Clinical Questions/LactFacts

Early Postpartum Formula Supplementation and Breastfeeding Rates at 6-12 months CQ #150 – June 24, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Giving small amounts of formula supplementation routinely in the first few days postpartum to prevent excessive weight loss is associated with decreased breastfeeding postpartum. Effect of Early Limited Formula on Breastfeeding Duration […]

Pollution, Lung Function, and Breastfeeding CQ #149 – June 17, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Children who are not breastfed have significantly more lung function impairment from air pollution than children who are breastfed for at least 3 months. Association of Breastfeeding and Air Pollution Exposure With Lung Function in Chinese Children […]

Breastfeeding and Ovarian Cancer CQ #148 – June 10, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding is one of only 4 interventions that significantly reduces the risk of ovarian cancer. Breastfeeding also reduces the risk of ovarian cancer among women at risk due to genetic mutations. Ovarian cancer in the world: epidemiology and […]

Breastfeeding While Taking High Dose Vitamins CQ #147 – June 4, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT High doses of vitamin C, B-2, B-6, B-12, K, biotin and vitamin D are unlikely to be harmful during lactation. High Dose Vitamins Breastfeeding Medicine 14(5) 2019 What vitamins, in high doses, are safe during breastfeeding? […]

Breastfeeding and the Infant Thymus Gland CQ #146 – May 27, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding is associated with a larger thymus gland in infants, playing a role in T lymphocyte maturation. Does Breast Milk Nurture T Lymphocytes in Their Cradle? Frontiers in Pediatrics September 27, 2018 What does the thymus […]

Unexpected Use of Human Milk CQ #145 – May 21, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastmilk, with its abundance of anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and immune- modulating factors, is being researched and used for a variety of non-nutritive medical purposes, such as cancer treatment, ophthalmologic conditions, and skin conditions. Milk Therapy: Unexpected Uses for […]

Postpartum Weight Loss and Breastfeeding CQ #144 – May 13, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT New mothers are more likely to lose weight postpartum if they breastfeed fully for at least 3-6 months. Association of Full Breastfeeding Duration with Postpartum Weight Retention in a Cohort of Predominantly Breastfeeding Women Nutrients April 25, […]

Late Onset Sepsis Among Premature Infants and Breastfeeding CQ #143 – May 6, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Premature infants who are breastfed have a lower risk of late-onset sepsis. Risk Factors for Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants: A Multicenter Case-Control Study Neonatology 2019; 116:42-51 What is late-onset sepsis among premature infants, […]

The Flavoring of Amniotic Fluid and Breastmilk by Maternal Diet CQ #142 – April 29, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Certain foods in the maternal diet can flavor amniotic fluid and breastmilk, and influence acceptance of similarly flavored foods when re-exposed during infancy. Influence of Maternal Diet on Flavor Transfer to Amniotic […]

Cholesterol Level in Adolescence and Breastfeeding CQ #141 – April 22, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Exclusive breastfeeding in early infancy promotes a healthier cholesterol profile in late adolescence. Breastfeeding in Infancy and Lipid Profile in Adolescence Pediatrics 143(5) May 2019 What is the relationship between breastfeeding and the child’s cholesterol level? […]

Interventions to Prevent Perinatal Depression CQ #140 – April 15, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that clinicians provide or refer pregnant and postpartum individuals who are at increased risk for perinatal depression to counseling interventions for prevention. Perinatal Depression: Preventive Interventions JAMA 2019;321(6): 580-587 […]

Intimate Partner Violence and Breastfeeding Rates CQ #139 – April 8, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Women who experience psychological intimate partner violence during pregnancy have twice the rate of breastfeeding avoidance. ACOG recommends screening all women for intimate partner violence during wellness, prenatal, and postpartum visits. Breastfeeding avoidance following psychological intimate […]

Breast Masses and Other Breast Complaints During Lactation CQ #138 – April 1, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The majority of breast masses during lactation warrant diagnostic imaging. The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine’s Protocol #30 covers diagnostic and treatment considerations for a comprehensive list of masses and other breast concerns during lactation. […]

Traveling While Breastfeeding or Lactating CQ #137 – March 25, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The US Center for Disease Control’s webpage on Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families is a helpful clinical resource for supporting breastfeeding families. Travel Recommendations for Nursing Families https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/infantandtoddlernutrition/breastfeeding/travel-recommendations.html What are key recommendations for breastfeeding families during travel? […]

Oropharyngeal Mother’s Milk for Extremely Low Birthweight Infants CQ #136 – March 18, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Oropharyngeal treatment with mother’s milk for extremely low birthweight infants provides immune support, enriches the intestinal mucosa, decreasing the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis. Oropharyngeal Mother’s Milk: State of the Science and Influence on Necrotizing […]

Vegan and Vegetarian Diets During Pregnancy and Lactation CQ #135 – March 11, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT A well-planned vegan or vegetarian diet with appropriate vitamin supplementation during pregnancy and lactation is safe for the mother and infant. The Effects of Vegetarian and Vegan Diet during Pregnancy on the Health of […]

Sweeteners in Breastmilk CQ #134 – March 6, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Many artificial sweeteners have low levels in breastmilk and are considered safe during breastfeeding. High fructose corn syrup in the maternal diet may affect infant weight. How Sweet It Is: Sweeteners in Breast Milk Breastfeeding Medicine 14(1) 2019 p. […]

Bacteria in Breastmilk CQ #133 – February 25, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The bacteria in breastmilk is different for women who exclusively pump vs women who directly breastfeed, possibly influencing the health of the infant. Composition and Variation of the Human Milk Microbiota Are Influenced by Maternal and Early-Life Factors Cell […]

Bottle Nipple Flow Rates CQ #132 – February 19, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Bottle nipple flow rates are not always as described by the manufacturer. Know the Flow; Milk Flow Rates from Bottle Nipples Used in the Hospital and After Discharge Advances in Neonatal Care 19(1) 32-41 What is the difference […]

Carotenoids and Breastfeeding CQ #131 – February 11, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT A maternal diet high in carotenoids is beneficial for pregnancy and infant health. Health Effects of Carotenoids during Pregnancy and Lactation Nutrients 2017 Aug 4;9(8) What are carotenoids and why do they matter in the maternal diet? Few people […]