In this episode of the Journal of Human Lactation podcast, hosts Adina Kopinsky and Jill Demirci speak with Dr. Melissa Theurich about her Breastfeeding Measurement article “What Does It Mean to Wean?”

The conversation explores how the term “weaning” is inconsistently used across cultures, research, and clinical care, often leading to confusion. Dr. Theurich and her co-authors propose replacing the term with five more precise alternatives to improve clarity in research and practice.

Key takeaways:

• "Weaning" can mean starting solids, stopping breastfeeding, or changing feeding methods, all depending on context
  

• Misuse of the term “weaning” can impact research quality and patient care
  

• Clarity in language helps clinicians communicate better and supports stronger science
  

Links to the article: ⁠

Breastfeeding Measurement—What Does It Mean to Wean?

Theurich MA, Fischer L, Gencel-Augusto J, Chetwynd E. Breastfeeding Measurement—What Does It Mean to “Wean?”. Journal of Human Lactation. 2025;41(2):185-190. doi:10.1177/08903344251320034

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠⁠⁠⁠; Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ and X⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates

In this episode of the Journal of Human Lactation podcast, hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky discuss the article “Utilizing Lactation Acuity to Improve Lactation Services in a U.S. Hospital” by Rebecca Mannel, MPH, IBCLC.

Guest Dr. Angela Lober, JHL Assistant Editor, long-time hospital-based lactation consultant, and researcher at AWHONN, joins us to provide insights.

The article explores how using an acuity-based model, commonly used in hospitals to prioritize care, can improve how lactation consultants allocate their time. By having maternity nurses handle lower-acuity cases, IBCLCs can focus on more complex breastfeeding issues. At the studied hospital, only five IBCLCs were available, which is less than half the recommended number, making efficient time usage essential.

Key takeaways:

• The acuity model helps prioritize lactation consults based on need.
  

• Tracking direct and indirect consult time gives a clearer picture of workload.
  

• Integrating lactation services into hospital systems similar to how other therapies are structured may elevate the field.
  

• Challenges include the dynamic nature of hospital care and overextended staff.
  

The study highlights a promising approach but also calls for broader replication and qualitative research to assess real-time effectiveness and staff experience.

Links to the articles: ⁠

Utilizing Lactation Acuity to Improve Lactation Services in a U.S. Hospital

Mannel R. Utilizing Lactation Acuity to Improve Lactation Services in a U.S. Hospital. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;41(1):97-104. doi:10.1177/08903344241299402 

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠⁠⁠⁠; Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ and X⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research.

In this episode, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Chetwynd and Dr. Hande Ulus discuss Dr. Ulus’ research on enhancing donor human milk for preterm infants.

Topics Discussed:

• Preterm infants need enhanced nutrition for growth and development.

• Current fortification methods can be expensive and inaccessible.

• A new method of lactose crystallization which makes fortified milk safer and could improve donor milk utilization in neonatal care.

Resources

Links to the articles: ⁠

Processing Human Milk to Increase Nutrient Density for Preterm Infants

Ulus HZ, Tekbudak MY, Allen JC. Processing Human Milk to Increase Nutrient Density for Preterm Infants. Journal of Human Lactation. 2021;39(2):333-342. doi:10.1177/08903344211056933 

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠⁠⁠⁠; Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ and X⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates!

Two Articles on Nipple Trauma - Comparing Moisturizing Therapies + Deep Learning Evaluation System 

Authors: Authors on both articles include: Maya Nakamura, MA, and Yasuhiko Ebina, PhD 

With Hiroyuki Sugimori, PhD being a co-author on Development of Nipple Trauma Evaluation using Deep Learning and Yunjie Luo, PhD co-authoring Systematic Review on the Efficacy of Moisturizing Therapy in Treating Nipple Trauma and Nipple Pain

Full bios for all authors of the study available at ⁠⁠⁠JHL’s podcast page⁠⁠

Episode Summary:

Nipple trauma is a common yet often overlooked challenge in breastfeeding. This episode reviews two articles on the topic in our forthcoming JHL volume 41. We delve into how AI is being used to classify nipple injuries as well as a systematic review evaluating the effectiveness of various moisturizing treatments in promoting nipple healing.

AI and Nipple Trauma Diagnosis

• Researchers developed a deep-learning model to assess nipple trauma from breastfeeding photos.

• While AI showed potential in classification, it shined particularly in evaluating more sever trauma and should be used alongside clinical evaluations, not as a replacement.

  
  

Moisturizing Treatments for Nipple Healing

• A systematic review of 24 studies comparing high moisturization, medium moisturization, and low moisturization therapies with outcomes varying on what is most effective when healing nipple trauma.

• More research is needed to determine the best long-term treatment strategies.

  
  

This episode offers valuable insights for healthcare providers, lactation consultants, and breastfeeding parents. Tune in to stay informed about the latest advancements, and read the full studies open-access for the next six weeks on JHL online.

