Breastfeeding Research: January 2025 - March 2025

(U.S. Breastfeeding Committee)

Breastfeeding Trends Following the US Infant Formula Shortage

This study looked at breastfeeding rates during the formula shortage in 2022. The results did show a statistically significant increase in breastfeeding initiation rates that remained elevated through the end of the shortage.

Potential cost-savings of breastfeeding promotion to prevent breast cancer: a Monte Carlo simulation

By increasing the number of women in Hong Kong who breastfeed exclusively for the first six months from 26% to 90%, it is predicted that 266 breast cancer cases would be averted and $3 million US dollars would be saved (2018 prices). 

The impact of marriage on breastfeeding duration: examining the disproportionate effect of COVID-19 pandemic on marginalized communities

This study found that marriage promotes breastfeeding duration.

Breastfeeding Duration and Child Development

This study found that exclusive breastfeeding for six months reduces the chances of the child having “developmental delays and language or social neurodevelopmental conditions.”

The Positive Cycle of Breastfeeding—Mental Health Outcomes of Breastfeeding Mothers Following Birth Trauma

This study found that women who experienced positive breastfeeding experiences after birth trauma felt that breastfeeding helped them bond with their babies and helped protect their mental health.

Call to include breastfeeding as a synergistic approach to vaccines for prevention of respiratory syncytial virus disease

This is a comment in the International Breastfeeding Journal suggesting that breastfeeding be recommended alongside other public health measures because it has been shown to reduce the rates and severity of RSV-related outcomes in infants.