Breastfeeding

This hub provides a comprehensive overview of expert-reviewed articles that cover all aspects of breastfeeding science and practice, offering a detailed examination of breastfeeding, human lactation, and maternal-infant health. Examine the biology of breast milk, how it affects the baby's microbiome, helpful tips for effective breastfeeding, and the psychological, immunological, and nutritional advantages for both mother and child. These resources address common questions, issues, and unique situations, such as maternal nutrition, medication safety, infectious diseases, and anatomical considerations. They also examine the role of breastfeeding in preventing disease and promoting the long-term health of women. This hub is a reliable resource for professionals, caregivers, and families alike, whether they are seeking the most recent clinical insights, evidence-based recommendations, or answers to practical questions.

Breast Milk and the Microbiome

There are many advantages associated with breastfeeding, some of which are related to the microbiome composition of human breast milk.

Sleeping Close to Baby

Breastfeeding and Hormones

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

Breastfeeding Inducing Lactation

What is a Galactocele?

Overactive Let-Down (OALD) Reflex

Breastfeeding and COVID-19

Breastfeeding and Jaundice

Breastfeeding Mother's Diet and Colic

Does Breastfeeding Act as a Contraceptive?

Breastfeeding after Breast Surgery

See more featured articles »

Breastfeeding: Smoking, Drugs and Alcohol

Breastfeeding and Cleft Palate, Cleft Lip

Breast Anatomy

How do I Manage Breastfeeding and Work?

Breastfeeding Pumps

Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding and Medications

Sleeping Close to Baby

Storing Breast Milk

Breastfeeding and Allergies

What are the Health Benefits of Breastfeeding?

Mastitis Complications

Breastfeeding Twins or Multiples

Breastfeeding and Reflux

Breastfeeding and Oral Thrush in Babies

What is Breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding During Pregnancy

Smoking and Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding and Vitamin D

Breastfeeding Questions

The Constituents of Breast Milk

Pregnancy Myths

Breast Changes After Birth

What is Breast Compression?

Overactive Let-Down (OALD) Reflex

Breastfeeding, Preparing for Arrival

Breastfeeding Around Family

What is Mastitis?

Correct Breastfeeding

The Protective Role of Breastfeeding in Breast Cancer

Breastfeeding and Diet

When Should I Not Breastfeed My Baby?

HIV in Pregnancy and During Breastfeeding

Latest Breastfeeding News and Research

DTU researchers discover gut bacteria link to reduced allergy and asthma risk

Researchers from DTU have patented an invention that uses naturally produced substances from gut bacteria of the bifidobacteria type to reduce the risk of allergies and asthma.

14 Jan 2026

Breast milk shares beneficial bacteria with babies

Researchers examine the relationship between the maternal milk microbiome and infant gut microbiome.

14 Jan 2026

Long-term study reveals shifting patterns in COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy

Most COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is rooted in concerns that can be addressed and effectively reduced over time, according to a new study following more than 1.1 million people in England between January 2021 and March 2022 during the COVID-19 pandemic, published in The Lancet.

13 Jan 2026

Breastfeeding is linked to lower depression and anxiety years later

A decade-long study links breastfeeding to lower anxiety and depression in mothers, suggesting long-term mental health benefits beyond the postnatal period.

13 Jan 2026

Breastfeeding linked to lower long-term depression and anxiety in mothers

Breastfeeding may lower mothers' later life risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy, suggest the findings of an observational study, BMJ Open' page">published in the open access journal BMJ Open.

9 Jan 2026

Breastfeeding linked to reduced maternal depression and anxiety up to ten years

Breastfeeding may lower mothers' later life risks of depression and anxiety for up to 10 years after pregnancy, suggest the findings of a small observational study, published in the open access journal BMJ Open.

8 Jan 2026

Breast milk bacteria help shape infant gut microbiome development

Most conversations about breast milk tend to focus on topics like nutrients, antibodies and bonding time rather than bacteria.

7 Jan 2026

One in three women miss postpartum check-ups

Findings from a Norwegian study reveal that comprehensive postpartum care by GPs improves women's satisfaction and addresses key health concerns effectively.

7 Jan 2026

One in four women in Norway found to miss postpartum check-ups

In a new study, Christine Agdestein has surveyed several aspects of the postnatal check-up. Agdestein is a specialist in general practice and a general practitioner, and is currently a PhD candidate at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).

2 Jan 2026

Study reveals gaps in postnatal care information and attendance

31 Dec 2025

Intermittent fasting edges daily calorie cuts for blood pressure and long-term cardiovascular risk estimates

In a real-world registry study of adults with overweight or obesity, 5:2 intermittent fasting and daily calorie restriction both improved blood pressure over 12 weeks. Intermittent fasting produced modestly greater reductions in systolic and pulse pressure and a larger drop in BMI-based 30-year cardiovascular risk scores, without superior lipid or glycaemic effects.

17 Dec 2025

FDA panelists questioned antidepressants in pregnancy. But doctors call them a lifeline.

If you are pregnant or a new mother who is struggling with depression or anxiety, you can call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline, 24/7: 833-TLC-MAMA (833-852-6262). Postpartum Support International can help connect you with a local mental health provider at 800-944-4773 or psidirectory.com.

15 Dec 2025

Supportive marriages may shape appetite control through oxytocin and the brain–gut axis

Supportive marital relationships are associated with lower BMI, fewer food addiction symptoms, higher oxytocin, stronger frontal brain responses to food cues, and favorable gut tryptophan metabolites. These coordinated social, neural, hormonal, and gut pathways suggest a plausible biological link between emotional support and healthier eating regulation.

8 Dec 2025

Long-acting HIV treatment could improve outcomes for breastfeeding women

Sujata Tewari, BA, previously of the Medical Practice Evaluation Center (MPEC) at Massachusetts General Hospital, and Andrea L. Ciaranello, MD, MPH, of the MPEC and Department of Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, are the lead and senior authors of a paper published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, “Long-acting antiretroviral therapy for breastfeeding women with HIV experiencing barriers to adherence in Zimbabwe: Modeling clinical impact and cost-effectiveness.

4 Dec 2025

Maternal exposure to fatty food aromas predisposes offspring to obesity

A research team at the Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research has found that the smell of fatty foods during pregnancy increases the risk of overweight and obesity in children.

1 Dec 2025

Kennedy sharpens vaccine attacks, without scientific backing

As the federal government prepares for the next meeting of its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has intensified his attacks on aluminum vaccine components used in many shots to boost the body's immune response.

24 Nov 2025

Diet swap alters breast milk composition within six days

Swapping beef for a plant-based meat substitute changed breast milk composition in just six days - even when the rest of the diet was made up of whole, unprocessed foods - according to a first-of-its-kind study from researchers at The University of Texas at Austin.

21 Nov 2025

Prenatal stress hormones may shape when a baby’s teeth erupt

A study links maternal stress hormones in late pregnancy to the timing of baby teeth eruption, highlighting prenatal factors in early childhood development.

20 Nov 2025

Study clarifies why most colic isn’t caused by cow’s milk allergy

Cow’s milk allergy rarely causes infant colic on its own, and most excessively crying infants do not have underlying allergy. A short elimination–and–rechallenge trial may help confirm CMA only when colic coexists with other allergic features.

19 Nov 2025

Cesarean births do not raise infant allergy risk in major Japanese cohort study

In a large Japanese birth cohort, cesarean delivery was not linked to higher risks of eczema, wheezing, atopic dermatitis, or asthma in infants at one year of age. Emergency cesarean delivery was even associated with a modest reduction in eczema, suggesting that mode of birth alone may not drive early-life allergic disease.

13 Nov 2025