Summaries of Significant New Research
The Latest Research section includes summaries written by the Breastfeeding Information and Research team of recent significant research. The summaries will help you get a clear snapshot of the study’s results and conclusions.
Authors:
Alison Stacey MBBS FRACGP IBCLC, Liz McGuire BSc IBCLC, Bernadette Gifford BAppSci(ClinSci) BOsteoSci
Improved brain growth and microstructural development in breast milk-fed very low birth weight premature infants.
This study compared quantitative MRI findings between 44 predominantly human milk-fed and 24 predominantly formula-fed preterm infants. All infants were born at
Is the Occurrence of Ankyloglossia in Newborns Associated with Breastfeeding Difficulties?
This Brazilian study compared 2 tongue-tie assessment tools and looked for an association between a diagnosis of tongue-tie and breastfeeding difficulties or cessation of exclusive breastfeeding. The 2 tools were the Bristol Tongue Assessment Tool (BTAT) and the Assessment Tool for Lingual Frenulum Function (Neonatal Tongue Screening Test ─ NTST).
Breastfeeding in the Community-How Can Partners/Fathers Help? A Systematic Review.
Previous research has shown that family members can influence infant feeding decisions. A supportive partner can improve breastfeeding outcomes. The authors of this paper performed a systematic literature review to determine which particular methods of support have been found effective.
Human Breast Milk: Bioactive Components, from Stem Cells to Health Outcomes.
This review provides a brief overview of current knowledge of growth factors (GF) and stem cells (SC) in breastmilk. While recent discoveries are exciting and suggest great potential for using breastmilk research to increase our understanding of infant development and even to provide potential therapies, at this stage much is speculative.
Bedsharing and Breastfeeding: The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol #6, Revision 2019.
Bedsharing has been shown to be associated with breastfeeding duration and exclusivity but it is controversial because it is also seen as a risk factor for Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID). Breastfeeding, especially exclusive breastfeeding, decreases the risk of SIDS, so a recommendation against bedsharing may have the unintended consequence of reducing breastfeeding, which would be counterproductive.
Lactation after infant death an analysis of Australian healthcare agencies online health information.
The physiological process of lactation is triggered by pregnancy and birth and is hormonally driven. It occurs even in the absence of a living infant. Each year, over 4000 Australian women experience late miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal or older infant death. Previous research has shown that many women feel unsupported by their healthcare team in regards to lactation after infant death.
