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Photoinitiators detected in human breast milk

Scientists have detected 15 different photoinitiators in human breast milk, with benzophenone being the most prevalent. The researchers estimate that breastfeeding infants ingest high amounts of these compounds, but predict a low health risk due to levels below safe thresholds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateNov 20, 2019

Maternal secrets of our earliest ancestors unlocked

Australopithecus africanus mothers breastfed their infants continuously from birth to about one year of age. The research team analyzed over two-million-year-old teeth and found that nursing appears to continue in a cyclical pattern, with the mother supplementing gathered foods with breastmilk during seasonal changes and food shortages.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature·DateJul 15, 2019

A little formula in first days of life may not impact breastfeeding at 6 months

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that using limited formula in the first days of life does not negatively impact breastfeeding at 6 months. However, it may alter maternal attitudes towards breastfeeding and lead to shorter breastfeeding duration. The study tracked 164 babies born at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals and P...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJun 3, 2019

New study finds high rates of formula use with low-income infants, recommends changes

A new study published in Public Health Nutrition found that 61% of low-income infants received formula in the first few days of life. Mothers who set an exclusive breastfeeding goal were five times more likely to be exclusively breastfeeding at three months post-partum, highlighting the need for education and culturally appropriate sup...

SourceGeorge Mason University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateMay 2, 2019

WHO study confirms breastfeeding protects against child obesity, however levels of breastfeeding across Europe are well off-target

Research from WHO Europe found that babies who were never or only partially breastfed have a higher risk of becoming obese as children compared to exclusively breastfed babies. The study suggests that promoting breastfeeding practices can help prevent childhood obesity in Europe, but adoption rates are still below global recommendations.

Tailoring lactation education to the cultural needs of orthodox Jewish families

A new article provides culturally competent lactation education and evidence-based guidance for Orthodox Jewish mothers with sick newborns. Nurses are advised to have conversations with Rabbis before delivery to determine colostrum and milk storage needs, ensuring personalized care and meeting individual goals.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalMCN The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing·DateApr 5, 2019

Can human breast milk reduce intestinal injury following bone marrow transplant?

A pilot study found that human milk was associated with decreased markers of inflammation and injury in the stool of children undergoing bone marrow transplant. The results also showed lower levels of intestinal viruses and bacteria in the stool samples of children receiving human milk compared to those receiving formula.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateApr 4, 2019

CDC researchers report on trends in hospital breastfeeding policies

A new study by CDC researchers found that US hospital breastfeeding policies improved slightly between 2009 and 2015, with over 70% of hospitals still offering free infant formula. The study analyzed data from the Maternity Practices in Infant Nutrition and Care survey, which showed increases in model policy adoption and early breastfe...

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalBreastfeeding Medicine·DateMar 18, 2019

Australian study links breastfeeding with lower risk of heart disease

A new Australian study found that mothers who breastfeed are 34 percent less likely to die of heart disease than those who don't. Women who breastfed for up to 12 months had a lower risk of developing and dying from cardiovascular disease, with significant findings independent of socio-economic status and overall health-related lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of the American Heart Association·DateMar 18, 2019

Breast milk as drug-delivery device

Scientists are working on modifying human breast milk cells to produce specific proteins, such as vaccines, for premature babies. These engineered cells could potentially address birth defects, provide necessary proteins, or even treat certain diseases.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 6, 2019

Mom-to-mom phone calls lift breastfeeding rate

An Australian study found that regular telephone support from experienced breastfeeders increased breastfeeding rates among first-time mothers by 75%, compared to 69% in the control group. The program also improved mothers' ability to cope with challenges, leading to a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding at six months.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateMar 5, 2019

CEASE program increases smoking cessation assistance provided to breastfeeding mothers

A new study by MassGeneral Hospital for Children finds that breastfeeding mothers are more likely to quit smoking when they have access to evidence-based assistance. The CEASE program, which trains pediatric office staff to screen and support smoking families, provides nicotine replacement prescriptions and referrals to state quitlines.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateDec 5, 2018

Study: At-risk mothers receive less support, information on breastfeeding

A new study found that single mothers, those with less education, and mothers enrolled in the WIC Program may receive fewer resources and information to help them breastfeed. Despite receiving support from professionals, demographic differences and stress levels may affect their ability to engage in breastfeeding practices.