Maternal Allergic Disease Phenotype and Infant Birth Season Influence the Human Milk Microbiome.

Early infancy is a critical period for immune development. In addition to being the primary food source during early infancy, human milk also provides multiple bioactive components that shape the infant gut microbiome and immune system and provides a constant source of exposure to maternal microbiota. Given the potential interplay between allergic diseases and the human microbiome, this study aimed to characterise the milk microbiome of allergic mothers.

The prospective associations of fetal growth-related pregnancy complications with subsequent breastfeeding duration and markers of human milk production.

Background: The development of the breast for lactation occurs throughout pregnancy. It is unknown whether pregnancy complications resulting in poor fetal growth can affect breastfeeding (BF) success.

Objectives: We examined whether fetal growth-related pregnancy complications were associated with earlier BF cessation and changes in the concentrations of human milk biomarkers of low milk production.

Macronutrients in Human Milk and Early Childhood Growth-Is Protein the Main Driver?

Background: Infant growth trajectories reflect current health status and may predict future obesity and metabolic diseases. Human milk is tailored to support optimal infant growth. However, nutrient intake rather than milk composition more accurately predicts growth outcomes.

A Longitudinal Observation of Antenatal Milk Expression in Mothers of Infants with Congenital Anomalies.

For mothers of infants with congenital anomalies, antenatal milk expression (AME), known as hand expression during late pregnancy, allows mothers to contribute to their newborn's care through colostrum collection. However, research is limited by self-report of AME adherence and colostrum volume. This study examined the ability of participants to adhere to a recommended protocol on AME for any removal and measurement of colostrum during late pregnancy.