The Journal of Human Lactation Podcast

In this episode of the Journal of Human Lactation podcast, hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky discuss two companion papers exploring the role of osteopathic medicine in breastfeeding care: "Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for the Breastfeeding Dyad: A Scoping Review" and "Integrating Osteopathic Care into Treatment of the Breastfeeding Dyad: Anatomic and Physiologic Considerations" with authors Dr. Eileen Conaway and Dr. Kimberly Wolf.

Published in Journal of Human Lactation, Volume 42, Issue 2, these companion articles examine the current evidence supporting osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) for breastfeeding dyads and explain the anatomic and physiologic principles underlying osteopathic care.

Together, they provide clinicians with an introduction to this emerging area of lactation medicine and discuss how osteopathic physicians can collaborate with lactation professionals to support families experiencing persistent breastfeeding challenges.

Key takeaways include:

• Osteopathic medicine evaluates how structure and function throughout the body influence breastfeeding for both infants and lactating parents.

• A scoping review of more than 9,000 published articles identified 35 studies examining OMT for infant feeding, breastfeeding, and related conditions, highlighting promising findings while emphasizing the need for higher-quality research.

• Current evidence suggests OMT may support breastfeeding by addressing musculoskeletal restrictions associated with latch difficulties, torticollis, plagiocephaly, reflux, colic, breast edema, mastitis, and low milk supply.

• The discussion explores why manual therapies are challenging to study using traditional randomized controlled trial designs and why stronger outcome measures are needed across lactation research.

• The authors emphasize that osteopathic care can complement, but not replace, comprehensive lactation management and medical evaluation, offering another tool for multidisciplinary care when breastfeeding difficulties persist.

Link to the articles:

Chen A, Mercer A, Conway E, Heskett K, Toby AH, Campbell M, Panza M, Wolf K. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment for the Breastfeeding Dyad: A Scoping Review. Journal of Human Lactation. 2026;42(2).

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08903344261430249

Conway E, Wolf K, et al. Integrating Osteopathic Care into Treatment of the Breastfeeding Dyad: Anatomic and Physiologic Considerations. Journal of Human Lactation. 2026;42(2).

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/08903344261434473

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In this episode of the Journal of Human Lactation podcast, hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky discuss the From the Field article "Supporting Families as They Navigate Infant Food Allergies" with the authors Taylor Silver and Trillitye Paullin.

Published in Journal of Human Lactation, Volume 42, Issue 1, this review examines current research on dietary protein transfer into human milk and provides practical guidance for clinicians supporting breastfeeding families with suspected infant food allergies.

Key takeaways include:

• Dietary proteins typically appear in human milk for only a short time, rather than remaining for weeks.

• Infant symptoms often reflect healing from a previous reaction rather than ongoing exposure through breast milk.

• Most food allergies encountered during breastfeeding are non-IgE mediated and require careful clinical assessment rather than standard allergy testing.

• Targeted elimination diets with planned food reintroduction can help avoid unnecessary long-term dietary restrictions.

• IBCLCs play a key role in supporting breastfeeding families through assessment, education, milk supply management, and appropriate referrals.

• The discussion also explores the role of the infant microbiome, probiotics, and the importance of interdisciplinary care.

  
  

This episode highlights how emerging evidence can help clinicians provide more individualized, family-centered care while protecting the breastfeeding relationship.

Link to the article:

Silver T, