A recent survey by Northwestern University found that fathers who take at least two weeks of leave are more likely to report their infant being breastfed at eight weeks. Additionally, families where dads took at least two weeks off had a higher rate of continued breastfeeding at eight weeks compared to those with shorter leave.
A new mathematical model developed at the University of Waterloo can determine a baby's overall drug exposure when their mother is taking medication, specifically Levetiracetam. The probability of negative effects on a breastfeeding infant is very low for typically prescribed doses.
Technion researchers discover Human Breast Milk Protein Corona, which influences nanoparticle permeability through the gastrointestinal tract. The discovery enables oral consumption of vaccines and medications, inspired by breast milk's unique properties.
A study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis reveals most US infant formulas contain primarily added sugars, rather than naturally occurring lactose. This contradicts medical recommendations for babies under 2 years old, who require a diet closest to human breast milk.
A cross-sectional study in Ecuador found high exposure to breast milk substitute (BMS) marketing, with over 91% of mothers and healthcare professionals affected. The study highlights the need for stricter regulations and education strategies to protect maternal and infant health.
Research from RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences found that infant gut bacteria are associated with food sensitivities and allergies, particularly to eggs. The study suggests that probiotic supplements, such as Bifidobacterium, may help prevent food allergies in at-risk infants.
A study of ancient Roman teeth reveals that urban dwellers weaned their babies earlier than rural communities, following medical recommendations similar to those in modern cities. The findings support the idea that cities act as information hubs and offer more medical resources, leading to closer adherence to expert health guidelines.
Researchers in Kenya, Norway, and Denmark are collaborating on a project to develop and test an improved dietary supplement for pregnant women. The goal is to reduce incidences of low birth weight, improve maternal and child health, and enhance growth and cognitive development in children. The new supplement, MMS+, will include additio...
A cross-sectional study found that maternal use of certain antidepressants and anti-inflammatory medications can lower protein and fat levels in breast milk. This may impose health risks on infants who are breastfed by mothers taking these medications, highlighting the need for further research to clarify the clinical implications.
Research found that infants given milk cereal drinks after six months old experience early rapid weight gain but not higher body mass index or waist-to-height ratio. Early rapid weight gain is predictive of later adiposity, regardless of supplement consumption.
UC San Diego Health has been recognized as a High Performing Hospital for maternity care by U.S. News & World Report for the third consecutive year, providing highly reliable maternity care to expectant parents and newborns. The hospital also excels in breastfeeding support, with nearly 90% of babies fed exclusively breast milk.
UCSF Medical Center has received the highest possible rating for maternity care, reflecting its commitment to clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration. The hospital's maternal care teams include a broad array of expertise, including nurse practitioners, midwives, and obstetrician anesthesiologists.
A Saint Louis University study found that COVID-19 stay-at-home orders facilitated easier breastfeeding, stronger mother-child bonding, and extended breastfeeding duration for many women. However, the pandemic also presented significant barriers, including limited access to lactation support and heightened maternal stress.
A recent study found that over a quarter of new mothers have fallen asleep while feeding their babies, increasing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Researchers are urging care providers to inform new moms about the potential risks and provide guidance on safe feeding practices.
Researchers from NUS and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that breastfeeding significantly reduces cardiovascular disease risk among women with type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes. A healthy Mediterranean diet with low persistent organic pollutant exposure also lowers the risk of GDM.
A UMass Amherst-led team has developed a sensor to detect sodium ions in breastmilk, a biomarker of elevated mammary permeability and potential milk supply issues. The device provides highly sensitive readings inexpensively and quickly, with results delivered in three minutes and costs just $1 per test.
A new Finnish study reveals that women with a fear of childbirth have a significantly shorter breastfeeding duration. The research found that fear of childbirth is associated with a three times higher risk of not meeting the recommended six-month exclusive breastfeeding period.
Researchers evaluated HIV reservoir in breast milk cells of two women living with HIV, detecting very low levels of cellular HIV DNA. The study's findings support revised recommendations on infant feeding by people with HIV in high resource settings.
A study by researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that high levels of specific antibodies in breast milk provide protection against rotavirus, a common gastrointestinal disease. The findings highlight the importance of optimized breastfeeding practices to improve infant health globally.
The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine has released comprehensive guidelines for protecting, promoting, and supporting breastfeeding in emergency situations. The recommendations aim to safeguard the health and well-being of infants in disasters and conflicts by ensuring safe nutrition and immune protection.
