Maternal Health Meta Analyses and Other
Maternal Health Research
These major studies provide robust evidence on the links between breastfeeding and a range of maternal health outcomes.
An Immunologic Mode of Multigenerational Transmission Governs a Gut Treg Setpoint
This article explores how immunity depends on the selection and transmission of protective components of the immune system at the species level and a microbe-induced population of RORγ-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) is essential in controlling gut inflammation. Researchers uncover a non-genetic, non-epigenetic, non-microbial mode of transmission of their homeostatic setpoint and propose a model based on a double-negative feedback loop, vertically transmitted via the entero-mammary axis.
Association of Maternal Lactation with Diabetes and Hypertension
Researchers studying the long-term benefits of breastfeeding (at least 12 months) found a 30% risk reduction for diabetes and a 13% risk reduction of hypertension for mothers studied. Based on these findings, the authors call for increased education on the benefits of breastfeeding for pregnant women in the prenatal and antenatal periods, including the recommendation of breastfeeding as a preventative measure for diabetes and hypertension, in addition to weight loss, exercise and smoking cessation.
The effect of labor medications on normal newborn behavior in the first hour after birth: A prospective cohort study
Skin-to-skin contact after birth between mother and baby has immediate and long-term advantages. Widström’s 9 Stages of Newborn Behavior offer an opportunity to evaluate a baby in the natural, expected and optimal habitat. Intrapartum drugs, including fentanyl administered via epidural and synthetic oxytocin (synOT), have been studied in relation to neonatal outcomes with conflicting results. This study aims to determine the effects of common intrapartum medications on the instinctive behavior of healthy newborns during the first hour after birth through a prospective cohort study.
You and your baby survey 2018 National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU)
This large-population survey from the NPEU the health and wellbeing of women who have recently given birth in England and shows positive upward trends in breastfeeding and delay of introduction of solids. The survey also delves into a variety of topics on maternal health including smoking behaviours around the time of pregnancy, return to work patterns and maternal mental health.
Harrison, S., Alderdice, F., et al. (2018). You and your baby survey 2018 (National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU)
Breastfeeding history and risk of stroke among parous postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative
This US study using data of 80,191 women found that, compared with women who had never breastfed, women who reported ever breastfeeding had a 23% lower risk of stroke. This association appeared stronger with longer breastfeeding duration and among non‐Hispanic white and non‐Hispanic black women.
The Lancet breastfeeding series
This powerful series presents resounding evidence that breastfeeding protects health, saves lives and cuts costs in every country worldwide. It finds that women are not getting the support they need to breastfeed, and that breastfeeding success is the collective responsibility of society. It demonstrates that the Baby Friendly Initiative is highly effective in improving breastfeeding practices, and that increasing breastfeeding worldwide could prevent over 800,000 child deaths every year.
The Lancet: Increasing breastfeeding worldwide could prevent over 800,000 child deaths every year
Older research
- Farland, LV, et al (2017). History of breast feeding and risk of incident endometriosis: prospective cohort study, The British Medical Journal, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j3778
- Jiménez, E, et al (2017), Mammary candidiasis: A medical condition without scientific evidence? PLOS one, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181071
- Langer-Gould, A (2017), Breastfeeding, ovulatory years, and risk of multiple sclerosis. Neurology, doi: doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000004207
- Jordan, S et al (2017) Breastfeeding and Endometrial Cancer Risk: An Analysis From the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium. Obstetrics & Gynecology doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002057
- Bartick, M, et al (2017) Suboptimal breastfeeding in the United States: Maternal and pediatric health outcomes and costs. Maternal & Child Nutrition, Vol 13, Issue 1, DOI: 10.1111/mcn.12366