Breastfeeding and Human Lactation

• Main Author: Perrella, Sharon (auth)
• Other Authors: Geddes, Donna (auth)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2019
• Subjects: Biology, life sciences; Cambodia; milk metabolomics; galactogogues; adequate intake; postnatal outcomes; cytomegalovirus; midwifery; milk synthesis; chromatography; protein; lactoferrin; human lactation; ultrasound skinfolds; breastfed infants; knowledge; pregnancy; casein; SEA; maternal factors; ethnicity; post-partum distress; bottle; composition; feeding; co-sleeping; passive immunity; glycerophosphocholine; anthropometrics; antimicrobial proteins; professional support; mothers of preterm infants; responsive feeding; lactating women; peptidomics; triiodothyronine; preterm; mother-infant physical contact; expressing; preterm infant; appetite regulation; justification of supplementation; body composition; zinc supplementation; antibodies; antisecretory factor; proteolysis; enteral nutrition; Ecuador; growth factors; maternal responsiveness; maternal wellbeing; nipple shield; microbiome; maternal distress; sodium; thyroid; maternal diet; thyroxine; IgA; caesarean section; raw breast milk; colostrum; fatty acids; breast milk; immune cells; metabolites; PEA; premature; mode of delivery; endocannabinoids; lipids; practice; fat synthesis; attitudes; feeding cues; infant; Docosahexaenoic acid; Arachidonic acid; GDM; milk-acquired infections; zinc deficiency; ICP-OES; social support; infants; omega-6 fatty acids; infant health; HGF; omega-3 fatty acids; OEA; leptin; milk metabolites; Canada; mother-infant interaction; NMR spectroscopy; lipidomics; infection; breastfeeding support; prematurity; phosphocholine; immunity; Quito; sex-specificity; choline; paternal role; inflammation; docosahexaenoic acid; partner support; proximal care; thyroid antibodies; adipokines; calculated daily intakes; candida; proton nuclear magnetic resonance; N-acylethanolamines; milk intake; whey; bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy; breastfeeding; n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid; babywearing; milk composition; breastmilk; obesity; lactation; infant growth; formula supplementation; early life nutrition; adiponectin; milk cells; potassium; human milk; long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids; Andean region; Ireland; mass spectrometry; geographical location; diet; dietary recommendations; TGF-?; ion selective electrode; plasma zinc; barriers; infant feeding; human milk composition; Breastfeeding
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

Human lactation has evolved to produce a milk composition that is uniquely-designed for the human infant. Not only does human milk optimize infant growth and development, it also provides protection from infection and disease. More recently, the importance of human milk and breastfeeding in the programming of infant health has risen to the fore. Anchoring of infant feeding in the developmental origins of health and disease has led to a resurgence of research focused in this area. Milk composition is highly variable both between and within mothers. Indeed the distinct maternal human milk signature, including its own microbiome, is influenced by environmental factors, such as diet, health, body composition and geographic residence. An understanding of these changes will lead to unravelling the adaptation of milk to the environment and its impact on the infant. In terms of the promotion of breastfeeding, health economics and epidemiology is instrumental in shaping public health policy and identifying barriers to breastfeeding. Further, basic research is imperative in order to design evidence-based interventions to improve both breastfeeding duration and women's breastfeeding experience.