Skip to content
The Kids Research Institute Australia logo
Donate

No results yet

Search

Research

Study Protocol for a Stepped-Wedge Cluster (Nested) Randomized Controlled Trial of Antenatal Colostrum Expression (ACE) Instruction in First-Time Mothers: The ACE Study

Although many mothers initiate breastfeeding, supplementation with human-milk substitutes (formula) during the birth hospitalization is common and has been associated with early breastfeeding cessation. Colostrum hand expressed in the last few weeks before birth, known as antenatal colostrum expression (ACE), can be used instead of human-milk substitutes. However, evidence is lacking on the efficacy of ACE on breastfeeding outcomes and in non-diabetic mothers. 

Research

Anti-infective proteins in breast milk and asthma-associated phenotypes during early childhood

The impact of breast milk feeding on susceptibility to asthma in childhood is highly controversial, due in part to failure of the majority of studies in the...

Research

Longer duration of exclusive breastfeeding associated with reduced risk of childhood asthma up to age six

Breastfeeding is recommended for all infants irrespective of atopic heredity, although epidemiological studies provide conflicting results in this debate.

News & Events

World Breastfeeding Week: Q&A

In celebration of World Breastfeeding Week (1 – 7 August), we sat down with Professor Valerie Verhasselt to ask her some of the top questions about breastfeeding and immunology.

Research

Gene polymorphisms, breast-feeding, and development of food sensitization in early childhood

The effect of breast-feeding on the development of allergic disease is uncertain

Research

Lactoferrin Expression Is Not Associated with Late-Onset Sepsis in Very Preterm Infants

Preterm infants are at a high risk of developing late-onset sepsis (LOS). Lactoferrin is one of the most abundant endogenous antimicrobial proteins expressed in breast milk, stools, and blood, and a candidate for preventive intervention. Large clinical trials have recently investigated whether enteral supplementation with bovine lactoferrin reduces LOS.

Research

The provision of alcohol and breastfeeding information by maternal health practitioners in the Australian setting

Despite the existence of a national alcohol guideline for breastfeeding women, maternal health practitioners are not incorporating this advice

Research

Mothers’ understanding of infant feeding guidelines and their associated practices: A qualitative analysis

The findings indicated that in spite of continued promotion of the AIFG over the past ten years achieving the around six months guideline is challenging

Research

Concentration of food allergens in breastmilk and association with maternal factors– A systematic review

Common food allergens have been detected in breast milk with wide inter-individual variations in concentrations. As maternal factors, such as age, smoking, and body mass index have been associated with breast milk composition, we aimed to identify maternal characteristics associated with the concentration of food allergens in breast milk.

Research

A newborn's perspective on immune responses to food

In this review, we will highlight infants' immune responses to food, emphasizing the unique aspects of early-life immunity and the critical role of breast milk as a food dedicated to infants. Infants are susceptible to inflammatory responses rather than immune tolerance at the mucosal and skin barriers, necessitating strategies to promote oral tolerance that consider this susceptibility.