A new study found that exclusively breastfed infants born in a Cincinnati hospital were 22% less likely to develop asthma, suggesting a link between early feeding patterns and long-term health outcomes. The research highlights the importance of supporting exclusive breastfeeding during the critical first days of life.
UNCG researchers aim to reduce rapid weight gain and obesity risk among Latine infants by supporting mothers in breastfeeding. Breastfeeding without supplementation during infancy correlates with less excess weight gain for the baby and a healthier weight throughout childhood.
A new study shows that breastfeeding beyond three months supports the gradual maturation of a baby's microbiome, which lowers their risk of developing asthma. The study found that breast milk regulates the mix of microbes in infants, setting the pace and sequence for microbial colonization.
Two studies found breastfeeding after breast cancer diagnosis is safe and feasible for young patients with specific genetic variations, as well as hormone receptor-positive breast cancer survivors. A third study shows a telephone-based coaching program can significantly increase physical activity in overweight patients, potentially imp...
A new study has found a natural probiotic in the microbiomes of UK newborns, which could be used to develop personalized infant therapeutic probiotics. The researchers analyzed stool samples from 1,288 healthy infants and found that one of the pioneer bacteria was genetically adapted to utilize breast milk nutrients and block pathogens.
A KKH study found that exclusively breastfed women with high body mass index (BMI) lost more weight than those with a healthy BMI pre-pregnancy, with an average weight loss of 200 grammes. Women who practiced exclusive breastfeeding retained less postnatal weight compared to mixed feeding or formula feeding.
Scientists have discovered a new hormone, CCN3, that helps maintain bone density and strength in breastfeeding women. In mice, CCN3 increased bone mass and strength, even when estrogen levels were low. The hormone also accelerated bone healing in fracture models, offering hope for treating osteoporosis and other bone conditions.
A new mathematical model suggests that male mammals' absence of breastfeeding may be an evolutionary strategy to limit the spread of harmful microbes. The theory proposes that maternal-only lactation acts as a sieve, retaining beneficial microbes and preventing their transmission through mammary milk.
A new study by Johns Hopkins School of Nursing found that WIC staff need additional accommodations to provide inclusive care for parents with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The research highlights the importance of accessible teaching materials and respectful communication to improve access and quality of services for the...
The study reveals that fear of harming fetus is a significant barrier to participation, while also highlighting importance of culturally sensitive recruitment strategies. Factors such as lack of trust in research institutions, limited access to healthcare, and social norms also play crucial role in shaping participation rates.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that exclusively breastfed infants used fewer healthcare services and incurred lower costs compared to formula-fed infants. This could have avoided £10 million in healthcare costs if all formula-fed infants were exclusively breastfed for the first 6-8 weeks of life.
A recent study found that breastfeeding mothers who use cannabis have detectable amounts of THC in their milk, even after 12 hours of abstinence. The amount of THC detected is low, but its impact on infants is unknown.
Researchers found that inflammatory proteins peak at different times of day based on whether new mothers breastfeed or formula-feed their babies. The study's findings suggest a unique immune profile for lactating mothers and highlight the need for further research into postpartum breastfeeding.
Researchers developed a device with AI algorithms to analyze suckling strength and pattern in newborns. The system showed improved accuracy over subjective clinician assessments, identifying abnormal patterns that may indicate the need for surgical intervention or improved feeding practices.
A study developed a new referral pathway and Frenotomy Assessment Tool to identify breastfed babies with tongue tie requiring frenotomy. The tool found that 11% of breastfed babies had TT and 66% underwent frenotomy, suggesting that most infants were suffering from the condition.
A randomized controlled trial reveals that infant gut microbiomes oscillate with a circadian rhythm, detectable as early as 2 weeks after birth. Diet has less impact on the development and composition of the infant microbiome than previously thought.
A large cohort study found that longer durations of exclusive breastfeeding were associated with a lower risk of childhood B-cell precursor-acute lymphoblastic leukemia. The study's results suggest potential biologic mechanisms underlying this association and inform the need for further research on preemptive interventions.
A new study found that multiple unsafe sleep practices, such as sharing a bed, were present in over 75% of sudden infant deaths. Infants who died were often younger, non-Hispanic Black, and publicly insured. The research emphasizes the need for better safe-sleep education and support to reduce Sudden Infant Deaths.
Research by Norwegian University of Science and Technology finds that high-intensity interval training increases breast milk's adiponectin levels, a hormone linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. This could help prevent childhood obesity.
A new study found that infants exposed to monoclonal antibodies for multiple sclerosis through breastfeeding experienced no negative effects on health or development within the first three years of life. The research used data from 183 infants born to mothers taking these medications while breastfeeding, and compared them to another gr...
