2012 brought a wealth of new research findings on breastfeeding!
Check out our links below for a (partial) list of the latest evidence on the effects of breastfeeding on mothers’ and babies’ health, the constituents and functions of breastmilk, and new insights in breastfeeding practice and policy.
Breastfeeding associated with these health outcomes in babies:
Reduction of depression in adulthood
Less snoring, behavioral problems
Reduced risk of celiac disease
Better gut health through complex sugars
Halt to the “Allergic March” from eczema to asthma?
Reduction of childhood obesity, even for children with the “obesity gene” (multiple studies)
Reduction of risk of anger and irritability in adults
Reduction of severe vomitting (hypertrophic pyloric stenosis)
In combination with skin-to-skin, life saving for 450,000 preterm infants around the world
Breastfeeding associated with health outcomes in mothers:
Deterioration of breast aesthetics
Multiples studies on improved heart and metabolic health
Reduction of risk of breast cancer for women who have “breast cancer gene” mutations
Properties and function of breastmilk:
Complex sugars adjust to baby’s needs over time, promote a wider range of bacteria
Cancer fighting properties of breastmilk, including newly identified components
Newly discovered breastmilk component neutralizes HIV
Melatonin in breastmilk promotes better sleep
Breastfed babies can metabolize perchlorate, reducing accumulation in their systems
Complex sugars related to reduced risk of HIV transmission through breastmilk
Wet nurses might be able to reverse genetic diseases?
Breastfeeding practice and policy
Milk coming in late puts breastfeeding at risk
Cesarean birth without labor associated with breastfeeding problems
Music makes mother produce more – and fattier – milk
Maternal caffeine intake doesn’t affect babies’ waking
The act of breastfeeding, not the milk, is what protects against obesity
The movement of babies’ hands during breastfeeding has a purpose
Pumping method affects milk composition for preterm infants
Some obese women struggle with breastfeeding, but new research says it’s not all about physiology
Mothers fairly accurately recall how long they breastfed
Depo-Provera shots may cause breastfeeding problems
Women who take antidepressants are less likely to breastfeed
Less than 2% of low income moms meet their breastfeeding goals
Breastfeeding moms lose income
Mothers in Africa could flash-heat breast milk to reduce transmission of HIV
Evolution of meat eating allowed a shortened duration of breastfeeding
