Clinical Questions/LactFacts

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 […]

Breastmilk for the Umbilical Cord CQ #130 – February 4, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Applying breastmilk to the umbilical cord stump has been shown to speed separation without increasing risk of omphalitis. Systematic Review of the Effect of Topical Application of Human Breast Milk on Early Umbilical Cord Separation J Obstet […]

The First Newborn Bath and Exclusive Breastfeeding Rates at Hospital Discharge CQ #129 – January 29, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Delaying the newborn bath for the first 24 hours is associated with higher exclusive breastfeeding rates at discharge. Initiative to Improve Exclusive Breastfeeding by Delaying the Newborn Bath JOGNN January 2019 […]

Breastfeeding and Maternal Type 1 Diabetes CQ #128 – January 21, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding has not been shown to cause significantly more nighttime hypoglycemia among mothers with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Breastfeeding at night is rarely followed by hypoglycaemia in women with type 1 diabetes using carbohydrate counting and […]

Vaccines During Breastfeeding CQ #127 – January 15, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The only vaccine with a strict contraindication during lactation is smallpox. The source is a search for ‘vaccines’ in Lactmed, National Library of Medicine, and the Center for Disease Control on Vaccines The National Library of Medicine Lactmed Database, […]

Model Maternity Policy Supportive of Breastfeeding CQ #126 – January 7, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, in its updated Protocol on Model Maternity Policy Supporting Breastfeeding, recommends skin to skin for all infants during first 2 hours after birth, or until the first feeding, and delaying the […]

The Pharmacology of Opiates in Breastmilk CQ #125 – January 1, 2019 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding mothers who use narcotics for pain control are advised to limit around-the-clock pain medication to 2-3 days, to prevent infant sedation and respiratory depression. Breastfeeding mothers who were opiate dependent during pregnancy may use methadone […]

One of the most amazing and little-studied phenomenon shared on social media is the change in breastmilk appearance when an infant is ill.

After 18 months postpartum, breastmilk carbohydrates decrease, while fat and protein increase. The source of calories in breastmilk for older children is primarily fat.

Breast Imaging During Lactation CQ #122 – December 11, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breast ultrasound is the first line imaging examination for a breast mass during pregnancy and lactation. If the ultrasound is negative or there are suspicious findings, mammography or digital breast tomosynthesis may be indicated. ACR Appropriateness Criteria Breast […]

Infant Stooling Patterns and Type of Feeding CQ #121 – December 3, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Exclusively breastfed infants have a higher stool frequency than exclusively formula fed infants in the first 2 months of life. Infrequent stools (3 days or more) are 3.5 times more common in breastfed vs formula […]

Cup-feeding Preterm Infants CQ #120 – November 26, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Cup feeding preterm infants in the neonatal ward is associated with higher breastfeeding rates at discharge, and at 3 and 6 months post-discharge. Cup Feeding as a Supplemental, Alternative Feeding Method for Preterm Breastfed Infants: An Integrative Review Matern […]

Personality and Breastfeeding CQ #119 – November 20, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT After controlling for depression and anxiety, women who have personality traits described as open and agreeable are more likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months, whereas extraverted women are less likely to breastfeed exclusively for 6 months. Personalities Predict […]

Breastfeeding Within the First Hour Postpartum CQ #118 – November 12, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Initiation of breastfeeding within the first hour of life is associated with a marked decrease in infant mortality around the world. Capture The moment; Early initiation of breastfeeding: the best start for every newborn WHO, UNICEF […]

Breastfeeding and Non-Alcoholic Liver Disease CQ #117 – November 5, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding for longer than 6 months is associated with a lower risk of maternal non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mid-life. Longer Lactation Duration is Associated with Decreased Prevalence of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Women J Hepatology […]

Maternity Leave and Breastfeeding CQ #116 – October 29, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Women with a maternity leave of 3 months have at least a 50% greater likelihood of extending breastfeeding duration as compared to women with a shorter maternity leave. Maternity Leave and Its Impact on Breastfeeding: A Review of […]

Breastfeeding Support and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists CQ #115 – October 22, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends that clinical management of lactation be included in reproductive health care. Further, all obstetrical providers should develop and maintain skills in breastfeeding support and […]

Maternal High Blood Pressure and Breastfeeding CQ #114 – October 15, 2018 by Anne Eglash MD, IBCLC, FABM #LACTFACT Breastfeeding for just 1 month reduces a woman’s future risk of hypertension for decades. Pregnant women should be counseled about this. Effect of Lactation on Maternal Hypertension: A Systematic Review Breastfeed Medicine, published online Oct 6th, […]