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25 Years of Research in Human Lactation: From Discovery to Translation.

Published version
Peer-reviewed

Type

Article

Change log

Authors

Geddes, Donna Tracy 
Perrella, Sharon Lisa  ORCID logo  https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7727-7767
Mitoulas, Leon Robert 
Kent, Jacqueline Coral 

Abstract

Researchers have recently called for human lactation research to be conceptualized as a biological framework where maternal and infant factors impacting human milk, in terms of composition, volume and energy content are studied along with relationships to infant growth, development and health. This approach allows for the development of evidence-based interventions that are more likely to support breastfeeding and lactation in pursuit of global breastfeeding goals. Here we summarize the seminal findings of our research programme using a biological systems approach traversing breast anatomy, milk secretion, physiology of milk removal with respect to breastfeeding and expression, milk composition and infant intake, and infant gastric emptying, culminating in the exploration of relationships with infant growth, development of body composition, and health. This approach has allowed the translation of the findings with respect to education, and clinical practice. It also sets a foundation for improved study design for future investigations in human lactation.

Description

Keywords

breast, breastfeeding, human milk, infant feeding, lactation, milk composition, Ankyloglossia, Body Composition, Breast, Breast Feeding, Child Development, Female, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Humans, Infant, Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena, Infant, Newborn, Lactation, Male, Milk, Human

Journal Title

Nutrients

Conference Name

Journal ISSN

2072-6643
2072-6643

Volume Title

13

Publisher

MDPI AG
Sponsorship
Medela (University of Western Australia)