Search
Research
Breastfeeding patterns and total volume of human milk consumed influence the development of the infant oral microbiomeThe oral microbiome of breastfed infants is distinct from that of formula-fed infants. However, breastfeeding characteristics, such as time spent breastfeeding (min/24 h), breastfeeding frequency (number of breastfeeds per day), and human milk intake (ml/day) vary significantly between breastfeeding dyads.
Research
A Scoping Review of Methodologies Exploring Diet and Health Outcomes in Lactating Women: What Has Been Done and Where to Next?Developing dietary guidelines for lactating women presents significant challenges, due to limited evidence being available on their specific nutrient needs and the biological impacts of various dietary dimensions. Current dietary recommendations often rely on data from nonlactating women, leading to potential inaccuracies.
Research
Breastfeeding and Neonatal Age Influence Neutrophil-Driven Ontogeny of Blood Cell Populations in the First Week of Human LifeThe first few days of life are characterized by rapid external and internal changes that require substantial immune system adaptations. Despite growing evidence of the impact of this period on lifelong immune health, this period remains largely uncharted.
Research
A newborn's perspective on immune responses to foodIn 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.
News & Events
World Breastfeeding Week: Q&AIn 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
Lactoferrin Expression Is Not Associated with Late-Onset Sepsis in Very Preterm InfantsPreterm 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 settingDespite 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 analysisThe 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
Human Milk Microbiome and Microbiome-Related Products: Potential Modulators of Infant GrowthInfant growth trajectory may influence later-life obesity. Human milk provides a wide range of nutritional and bioactive components that are vital for infant growth. Compared to formula-fed infants, breastfed infants are less likely to develop later-onset obesity, highlighting the potential role of bioactive components present in human milk.
Research
Associations of Maternal Milk Feeding With Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 7 Years of Age in Former Preterm InfantsMaternal milk feeding may have unique long-term neurodevelopmental benefits in very preterm infants. We examine the extent to which maternal milk feeding after very preterm birth is associated with cognitive, academic, and behavioral outcomes at school age.