Articles tagged with Breast Feeding
Breast milk plays a crucial role in shaping the infant's immune system and gut microbiome by favoring the colonization of specific bacterial groups. After one month, breast milk composition transitions to support infant growth with increased fat and nutrients.
Researchers found that SSRI antidepressants cause decreased bone density in mothers during lactation, leading to higher risks of fractures. Folic acid supplementation may mitigate this effect, suggesting women may need more folic acid while breast-feeding.
A new study from the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston finds that higher rates of breastfeeding and vaccination significantly reduce the incidence of ear infections in babies. The study also suggests that lower smoking rates contribute to this decline.
Researchers from Penn Medicine warn that labelling public health initiatives as 'natural' could lead to harmful decision-making by some parents. They argue that this messaging undermines important health practices, such as childhood vaccination.
A study by University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing found that 60% of child care centers do not have staff trained on the benefits of breastfeeding and human milk. The researchers recommend widespread education for child care providers and staff to ensure adherence to breastfeeding support guidelines.
A Norwegian study found that women who experienced childhood sexual abuse are 22% more likely to stop breastfeeding before four months. Women exposed to multiple types of violence have a 41% greater chance of stopping early. Breastfeeding helps mothers' health, but trauma can hinder it.
A new study by the University of Houston found that supervisor and co-worker attitudes significantly impact working mothers' decisions to breastfeed. Women with supportive supervisors were eight times more likely to continue exclusive breastfeeding. The study highlights the importance of workplace climate in supporting breastfeeding mo...
Newborns may develop severe infections from exposure to vaginal bacteria, experts warn. Encouraging breast feeding and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics may be more important than vaginal seeding for infant health.
Researchers found that breast milk sugars containing sialic acid promote healthy infant growth by interacting with the gut microbiome. The study suggests that these sugars may be key components of breast milk necessary for infant health, and could lead to improved infant formulas and therapeutic foods.
Children breastfeeding after their first birthday should take a vitamin D supplement to prevent health problems like rickets. Vitamin D levels in breastfed children decrease rapidly after the first birthday, increasing the risk of deficiency by up to 29% by age three.
A new study published in Breastfeeding Medicine found a significant association between diabetes during pregnancy and low milk supply. Women with maternal glucose intolerance were more likely to experience lactation difficulties, highlighting the need for targeted therapies to support breastfeeding mothers.
A study of 678 women found that frequent bed-sharing with infants and a strong motivation to breastfeed were linked to longer breastfeeding durations. This challenges recommendations against bed-sharing due to SIDS fears, suggesting these practices may hinder some mothers from achieving their breastfeeding goals.
A recent study found that a mother's diet during pregnancy and lactation significantly affects the composition of her breast milk microbiome. The researchers speculate that this may contribute to the establishment of the infant's gut microbiome, potentially influencing their disease susceptibility. The study provides new insights into ...
Research finds that breastfeeding can add billions to the global economy by preventing child deaths and improving cognitive abilities. Globally, improved breastfeeding rates could prevent 820,000 child deaths annually and save over $2.45 billion in treatment costs.
Boosting breastfeeding rates could save millions of lives, including those from child mortality and breast cancer. Global economic losses from not breastfeeding are estimated at US$302 billion annually.
Research shows that Latino kids are more likely to be obese by ages 2-5 due to maternal obesity, less exclusive breastfeeding, and workplace issues. Breastfeeding can reduce obesity by 47 percent among Latino kids, but many Latina moms face barriers to initiating and maintaining breastfeeding.
A study of 102 infants found associations between the infant's gut microbiome composition and delivery method, as well as feeding practices. The research suggests that differences in the microbiome composition may be linked to short- and long-term health outcomes.
Research suggests that genetic variation in the ZnT2 protein may be common in women and associated with abnormal zinc levels in breast milk. Women with this variation may have trouble breastfeeding and their milk may contain lower than normal amounts of zinc, posing a risk to exclusively breastfed infants.
The World Bank's new 'Power of Nutrition' fund aims to promote breastfeeding and reduce undernutrition in developing countries. Investments in this area could transform the health and economy of these nations, particularly during the critical first two years of a child's life.
A recent study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that breastfeeding significantly lowers the risk of developing type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes. Women who exclusively or mostly breastfed for at least two months after giving birth were half as likely to develop type 2 diabetes within two years after delivery.
