A Scoping Review of Research on the Human Milk Microbiome.

Background: The human milk microbiome is an emerging scientific area. Careful, accurate collection and measurement for microbial sequencing is imperative. There is controversy about a core microbiome, and little is known about factors that influence composition.

Allostatic Perspectives in Women Veterans With a History of Childhood Sexual Assault.

Background: Women veterans have increased reports of sexual victimization compared to women in general, including childhood sexual assault (CSA) before military service, increasing the risk of military sexual trauma. Findings from recent studies reveal negative health effects following a history of CSA. There is a strong relationship between CSA and revictimization in civilian and military life, which may contribute to allostatic load.

Stress response in female veterans: an allostatic perspective.

Women serving in the military face many sources of stress, such as separation from home and family, sexual harassment and assault, and deployment to traumatic war zones. Some women are vulnerable to the effects of these stressors, resulting in deleterious mental and physical health outcomes. Understanding these risks through the theoretical model of allostasis can help identify those who will be most vulnerable and help healthcare providers prevent some negative outcomes and improve rehabilitation for some women when they return stateside.

Immunity, inflammation and infection in post-partum breast and formula feeders.

Problem: Little is known about immunological recovery in post-partum women and if lactational status affects immunocompetence. Many physiological changes occur, such as uterine involution and recovery of non-pregnant immune status. These changes may also affect susceptibility to disease.

Postpartum stress: current concepts and the possible protective role of breastfeeding.

Objective: To review stress during the postpartum and the research supporting that a unique, protective biology exists in breastfeeding mothers that may reduce reactivity to stress.

Data Sources: Publications from nursing and biomedical literature.

Study Selection: Studies reviewed were those that have contributed to concurrent conceptualizations of postpartum stress.