Clinical Questions/LactFacts

SARS-CoV-2 Viral RNA Found in Breastmilk CQ #201 – July 6, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT SARS-CoV-2 RNA particles have been found in expressed breastmilk, but there is no evidence that the RNA represents viable viral particles. Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 in Breastmilk from 18 Infected Women British Medical Journal Pre-Printed before Peer […]

COVID-19 Infection Among Newborns of SARS-CoV-2 Positive Mothers CQ #200 – June 22, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The risk of neonatal COVID-19 infection is uncommon among newborns of COVID-19 positive mothers, and rate of newborn infection does not appear higher if allowed room-sharing with the mother. Maternal transmission of SARS-COV-2 to […]

The Rusty Pipe Syndrome During Lactation CQ #199 – June 8, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The Rusty Pipe Syndrome is an uncommon benign condition occurring during late pregnancy and early postpartum. Women with bleeding from the breasts should be evaluated to rule out other pathology before making the diagnosis. Rusty Pipe […]

The Effect of Exercise on Breastmilk CQ #198 – May 25, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Exercise during breastfeeding does not significantly change breastmilk fat, protein, lactose, or quantity. Breastfeeding mothers should be encouraged to exercise. The Effect of Physical Activity on Human Milk Macronutrient Content and Its Volume Breastfeeding Medicine 15(6) […]

Breastfeeding and Maternal/Child Vitamin B12 Deficiency CQ #197 – May 18, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Infants with vitamin B12 deficiency due to low vitamin B12 in their mothers’ breastmilk may present with abnormal movements such as tremulousness, tics, and involuntary muscle contractions. A Variety of Abnormal Movements in 13 cases of […]

Breastfeeding and Febrile Seizures CQ #196 – May 11, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding may reduce the risk of febrile seizures during the first year of life. Breastfeeding and risk of febrile seizures in infants: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study Brain & Development 41 (2019) 839-847 What is the relationship […]

Lactation and LGBTQ+ Individuals CQ #195 – May 4, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Lactation should be supported for families who desire co-lactation, and for transgender people. ABM Clinical Protocol #33: Lactation Care for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Plus Patients Breastfeeding Medicine 15(5)2020 What are special considerations for LBGTQ+ individuals […]

Nitrates in Well Water and Infant Feeding CQ #194 – April 27, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding prevents methemoglobinemia. Well water should be tested for nitrates before using it to prepare infant formula. Methemoglobinemia: Infants at risk Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2019 Mar;49(3) 57-67 What is methemoglobinemia and how […]

Breastfeeding and Tongue-Tie- A Professional Consensus Statement CQ #193 – April 20, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery’s clinical consensus on ankyloglossia states that breastfeeding efficacy and nipple pain are more likely to improve with lingual frenotomy as compared to no treatment, and should be […]

Maternal Intravenous Fluids During Labor and Newborn Weight Loss CQ #192 – April 13, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Intravenous fluid administration to mothers during labor is associated with a risk of higher weight loss among breastfed newborns. Influence of intrapartum maternal fluids on weight loss in breastfed newborns J of Maternal-Fetal […]

SARS-Cov-2 and Human Milk Banking CQ #191 – April 6, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Banked donor human milk is pasteurized at a temperature and duration demonstrated to kill the coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 virus. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 in different environmental conditions Lancet Microbe 2020; published online April 2 Is pasteurized banked donor human […]

Telehealth for Breastfeeding Families During COVID-19 Pandemic CQ #190 – March 30, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT US Health and Human Services has relaxed their rules for using HIPAA-compliant communication tools for telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic. Notification of Enforcement Discretion for Telehealth Remote Communications During the COVID-19 Nationwide Public Health Emergency […]

Antiviral Factors in Breastmilk That Protect from Severe Respiratory Illness CQ #189 – March 23, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT There are several bioactive factors in breastmilk beyond antibodies that protect the infant from severe respiratory infection and inflammation. Human Milk’s Hidden Gift: Implications of the Milk Microbiome for Preterm Infant’s Health […]

Providing Care for Breastfeeding Dyads During COVID-19 Outbreak CQ #188 – March 16, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding saves lives. During times of limiting contact between patients, breastfeeding dyads should be considered priority patients/clients. Shifting Healthcare Delivery Modes during a COVID-19 Outbreak in the United States Center for Disease Control Interim […]

The Risks of Early Introduction of Solids for Breastfed and Formula Fed Infants CQ #187 – March 9, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Infants may be at risk for increased illness if they are given complementary foods (solids) under 6 months of age. Health Impacts of Early Complementary Food Introduction Between Formula-fed […]

Breastfeeding and the Coronavirus COVID-19 CQ #186 – March 2, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The Centers for Disease Control recommends continuing to either breastfeed or give infants breastmilk when the mother is ill or infected with COVID-19. Interim Considerations for Infection Prevention and Control of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Inpatient […]

Partner/Father Support During Breastfeeding CQ #185 – February 24, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Supportive behavior from partners and fathers increases breastfeeding initiation, exclusivity and duration. Programs that aim to support breastfeeding women should also teach partners and fathers how to support breastfeeding mothers. Breastfeeding in the Community—How Can Partners/Fathers Help? A […]

Gastroschisis and Breastmilk CQ #184 – February 17, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT A 100% mother’s own milk diet for infants born with gastroschisis significantly decreases the hospital length of stay. Mother’s own milk dose is associated with decreased time from initiation of feedings to discharge and length of stay in infants […]

The Effect of Diabetes on Mothers’ Milk CQ #183 – February 10, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Maternal diabetes, both insulin-dependent or gestational diabetes mellitus, have been shown to alter the composition of breastmilk in some ways, although the clinical significance is not clear. Influence of Diabetes During Pregnancy on Human Milk […]

Breastfeeding and Age at Menopause CQ #182 – February 3, 2020 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT A history of breastfeeding is associated with a lower risk of early menopause. Association of Parity and Breastfeeding With Risk of Early Natural Menopause JAMA Network Open 220;3(1) January 22, 2020 What is the relationship between breastfeeding […]