A study found that providing babies with up to 12 months of liquid formula HIV drugs while breastfeeding with their HIV-positive mothers is highly effective in protecting them from infection. The study showed that rates of HIV infection fell to 0.2% when the drug was taken, and that adherence remained a key factor for success.
A new study found no significant difference in allergies between children who were breastfed and those formula-fed. The study examined 194 patients aged 4-18 years old with hay fever and similar numbers of kids with asthma, eczema, and food allergy.
A new study suggests that variations in complex carbohydrates found in breast milk, called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), are associated with variations in infant growth and obesity. Higher levels of certain HMOs at 6 months of age were linked to greater fat mass, while others were protective against obesity.
A new meta-analysis shows breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of developing hormone-receptor negative breast cancer. Women who breastfed had a reduced risk of up to 20%, making it a protective strategy against the most aggressive subtypes.
A recent study found that stopping breastfeeding due to pain or physical difficulties increases the risk of postnatal depression. The study suggests investing in support systems to enable women to breastfeed successfully.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital discovered specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in human breast milk that resolve inflammation, stimulate immune response, and heal wounds. These findings suggest a critical role for SPMs in infant development and immune system maturation.
Life expectancy has increased everywhere in Germany, with the biggest gains seen in Eastern regions. Regional economic development is becoming a key factor in determining life expectancy, with areas like Baden-Württemberg and Saxony consistently having higher life expectancies.
A study by King's College London and University of Washington found that maternal chronic stress is associated with a higher prevalence of dental cavities among children. The study also found that mothers who did not breastfeed their children were more likely to have them develop cavities.
Women with multiple sclerosis who breastfed exclusively for two months had a lower risk of relapse during the first six months after giving birth compared to those who did not breastfeed. Exclusive breastfeeding may reduce postpartum MS relapse risk but disease activity returns once regular feedings are introduced.
The new ESC guidelines offer improved management of pericardial diseases, including acute pericarditis and constrictive pericarditis. The guidelines provide specific diagnostic criteria and treatment recommendations, aiming to improve outcomes and quality of life for patients with these conditions.
Breastfeeding from 0-5 months significantly reduces infant mortality risk, with exclusively breastfed infants having a lower risk of dying compared to those who were not breastfed. Continued breastfeeding up to 23 months also lowers the risk of infant mortality.
A new study has found that breast milk can build up toxic chemicals in infants by 20-30% each month, increasing their risk of immune system dysfunction and other health problems. The study followed 81 children born in the Faroe Islands between 1997-2000 and found higher levels of these chemicals in exclusively breastfed infants.
Researchers at Washington State University found no accumulated glyphosate in human milk despite widespread use of Roundup herbicide. The study's results contradict a previous, unverified claim and provide strong evidence for the safety of breast milk.
The research team at PolyU has established Hong Kong's first breast milk nutrient database, revealing that the DHA level in over 80% of breast milk meets the recommended intake for infants. The study suggests that breastfeeding mothers consume adequate amounts of omega-3 rich fish and other nutrients to support infant growth.
The consumption of raw human breast milk purchased online poses significant health risks due to the lack of pasteurization and testing. Experts warn that this can lead to bacterial food-borne illnesses such as hepatitis, HIV, and syphilis, which can be passed on through contaminated milk.
The practice of breast milk sharing has evolved into an Internet-based marketplace where mothers sell their milk to feed babies and as a supplement to bodybuilders. Breast milk purchase on the Internet poses risks, including dilution with cow's milk or bacterial contamination due to improper storage.
A recent study suggests that mutations in the ZnT2 protein, responsible for transporting zinc, can lead to severe deficiencies in breast milk and difficulties with breastfeeding. The researchers found that mice without functional ZnT2 had reduced beta-casein, fat, and lactose in their milk, impacting infant health.
A study found that carotenoid levels in breast milk differ significantly by country, with Chinese women's milk having the highest levels of lutein and fatty acids. The US lagged behind China and Mexico due to lower fruit and vegetable consumption.
A study from the University of Central Florida found that breast milk sharing is a thriving practice, with many women exchanging milk through online communities. The majority of participants were college-educated and had household incomes above $70,000, using cross-nursing as an alternative to container-based exchanges.