Links to the articles: ⁠

Development of Nipple Trauma Evaluation using Deep Learning

Systematic Review on the Efficacy of Moisturizing Therapy in Treating Nipple Trauma and Nipple Pain

Nakamura M, Sugimori H, Ebina Y. Development of Nipple Trauma Evaluation System With Deep Learning. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/08903344241303867

Nakamura M, Luo Y, Ebina Y. Systematic Review on the Efficacy of Moisturizing Therapy in Treating Nipple Trauma and Nipple Pain. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/08903344241301401

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠⁠⁠⁠; Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ and X⁠ ⁠⁠⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates!

Episode Title: Flange Fit Matters: A Deep Dive into Pumping Comfort and Milk Output

Authors: Lisa Anders, Jeanette Mesite Frem, Thomas McCoy

Full bios for all authors of the study available at ⁠⁠JHL’s podcast page⁠

Podcast Summary:

In this episode, we explore the groundbreaking research on flange sizing for breast pumps, featured in the article Flange Size Matters: A Comparative Pilot Study of the Flange-Fits Guide Versus Traditional Sizing Methods. Hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky are joined by researchers Dr. Lisa Anders and Jeanette Mesite Frem to discuss their findings on how smaller-fit flange sizing impacts milk output and pumping comfort.

The conversation covers:

Key Takeaway:

Customized flange sizing is crucial for maximizing pumping efficiency and comfort, challenging outdated practices and paving the way for better lactation support.

Resources:

Link to the article: this is an open access article, free for anyone to open at any time! Flange Size Matters: A Comparative Pilot Study of the Flange FITS Guide Versus Traditional Sizing Methods

Anders LA, Mesite Frem J, McCoy TP. Flange Size Matters: A Comparative Pilot Study of the Flange FITS Guide Versus Traditional Sizing Methods. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;0(0). doi:10.1177/08903344241296036

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook ⁠⁠⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠⁠⁠; Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠⁠⁠ and X ⁠⁠⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates!

The Journal of Human Lactation podcast #4 discusses an article titled "Associations Between Breastfeeding, Maternal Emotional Availability, and Infant–Mother Attachment: The Role of Coparenting.”

This study explores the relationship between breastfeeding duration, maternal emotional availability, and infant–mother attachment, with a focus on the moderating role of coparenting quality. The authors found that breastfeeding positively influences maternal emotional availability and attachment, but this effect is only significant in families where coparenting quality is perceived as low. 

In supportive coparenting relationships, breastfeeding duration did not have the same impact on attachment outcomes, suggesting that good coparenting serves as a protective factor.

We discuss how breastfeeding and coparenting interact to shape maternal-infant dynamics and speak about the need for future research on diverse definitions of breastfeeding, hormonal influences, and modern family structures.

Link to the article, full text available for 6 weeks after podcast publication: Associations Between Breastfeeding, Maternal Emotional Availability, and Infant–Mother Attachment: The Role of Coparenting

Authors: Christine Youngwon Kim, MS, Nicole P. Smith, BS, Douglas M. Teti, PhD

Full bios for all authors of the study available at ⁠⁠JHL’s podcast page⁠

Kim CY, Smith NP, Teti DM. Associations Between Breastfeeding, Maternal Emotional Availability, and Infant–Mother Attachment: The Role of Coparenting. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;40(3):455-463. doi:10.1177/08903344241247207

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook ⁠⁠⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠⁠⁠; Instagram ⁠⁠⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠⁠⁠ and X ⁠⁠⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates!

The Journal of Human Lactation podcast #3 discusses an article titled "Supporting Direct Breastfeeding for a Tracheostomy Dependent Extremely Premature Infant, a Case Study."

The episode features Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky, who highlight the case study of an extremely premature infant with a tracheostomy transitioning to direct breastfeeding.

The study emphasizes the importance of collaboration between the healthcare team and the family, detailing the infant's medical journey, including the challenges associated with being born at 24 weeks and diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

The article showcases the team's multidisciplinary approach, including the role of an IBCLC in supporting the mother and the infant's feeding.

Key takeaways include

The hosts reflect on how the case study illustrates the potential for successful breastfeeding outcomes, even in complex medical situations, and the importance of providing support and confidence to families navigating such challenges.

Link to the article, full text available for 6 weeks after podcast publication: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Supporting Direct Breastfeeding for a Tracheostomy Dependent Extremely Premature Infant, a Case Study

Authors: Alanna Lakoff, Jadia Beckford, Catherine Charbonneau, Susan Lepine, and Sarah Lawrence. 

Full bios for all authors of the study available at ⁠JHL’s podcast page

Lakoff A, Beckford J, Charbonneau C, Lepine S, Lawrence SL. Supporting Direct Breastfeeding for a Tracheostomy-Dependent Extremely Premature Infant: A Case Study. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;40(3):419-424. doi:10.1177/08903344241254342

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook ⁠⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠⁠; Instagram ⁠⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠⁠ and X ⁠⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates!

Welcome to this episode of "The Journal of Human Lactation Podcast," where we delve into the groundbreaking world of lactation science. Join us as we explore the latest research articles, uncover innovative practices, and discuss the future of breastfeeding and human milk studies.

