Breastfeeding Research: July-September 2024

(U.S. Breastfeeding Committee)

It’s far from the norm: Breastfeeding beyond 1 year in the Republic of Ireland

This is a qualitative descriptive study that looked at the experiences of 14 women in the Republic of Ireland which has the lowest breastfeeding rate in Europe and one of the lowest in the world.

Effects of Breastfeeding on Cognitive Abilities at 4 Years Old: A Cohort Study

This was a study done in Spain that showed breastfeeding for one to eight months was related to higher scores on IQ tests given to 4 and 5 year olds.

Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding among infants under six months in Nepal: multilevel analysis of nationally representative household survey data

This study found a significant association between poverty level, maternal employment status, and 4 or more community antenatal care visits and exclusive breastfeeding in infants six months and younger.

Studies Provide First Evidence That Breastfeeding after Breast Cancer Is Safe

Two recent studies have shown that breastfeeding after breast cancer treatment does not increase the risk of recurrence or the development of new breast cancers.

New Research Traces Breastfeeding Benefits 10 Years Into Childhood

A new study showed that the benefits of breastfeeding on brain development and healthy weight/BMI  extend even through age 9 and 10 years old.

The impact of breastfeeding on the preterm infant’s microbiome and metabolome: a pilot study

This study in Nature showed that a preterm infant’s saliva microbiome and metabolome changed over the first 4-5 months and the changes occurred at the same time as the start of oral breastmilk/breastfeeding.