Research suggests that breastfeeding for at least six months can significantly reduce the risk of childhood leukemia. The study analyzed data from 18 studies and found a 19% lower risk compared to no breastfeeding or shorter breastfeeding periods. Breast milk's immunological components may play a key role in this association.
A recent study by Aitana Lertxundi analyzed the effects of PM2.5 and NO2 pollution on pregnant women and their offspring. The research found an inverse relationship between exposure to air pollution and motor development in babies, with breastfed infants showing improved motor skills.
A study found that women who breastfed their babies had a lower risk of breast cancer recurrence, with the strongest effect seen in those who breastfed for 6 months or more. The protective effect was most pronounced for tumors of specific genetic subtypes.
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine reveals breast milk's immune-boosting properties prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a devastating intestinal disorder. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) blocks the activation of a protein responsible for NEC, promoting gut healing.
A comprehensive literature review shows lower rates of breastfeeding initiation and continuation among minority women compared to White women. Ob/gyns can use data to support breastfeeding in clinical practices and public policy, helping to overcome cultural and social factors that affect minority women's decisions.
A new study from Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggests that breastfeeding may not be a reliable method for preventing childhood obesity. The research highlights the complex relationship between breastfeeding and obesity, citing factors such as maternal obesity and alterations in digestive system processing.
Recent studies show that breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of childhood obesity, with benefits increasing with longer and more exclusive breastfeeding. However, research now needs to move beyond observational studies to provide definitive evidence.
A study of 155 breastfeeding women in Manila found that they experienced an increase in sexual activity after childbirth, which may be a strategy to maintain relationships and invest in future children. This suggests that women's priorities shift from mating efforts to parenting efforts during the postpartum period.
A study published in Pediatrics found that 10% of online breast milk samples contained added cow's milk, a concerning discovery for parents relying on these sources. The research team also identified bacterial and viral contamination in over 75% of purchased samples, highlighting the risks associated with buying human milk online.
The unregulated online market for human breast milk puts infants at risk due to lack of pasteurization and proper testing. Experts call for legal regulation and training for healthcare workers to ensure safe alternatives are offered to mothers struggling with breastfeeding.
A 30-year study of nearly 3500 newborns found that longer breastfeeding duration is associated with increased intelligence, longer schooling, and higher adult earnings. The longer a child was breastfed, the greater the magnitude of the benefits.
Lactating women are more likely to experience vaginal dryness and discomfort on sexual intercourse due to low estrogen levels. The study suggests that physicians should be aware of this issue and provide appropriate treatment, such as vaginal estrogen cream.
A Norwegian Institute of Public Health study finds that maternal levels of DDE associated with rapid infant growth, while PCB153 in milk linked to decreased growth. The study highlights the need to reduce environmental pollutants to protect children's development.
A Dartmouth College study found that formula-fed infants have higher arsenic levels in their urine compared to breast-fed infants. Breast milk contains very low arsenic concentrations, highlighting the importance of breastfeeding as a way to reduce arsenic exposure.
Researchers found that exclusively breastfed babies had microbial communities more ready for solid foods, while those with mixed diets experienced a dramatic shift. This study provides support for exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life.
New reproductive technologies identify genetic disorders through fetal DNA analysis. Social pressures hinder breastfeeding adoption in Western nations, while advanced parental age increases autism risk.
An article in Breastfeeding Medicine suggests that bed-sharing restrictions may hinder breastfeeding frequency and exclusivity. The AAP's recommendations have been criticized for being unrealistic and potentially detrimental to breastfeeding outcomes.
Research at Brunel University London found that increasing breastfeeding duration can save the NHS £31m annually by reducing infant illnesses. The study suggests that doubling breastfeeding duration could lead to significant cost savings, with a potential total of £40m per year.
A new review article suggests that domperidone can increase breast milk production, but also poses a risk of irregular heartbeat and sudden cardiac death in women. The study found that moderate improvements in milk production were observed with lower doses, but higher doses increased the odds of cardiac complications.
Doubling breastfeeding duration for 7-18 months can save the NHS at least £31 million, while doubling neonatal unit breastfeeding rates saves an extra £6 million. Helping existing mothers extend breastfeeding periods is key to achieving these cost savings.
Domperidone has been found to increase milk supply in breastfeeding women with no reported significant adverse effects. Its use is associated with modest improvements in breast milk volume, supporting long-term health benefits for both mothers and babies.