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.

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

Overactive Let-Down (OALD) Reflex

Breastfeeding Twins or Multiples

Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery

Breastfeeding and Hormones

Smoking and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and Cleft Palate, Cleft Lip

What is Mastitis?

What are the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding?

Storing Breast Milk

Breast Changes After Birth

See more featured articles »

Overactive Let-Down (OALD) Reflex

Breast Anatomy

Breastfeeding and Reflux

HIV in Pregnancy and During Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and COVID-19

Breastfeeding: Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol

Breastfeeding and Diet

Breastfeeding and Oral Thrush in Babies

Breastfeeding Around Family

How do I Manage Breastfeeding and Work?

What is a Galactocele?

Sleeping Close to Baby

Breastfeeding and Allergies

The Constituents of Breast Milk

Pregnancy Myths

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

Breastfeeding Inducing Lactation

Sleeping Close to Baby

Breastfeeding and Medications

Does Breastfeeding Act as a Contraceptive?

Breastfeeding and Jaundice

Breastfeeding Questions

Correct Breastfeeding

What is Breastfeeding?

Mastitis Complications

Breastfeeding, Preparing for Arrival

Breastfeeding and Vitamin D

Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding Mother's Diet and Colic

What is Breast Compression?

The Protective Role of Breastfeeding in Breast Cancer

Breastfeeding Pumps

Latest Breastfeeding News and Research

Western diet fuels IBD by derailing the microbiome - can precision nutrition turn the tide?

This review examines how Western dietary patterns, high in ultra-processed foods, salt, and unhealthy fats, disrupt gut microbiota, impair immune regulation, and contribute to the global rise of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It highlights systems biology and nutritional epidemiology as essential tools to develop personalised dietary strategies and shift IBD care from treatment to prevention.

12 Oct 2025

Home blood tests could spot early heart risks in young adults

Self-administered dried blood spot kits show potential for cardiometabolic screening in young adults, but success relied heavily on clear guidance and researcher support. High rates of at-risk biomarkers highlight an urgent need for early prevention in this population.

12 Oct 2025

Study links extended breastfeeding to stronger infant immune health

Breastfeeding until at least six months helps babies to fight off infections and reduces chronic inflammation, according to a new study. And better understanding the way specific nutrients in breast milk impact the immune system will improve health outcomes for all infants including those not breastfed.

8 Oct 2025

Non-standard baby formula linked to faster infant growth

The use of non-standard infant formulas is associated with higher growth rates in the first year, necessitating further research on long-term health effects.

8 Oct 2025

Protected areas of defined geographic zones may have unintended impacts on children’s diet

Protected areas of defined geographic zones can slow biodiversity loss and bolster conversation efforts, but they may have unintended impacts on the diets of children who live nearby, according to new research from scientists at Penn State.

7 Oct 2025

Azelastine nasal spray prevents COVID-19 and rhinovirus infections

Researchers discuss the effects of azelastine nasal spray on the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection as compared to placebo.

6 Oct 2025

New software MaGNet automates analysis of breast tissue branching architecture

Branching isn't just for trees. This biological process occurs in animal development, enabling organs to perform complex functions. Branch-like structures form in lungs, kidneys, and breasts, among other places. Importantly, only in female mammary glands does most branching occur years after birth.

3 Oct 2025

How maternal microbes shape babies’ gut health and disease risk

Early microbial exposures from maternal microbes, milk components, and the environment shape infant gut development and long-term disease risk. The review highlights mechanisms, preventive levers, and research gaps in supporting healthy microbiome inheritance across generations.

29 Sep 2025

Trump claims ‘no downside’ to avoiding Tylenol during pregnancy. He’s wrong.

Obstetricians have long advised their pregnant patients that Tylenol is the safest option to reduce fever or pain. President Donald Trump stood before a national audience on Sept. 22 and contradicted that.

24 Sep 2025

New NIH grant supports development of experimental pediatric HIV vaccine

A multi-institutional team led by Weill Cornell Medicine investigators has been awarded a five-year, $20.8 million grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, part of the National Institutes of Health, for advanced preclinical development of a promising experimental HIV vaccine.

18 Sep 2025

Long COVID linked to heavier periods and symptom flare-ups during menstruation

Researchers found that long COVID is linked to heavier, longer, and more irregular bleeding without disrupting ovulation. Symptom severity also peaks around menstruation, likely driven by hormonal and immune changes.

17 Sep 2025

Special subgroup of bifidobacteria found to reduce antibiotic resistance in infants

Researchers from the Technical University of Denmark, DTU, document that a special subgroup of naturally occurring bifidobacteria plays a crucial role in reducing antibiotic resistance in infants.

17 Sep 2025

Children show high exposure to PFAS despite regulatory restrictions

These chemical compounds are highly stable and linger in the environment. Thanks to their water-, oil- and stain-repellent properties, they are widely found in everyday items, such as non-stick pans, waterproof clothing, food containers and fire-fighting foams.

15 Sep 2025

Mediterranean diet during pregnancy cuts babies’ food allergy risk

Researchers found that mothers who closely followed a Mediterranean diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding had infants with lower odds of developing food allergies. High fruit, vegetable, and full-fat dairy intake appeared protective, while higher poultry, red meat, and fish intake during pregnancy increased risk.

15 Sep 2025

Early parent-focused programs fail to reduce childhood obesity by age two

Existing approaches to parent-focused behavioral programs delivered up to 12 months of age which aim to combat childhood obesity are insufficient to improve body mass index (BMI) at approximately two years of age, according to the largest study to date on the topic published in The Lancet.

10 Sep 2025

Mediterranean-style diet benefits maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding

A Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fiber, vegetable proteins and healthy fats, benefits maternal health during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

10 Sep 2025

Pesticide exposure during pregnancy linked to higher death risk in children with leukemia

Public concern continues to grow about the harmful effects of pesticides and other environmental pollutants, especially for children. Pesticides have previously been linked to a higher risk of developing childhood leukemia.

9 Sep 2025

Study maps gene activity across pregnancy breastfeeding and post-weaning stages

In a study in mice, researchers have identified genes associated with the dramatic transformation of the mammary gland in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and after breastfeeding as it returns to its resting state.

9 Sep 2025

Core sugars in breast milk fuel gut and brain health beyond 12 months

Researchers reviewed 13 studies of human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) through 24 months of breastfeeding, analyzing 4,786 samples. Six “core” HMOs remained dominant, with total concentrations plateauing after 12 months and evidence suggesting persistence into the second year.

8 Sep 2025

How breast milk changes from day to night and why timing matters

Breast milk's hormonal and microbial variations throughout the day may affect infant development, emphasizing the need for synchronized feeding practices.

8 Sep 2025