A recent study found that children who were breastfed had a higher likelihood of recovering from stuttering and returning to fluent speech. The researchers suggest that essential fatty acids found in breast milk may play an important role in brain development and language skills.
A study highlights the importance of physicians recognizing mothers' use of herbal supplements while breastfeeding. Research suggests that there is a lack of scientific evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of herbal supplements during lactation.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that longer breastfeeding durations are associated with better receptive language at age 3 and verbal and nonverbal intelligence at age 7. Higher fish intake during lactation also appeared to strengthen the relationship between infant feeding and later cognition.
Researchers found that breastfed children were less likely to develop ADHD later in life, with bottle-fed children three times more likely to have the disorder. The study suggests breastfeeding may have a protective effect against ADHD development.
A University of Alberta study found that new moms are weaning their infants early and only 54% were exclusively breastfeeding three months after giving birth. The study suggests addressing concerns and misconceptions about breastfeeding is crucial for promoting long-term breastfeeding.
Scientists have discovered oligosaccharides in breast milk that confer protection by feeding beneficial intestinal bacteria, crowding out harmful E. coli strains. This research aims to develop probiotics to prevent life-threatening intestinal diseases in premature babies.
Research found that breastfeeding significantly reduces chances of downward social mobility and increases odds of climbing the social ladder. Breastfed children showed improved brain development, stress levels, and intellect, which contribute to better adult outcomes.
A new MRI study by Brown University researchers reveals that exclusive breastfeeding for at least three months enhances brain development in infants, particularly in areas related to language and emotional function. The study found a 20-30% increase in white matter growth in breastfed babies compared to formula-fed babies.
A systematic review explores the potential value of genetic information obtained from breast milk for optimizing neonatal diets. The study suggests that genetic analysis of breast milk could help tailor nutrition to individual infants' needs, improving their outcomes.
A new study from Brigham Young University suggests that infant feeding practices are a significant factor in childhood obesity. Babies predominantly fed formula were 2.5 times more likely to become obese toddlers than breastfed infants.
A new study found that breastfeeding at 3 and 6 months of age was associated with a lower risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The research suggests that breastfeeding may have protective effects against ADHD, which is a common neurodevelopmental disorder.
Researchers at UC San Francisco found that giving small amounts of formula to infants experiencing high early weight loss can increase the length of time their mothers end up breastfeeding. This study provides evidence for the benefits of 'early limited formula' in some newborns.
A randomized clinical trial found that HIV-infected mothers who exclusively breastfed their babies for four months had significantly lower levels of the virus in their breast milk compared to those who stopped breastfeeding earlier. The study suggests that early and frequent breastfeeding can reduce the risk of mother-to-child transmis...
A randomized controlled trial of over 14,000 infants found that improved breastfeeding duration and exclusivity had no impact on childhood obesity at age 11.5 years. The study suggests that socially patterned factors may explain observed associations between breastfeeding and growth.
A new study found that infants born by cesarean delivery and those strictly formula-fed have different gut bacteria than those delivered vaginally and breastfed. The researchers suggest that these early-life influences may impact the development of conditions like asthma, obesity, and type 1 diabetes.
A new study by Brown University found that Samoan babies experience rapid weight gain in early infancy, which may foreshadow a future trend of obesity in developed nations. The researchers tracked the growth and weight gain of nearly 800 American Samoan babies born between 2001 and 2008.
A study finds that breast milk contains very low levels of tacrolimus, and babies can clear the drug at the same rate whether breast-fed or bottle-fed. Women taking tacrolimus who wish to breast-feed after counseling should not be discouraged from doing so.
Mothers of newborns in neonatal intensive care units struggle to find private spaces for breastfeeding due to hospital design. This lack of privacy can lead to missed feedings and increased health risks for low-weight premature babies. The study's findings highlight the need for innovative solutions to address mothers' concerns.
A survey of lactation consultants found that 69% reported hearing of folk remedies and 65% recommended at least one. These remedies include cabbage leaves to ease pain and oatmeal to increase milk production. However, there is little empirical evidence to support their use.
Spanish researchers have discovered a diverse range of bacteria in breast milk, including over 700 species. The study found that mother's weight and labor type affect microbiome diversity, with heavier mothers having fewer bacteria in their milk.
A new study from Temple University psychology professor Marsha Weinraub found that most babies sleep through the night, waking up only about once per week, by six months. The research revealed two groups: sleepers and transitional sleepers, with 66% of babies not waking at all and a majority being boys.
A recent in vitro study discovered that formulas are toxic to cells due to free fatty acids, while breast milk protects against cell death. The researchers found that digestion of formula leads to cellular death in under 5 minutes, whereas breast milk does not.
Pediatric residents who participated in simulated clinical exams showed a significant increase in confidence and comfort when addressing breastfeeding issues. The OSCE interventions also improved their ability to take a thorough history, assess the baby's condition, and provide professional guidance. By training future pediatricians in...
The Fourth Annual Summit on Breastfeeding highlighted ongoing disparities in breastfeeding, with only 44% of African-American women reporting breastfeeding compared to 66 and 68% for Hispanic and white women. The summit also explored the role of access to support, counseling, and equipment as a means to increase breastfeeding rates.
A study at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of ER/PR-negative breast cancer. Women who breastfed their children had no increased risk of this aggressive tumor subtype.
A study of 284 controls and 142 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia found a higher risk associated with longer formula feeding and later solid food introduction. The risk increased by 16% for every month of formula feeding and 14% for each month the introduction of solid foods was delayed.
Researchers have measured high levels of DDT in breast milk from nursing mothers in malaria-stricken villages in South Africa, far exceeding World Health Organization limits. The findings highlight the need to decrease exposure to DDT, which has been linked to various health issues, including cancer and impaired reproductive health.
Scientists at Duke University Medical Center found that breast milk fosters colonies of microbiotic flora in a newborn's intestinal tract, while infant formulas do not. This unique property of breast milk aids nutrient absorption and immune system development, suggesting potential approaches for developing substitutes.
Researchers found that immunologically active components called human milk oligosaccharides (HMO) may protect infants from HIV transmission. HMO act as prebiotics, inhibit pathogens from binding, and exhibit anti-inflammatory activity.
A study published in Pediatrics found a strong association between persistent and loud snoring in young children and problem behaviors such as hyperactivity, depression, and inattention. The study suggests that doctors should routinely screen for and track snoring in children from poorer families to prevent preschool behavior problems.
Research finds that bifidobacteria can process complex glycans linked to proteins in breast milk, providing a new source of energy for at-risk infants. The discovery could lead to the development of probiotics to support premature or malnourished children.
A study by University of North Carolina researchers found that breast milk has a strong virus-killing effect and protects against oral transmission of HIV. The 'BLT' mouse model was used to demonstrate this, with the oral cavity and upper digestive tract of mice mimicking human cells affected by HIV transmission.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center isolated antibodies from breast milk that can generate neutralizing antibodies to help inhibit the HIV virus in infants. The study's findings may help develop immune system prophylaxis during breastfeeding for mothers infected with HIV-1.
A new study from the University of California - Davis Health found that flash-heating breastmilk can reduce the risk of HIV transmission to infants in sub-Saharan Africa. The technique involves heating breastmilk to a high temperature without destroying its nutritional properties, making it safe for babies beyond six months.
A study by Oregon Health & Science University found that restricting pacifiers in a hospital setting decreased exclusive breastfeeding rates and increased formula consumption in breastfed infants. The researchers argue that the effect of pacifier use on breastfeeding has not been well-established, warranting further scientific inquiry.