Breastfeeding

This hub provides a comprehensive overview of expert-reviewed articles that cover all aspects of breastfeeding science and practice, offering a detailed examination of breastfeeding, human lactation, and maternal-infant health. Examine the biology of breast milk, how it affects the baby's microbiome, helpful tips for effective breastfeeding, and the psychological, immunological, and nutritional advantages for both mother and child. These resources address common questions, issues, and unique situations, such as maternal nutrition, medication safety, infectious diseases, and anatomical considerations. They also examine the role of breastfeeding in preventing disease and promoting the long-term health of women. This hub is a reliable resource for professionals, caregivers, and families alike, whether they are seeking the most recent clinical insights, evidence-based recommendations, or answers to practical questions.

Breast Milk and the Microbiome

There are many advantages associated with breastfeeding, some of which are related to the microbiome composition of human breast milk.

Breastfeeding and Vitamin D

Breastfeeding and Hormones

Sleeping Close to Baby

Breastfeeding and Oral Thrush in Babies

Breastfeeding and Cleft Palate, Cleft Lip

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

Mastitis Complications

How do I Manage Breastfeeding and Work?

The Constituents of Breast Milk

Storing Breast Milk

Breastfeeding and Allergies

See more featured articles »

Breastfeeding Inducing Lactation

Breastfeeding Tips

Pregnancy Myths

Breastfeeding Mother's Diet and Colic

Overactive Let-Down (OALD) Reflex

Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

Breastfeeding, Preparing for Arrival

Correct Breastfeeding

What is Breastfeeding?

What is a Galactocele?

What is Mastitis?

Breastfeeding Twins or Multiples

What are the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding and Reflux

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

Breastfeeding: Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol

What is Breast Compression?

Breast Anatomy

The Protective Role of Breastfeeding in Breast Cancer

Sleeping Close to Baby

Breastfeeding and Jaundice

Breastfeeding Pumps

Breastfeeding and Medications

Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery

Breastfeeding and Diet

Breastfeeding Around Family

Breast Changes After Birth

HIV in Pregnancy and During Breastfeeding

Smoking and Breastfeeding

Overactive Let-Down (OALD) Reflex

Breastfeeding Questions

Does Breastfeeding Act as a Contraceptive?

Breastfeeding and COVID-19

Latest Breastfeeding News and Research

Breast milk bacteria help shape infant gut microbiome development

Most conversations about breast milk tend to focus on topics like nutrients, antibodies and bonding time rather than bacteria.

7 Jan 2026

One in three women miss postpartum check-ups

Findings from a Norwegian study reveal that comprehensive postpartum care by GPs improves women's satisfaction and addresses key health concerns effectively.

7 Jan 2026

One in four women in Norway found to miss postpartum check-ups

In a new study, Christine Agdestein has surveyed several aspects of the postnatal check-up. Agdestein is a specialist in general practice and a general practitioner, and is currently a PhD candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

2 Jan 2026

Study reveals gaps in postnatal care information and attendance

31 Dec 2025

Intermittent fasting edges daily calorie cuts for blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular risk estimates

In a real-world registry study of adults with overweight or obesity, 5:2 intermittent fasting and daily calorie restriction both improved blood pressure over 12 weeks. Intermittent fasting produced modestly greater reductions in systolic and pulse pressure and a larger drop in BMI-based 30-year cardiovascular risk scores, without superior lipid or glycaemic effects.

17 Dec 2025

FDA panelists questioned antidepressants in pregnancy. But doctors call them a lifeline.

If you are pregnant or a new mother who is struggling with depression or anxiety, you can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 24/7: 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262). Postpartum Support International can help connect you with a local mental health provider at 800-944-4773 or psidirectory.com.

15 Dec 2025

Supportive marriages may shape appetite control through oxytocin and the brain–gut axis

Supportive marital relationships are associated with lower BMI, fewer food addiction symptoms, higher oxytocin, stronger frontal brain responses to food cues, and favorable gut tryptophan metabolites. These coordinated social, neural, hormonal, and gut pathways suggest a plausible biological link between emotional support and healthier eating regulation.

8 Dec 2025

Long-acting HIV treatment could improve outcomes for breastfeeding women

Sujata Tewari, BA, previously of the Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC) at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Andrea L. Ciaranello, MD, MPH, of the MPEC and Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, are the lead and senior authors of a paper published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, “Long-acting antiretroviral therapy for breastfeeding women with HIV experiencing barriers to adherence in Zimbabwe: Modeling clinical impact and cost-effectiveness.

4 Dec 2025

Maternal exposure to fatty food aromas predisposes offspring to obesity

A research team at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research has found that the smell of fatty foods during pregnancy increases the risk of overweight and obesity in children.

1 Dec 2025

Kennedy sharpens vaccine attacks, without scientific backing

As the federal government prepares for the next meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has intensified his attacks on aluminum vaccine components used in many shots to boost the body's immune response.

24 Nov 2025

Diet swap alters breast milk composition within six days

Swapping beef for a plant-based meat substitute changed breast milk composition in just six days - even when the rest of the diet was made up of whole, unprocessed foods - according to a first-of-its-kind study from researchers at The University of Texas at Austin.

21 Nov 2025

Prenatal stress hormones may shape when a baby’s teeth erupt

A study links maternal stress hormones in late pregnancy to the timing of baby teeth eruption, highlighting prenatal factors in early childhood development.

20 Nov 2025

Study clarifies why most colic isn’t caused by cow’s milk allergy

Cow’s milk allergy rarely causes infant colic on its own, and most excessively crying infants do not have underlying allergy. A short elimination–and–rechallenge trial may help confirm CMA only when colic coexists with other allergic features.

19 Nov 2025

Cesarean births do not raise infant allergy risk in major Japanese cohort study

In a large Japanese birth cohort, cesarean delivery was not linked to higher risks of eczema, wheezing, atopic dermatitis, or asthma in infants at one year of age. Emergency cesarean delivery was even associated with a modest reduction in eczema, suggesting that mode of birth alone may not drive early-life allergic disease.

13 Nov 2025

Study finds high intake of ultra-processed foods tied to reduced DNA methylation

Women who consumed more ultra-processed foods (UPFs) showed distinct DNA methylation patterns, mostly reduced across key gene regions. These exploratory findings suggest that high UPF intake may influence gene regulation through epigenetic mechanisms.

4 Nov 2025

Baby formula can harbor heat-resistant bacteria even after safe preparation

Research shows that powdered infant formula may contain microbial contaminants despite following 70°C preparation guidelines, highlighting potential risks.

31 Oct 2025

Eating peanuts while pregnant may influence how a child’s genes respond to breastfeeding

Maternal peanut and peanut butter consumption during pregnancy and breastfeeding shaped DNA methylation patterns in children, particularly in genes regulating neurodevelopment and inflammation. These findings suggest maternal diet can prime offspring epigenetic sensitivity to breastfeeding duration.

27 Oct 2025

Mediterranean diet linked to dramatically lower odds of endometriosis

A new case–control study found that women with stronger adherence to the Mediterranean diet had dramatically lower odds of endometriosis. Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, fish, and legumes were protective, while higher intakes of meat, dairy, and refined whole grains were linked to increased risk.

22 Oct 2025

Immediate skin-to-skin contact offers significant health advantages for infants

Immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers offers a better start in life, improving a number of key health metrics, according to a newly updated Cochrane review.

22 Oct 2025

Babies born eight-ten weeks early can be milk fed from the start, study finds

A major study has found that babies born between eight to ten weeks early can be fed with milk through a tube in their stomach straight after birth rather than being given intravenous feeds through a drip.

21 Oct 2025