Link to the article, full text available for 6 weeks after podcast publication: ⁠⁠⁠New Validated Tool to Diagnose Breastfeeding Dysfunction⁠⁠⁠⁠

Authors: Rajeev Agarwal, Mars Eddis-Finbow, Jodie Tam, Jennifer Broatch, Kimberly J. Bussey

Full bios for all authors of the study available at JHL’s podcast page

Episode Summary: 

Today we discuss a recently published article titled "New Validated Tool to Diagnose Breastfeeding Dysfunction" by Rajiv Agarwal et al. Join us as we discuss this newly developed self-reported clinical assessment tool to help identify breastfeeding dysfunction without requiring extensive training for clinicians.

We talk about further issues such as the need for clear definitions of dysfunction, the potential for the tool to serve as an intake form or follow-up assessment, and the importance of understanding infant behavior and mechanics beyond just visual assessments of latch. 

Key Highlights:

Frequency vs. Severity: The researchers focused on symptom frequency rather than severity, recognizing that subjective pain levels vary among individuals.

Milk Supply Concerns: A notable exclusion from the tool was a question about perceived milk supply, highlighting the complexity and variability of parents’ concerns regarding milk adequacy.

Objective Question Design: The tool emphasized objective, observable questions to minimize bias in responses, improving assessment accuracy.

Agarwal R, Eddis-Finbow M, Tam J, Broatch J, Bussey KJ. New Validated Tool to Diagnose Breastfeeding Dysfunction. Journal of Human Lactation. 2024;40(1):120-131. doi:⁠10.1177/08903344231209306⁠

Join the Conversation: Connect with us on social media at Facebook ⁠@JournalofHumanLactation⁠; Instagram ⁠@journalofhumanlactation⁠ and X ⁠@JHL_Lactation⁠ 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates!

Episode Title: Conceptualizing the Commercialization of Human Milk: A Concept Analysis: A panel discussion with authors.

Panel Members:

Heather Christine Rusi, MHDFS, MIHMEP, BN, BComm, RN

Laurence M. Grummer-Strawn, MPA, MA, PhD

Maryanne Tigchelaar Perrin, PhD, MBA, BS, RDN 

Meredith Lee Brockway, PhD, BN, BS, RN, IBCLC

Full bios for all authors of the study available at JHL’s podcast page

https://journals.sagepub.com/jhl/podcasts

Full Citation:

Rusi, H. C., Grummer-Strawn, L., Perrin, M. T., Risling, T., & Brockway, M. L. (2024). Conceptualizing the Commercialization of Human Milk: A Concept Analysis. Journal of human lactation : official journal of International Lactation Consultant Association, 8903344241254345. Open Access Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/08903344241254345

Podcast Summary:

Welcome to this episode of "The Journal of Human Lactation Podcast," where we delve into the groundbreaking world of lactation science. Join us as we explore the latest research articles, uncover innovative practices, and discuss the future of breastfeeding and human milk studies.

We are launching this podcast with a very special episode in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week!

In today’s episode we dive into the complex and controversial topic of human milk commercialization. We will cover the key findings and implications of "Conceptualizing the Commercialization of Human Milk: A Concept Analysis." Join us as we chat with the authors who will unpack the ethical, social, and scientific dimensions of this critical issue and leave us with a structural definition of the topic area and next steps being considered at the World Health Assembly.

State of Science and Technology: Understand the current landscape of science and technology in human milk commercialization and the for-profit marketing of human milk products.

Importance of Policy Guidelines: Learn why it's crucial to conceptualize and define the commercialization of human milk and the need for policy guidelines and regulations.

Demand and Ethical Considerations: Explore the increasing demand for human milk products, their benefits, and the ethical issues surrounding their commercialization.

Lessons from the International Code: Discover lessons from the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes and how they are being considered by the World Health Assembly to current marketing tactics for human milk products.

Equity and Access: Discuss the relevance of this year's World Breastfeeding Week theme on equity and how commercial human milk can disrupt access and support for breastfeeding.

Global Policy Recommendations: Learn about the infrastructures needed at a global policy level to protect lactating individuals while supporting infants in need.

Guidelines and Regulations: Understand the elements that should be included in guidelines and regulations, including the potential role of payment for milk produced.

Clinical Implications: Hear what breastfeeding support providers need to know while providing clinical care to their patients in the context of human milk commercialization.

Link to the Article: Access the full text of "Conceptualizing the Commercialization of Human Milk: A Concept Analysis."

Further Reading: If you are interested in the Brazilian Milk Banking system, mentioned by Dr. Perrin, keep your eye on the JHL homepage where we will shortly publish a fascinating  interview with Professor Joao Aprigio Guerra de Almeida on the evolution of the Brazilian human milk banking system.

Join the Conversation: Engage with us on social media at Facebook @JournalofHumanLactation; Instagram @journalofhumanlactation and X @JHL_Lactation 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue to bring you the latest in lactation research. Don't forget to follow us on social media for updates and join our community of passionate lactation researchers and advocates!