A study by the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences found that breastfeeding after a COVID-19 booster shot can provide protection to infants too young to receive the vaccine. The antibodies transferred through breast milk may help shield babies from severe COVID-19 illness, according to researchers.
A study of 276,000 children aged 6-23 months in 92 low- and middle-income countries reveals that 10.4% were zero-food children, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to improve infant nutrition. The prevalence is particularly urgent in West and Central Africa and India.
A study of over 80,000 children found that high fish and vegetable intakes early in life are associated with a lower risk of inflammatory bowel disease. High sugar beverage intake, on the other hand, was linked to a higher risk.
A new study published in Neurology found that young Black and Hispanic women with multiple sclerosis face greater challenges in pregnancy, have more advanced disease, and experience higher inflammation levels, which may signal MS progression. The researchers also noted disparities in healthcare access and treatment.
A new study from Uppsala University highlights the importance of involving both parents in breastfeeding support. The study found that partners who were included in the breastfeeding process felt more involved and collaborative with their mothers. This approach can lead to better lactation outcomes and increased confidence for new moth...
A new NIH study finds that consistently breastfeeding infants in their first three months is associated with a lower risk of childhood obesity, regardless of the mother's pre-pregnancy BMI. The study suggests that health professionals can encourage and promote breastfeeding among all women, especially those who have obesity.
A new study suggests that breastfeeding, even partially alongside formula feeding, positively influences brain development in infants. The research found significant differences in metabolite levels between breastfed and formula-fed infants, with those fed breast milk having better cognitive test scores at age 2.
A study from the University of Tokyo found that the World Health Organization's 24-hour recall method overestimates exclusive breastfeeding by six times. The researchers suggest that in-hospital breastfeeding support and guidance are crucial for increasing exclusive breastfeeding rates. To improve breastfeeding outcomes, experts recomm...
Researchers found that prenatal vitamins provided short-term benefits, while postnatal vitamins offered sustained impacts on breast milk B-12 adequacy. Both types of supplements supported healthy growth and development in infants.
Researchers analyzed medieval Bavarian teeth to understand childhood nutrition and migration. The study found that people of non-Bavarian origin migrated to the region, and women from south-eastern Europe had unique dietary patterns and artificially modified skulls. Long breastfeeding periods were also common among these women.
Researchers developed an AI model to optimize the macronutrient content of pooled human donor milk recipes, decreasing production time by 60%. The model improved protein and fat levels in milk bank products without compromising bacterial safety, benefiting preterm and sick babies.
The study found an increase in breastfeeding initiation and duration among US children from 1999 to 2018. Higher rates of breastfeeding were observed among male infants, older mothers, Mexican American participants, and households with higher incomes.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that postpartum individuals living in states with generous mandated paid family and medical leave are more likely to breastfeed and less likely to experience postpartum depression symptoms. Lower-income populations covered by Medicaid saw the greatest benefits, with a 32% greater likelihood of breast...
The new clinical protocol provides detailed practical clinical management guidelines for mothers with SUD, emphasizing individualized care plans and ongoing postpartum care. The recommendations aim to promote breastfeeding benefits while addressing the complexity of substance use in lactating women.
Researchers aim to understand factors contributing to inadequate milk supply and its effects on infants. They will collect breast milk and fecal samples, as well as questionnaires at 8 months and 1 year to identify potential interventions.
State hospital regulations encouraging breastfeeding increased breastfeeding rates by 4% and up to 7%, but also reduced mothers' labor force participation by 3%. The policies have been shown to benefit women with higher education and incomes, but may not necessarily provide a health benefit due to confounding factors.
A new study published in Diabetologia found that breastfeeding for six months or longer is associated with lower levels of body fat at the age of nine. Infants who were not given soda before 18 months also had a lower fat mass at this age. The study suggests that infant feeding patterns, including breastfeeding duration and early intro...
A study found that specific proteins in breast milk correlate with the abundance of certain gut microbes in infants, potentially playing a role in early immune and metabolic development. The research suggests a regulatory function of these proteins on the immune function of the gut microbiome in humans.
A new study published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology found an association between breastfeeding as an infant and an increased risk of colorectal cancer in adulthood. Researchers analyzed data from over 158,000 women and discovered that breastfed individuals were 23% more likely to develop colorectal cancer later in life.
Researchers at UMass Amherst are investigating the connection between PFAS chemicals and breast cancer. They will examine data from postmenopausal women to determine if PFAS concentrations are associated with less breast tissue involution, which may increase breast cancer risk.