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Steps should be taken now to protect future supplies of infant and pediatric formula

A new perspective published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition recommends strategies to prevent future shortages and regain public trust. Strategies include a thorough, public process to instill confidence in safe production, assessment of supply system factors, and evaluation of business practices.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 17, 2022

Glatiramer acetate compatible with breastfeeding

Researchers found glatiramer acetate to be compatible with breastfeeding, reducing the frequency of relapses in multiple sclerosis patients. The study's results indicate no negative effects on infant development, leading to updates in the drug's label and approval for treatment during the breastfeeding period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalMultiple Sclerosis Journal·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 11, 2022

Busy mothers did less breastfeeding in 19th century Netherlands

A study found that mothers in a 19th century Dutch village had low rates of breastfeeding, likely due to their busy work schedules and easy access to cow's milk. Researchers analyzed the remains of 277 individuals and found little evidence of breastfeeding, surprising given the community's cultural associations with breastfeeding.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2022

Combining Black racial groups hides health disparities in breastfeeding

A new study from George Mason University found that African Americans have lower breastfeeding rates (39.9%) compared to Black immigrants (69.6%), highlighting health disparities within the Black population. The research highlights the importance of nuanced data collection to address these disparities and improve breastfeeding outcomes.

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

Increasing access to breastfeeding services for incarcerated women

A new article provides guidance on increasing breastfeeding rates among incarcerated women, highlighting the need for policy updates and strategic collaborations with existing programs. The recommendations aim to address structural barriers and low implementation of lactation support in hospitals and correctional facilities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalJournal of Correctional Health Care·DateMar 18, 2022

Study shows need for national breast milk monitoring programs for PFAS

Researchers analyzed existing studies on PFAS in breast milk, finding that levels of PFOA and PFOS exceeded children's drinking water screening values by up to two orders of magnitude. The study emphasizes the need for a national breastmilk monitoring program to provide credible advice to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

Impact of COVID-19 on breastfeeding

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant decrease in breastfeeding rates among participants of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in Southern California. Breastfeeding education and support services were disrupted due to the pandemic, which may have contributed to the decline.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateDec 16, 2021

Spicy breast milk?

A study by the Technical University of Munich discovered that pungent substances from chili, ginger, and pepper are transferred to breast milk after consumption. These substances can be detectable in breast milk for several hours, with maximum concentrations being 70- to 350-fold below the taste perception threshold of an adult.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalMolecular Nutrition & Food Research·DateNov 29, 2021

Abbott's research review highlights five HMO prebiotics in breast milk that may benefit digestive, immune and cognitive development in complementary ways

A review by Abbott researchers highlights five HMOs in breast milk that may provide support for digestive health, the immune system and cognitive development. The study suggests these five core Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs) could help influence overall brain health due to their impact on the gut-brain axis.

SourceAbbott·JournalNutrients·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 17, 2021

Budtenders, healthcare providers seek more training as cannabis use rises sharply in perinatal women

A study found that budtenders and healthcare providers are seeking more training on interacting with pregnant and breastfeeding women about their cannabis use. Healthcare providers have a negative opinion of the effects of cannabis use, while budtenders perceive marijuana as a safer alternative to perinatal alcohol or cigarette use.

SourceWashington State University·JournalThe American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 15, 2021

New study finds evidence of COVID antibodies in breast milk of vaccinated mothers

A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that mothers with disease-acquired immunity and those with vaccine-immunity produced high levels of antibodies in their breast milk, providing neutralization against SARS-CoV-2. The antibodies, including IgA and IgG, existed for three months after infection or vaccination.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateNov 11, 2021

New study suggests that breastfeeding may help prevent cognitive decline

A new UCLA Health study suggests that breastfeeding may have a positive impact on postmenopausal women's cognitive performance, potentially preventing cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Women who breastfed their babies performed better on cognitive tests compared to those who did not.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 22, 2021

Mother-to-child HIV transmission lower in infants with high antibody function levels

A new study found that infants with high levels of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) against their mother's strain of HIV are less likely to get infected through breastfeeding. The study also showed that ADCC is more effective than neutralizing antibodies in protecting infants against HIV transmission and improving outcomes.

SourceBoston Medical Center·JournalCell Reports Medicine·DateOct 19, 2021

Supporting breastfeeding during maternal or child hospitalization

The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine recommends keeping lactating mothers and their infants together, using direct breastfeeding over pump use whenever possible. The new guidelines also emphasize the importance of considering fluid needs, infection control, and creating a policy to support lactating mothers and breastfeeding children.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·TypeCase study·DateSep 14, 2021

Infant formula websites overtly discourage breastfeeding

A study by New York University researchers found that infant formula websites predominantly discourage breastfeeding and instead tout the benefits of formula feeding. The analysis of five major formula brands' websites revealed that substantial messaging focused on challenges associated with breastfeeding, such as low milk supply or la...

SourceNew York University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateSep 14, 2021