Breastfeeding Research July - December 2023

(US Breastfeeding Committee)

Global lessons for strengthening breastfeeding as a key pillar for food security

This journal article presents three case studies (including one in the US) and discusses the importance of supporting breastfeeding in the face of pandemics, climate changes, poverty, and natural disasters.

Potential Epigenetic Effects of Human Milk on Infants’ Neurodevelopment

This article discusses the benefits of microRNAs, long non-coding RNAs, and stem cells - which are all found in breastmilk - and also the microbiome on the brain development of pre-term babies.

Breastfeeding is associated with a 33% reduction in first year post-perinatal infant mortality

According to this study of 10 million US babies, breastfed babies were 33% less likely to die during days 7-364 than non-breastfed babies.

Breastfeeding alters infant gut in ways that boost brain development, may improve test scores

This study looked at the type and amount of metabolites found in the guts of infants.  Particular metabolites were associated with better scores on cognitive tests. These tended to be higher in breastfed babies. The study also found that the more metabolites associated with formula feeding that were found in an infant’s gut, the worse they did on cognitive tests.

The Effect of Skin to Skin Contact on Placental Separation Time and Initiation of Breastfeeding

This study found that skin to skin contact encourages earlier placenta separation and helps with the start of breastfeeding. 

Effect of Ramadan Fasting on Breast Milk

I included this study because it can be extended to other types of religious fasting such as fasting during Lent. This study found that religious fasting does not negatively affect the macronutrient and energy of breastmilk. It also does not affect the weight of moms and babies.

Understanding of Lactational Amenorrhea as a Contraceptive Method Among US Pregnant Women

I found this one interesting. The study found that of the 451 enrolled participants - most of whom were college educated - only 8% thought that breastfeeding reduced their chance of pregnancy by “a lot” and only 2% thought it was more effective than the Pill. The conclusion was that clinicians need to provide more info on the effectiveness of breastfeeding for child spacing. I agree!

Sleeping Like a Baby: An Investigation of Co-Sleeping, Bed-Sharing Among Pregnant Adults During the Covid-19 Pandemic

I thought this was a great article to share. This study found that plans to co-sleep and bed-share greatly increased one’s intention to breastfeed for up to 6 months due to its ease, safety, and closeness. The researchers recommend clinicians discuss sleeping arrangement options with their clients.

What is Known About Cow’s Milk Protein Allergy in Preterm Infants?

This study found that preterm infants exposed to cow’s milk based formula in their first few days of life have a higher risk of developing cow’s milk protein allergy. Unfortunately, it was found that when babies are diagnosed with this allergy, many healthcare providers recommend these moms completely stop breastfeeding. The authors of the study cite that this goes against the current nutrition guidelines and that the best course of treatment would be mom removing milk from her diet and continuing to breastfeed.

Written by Gina Peterson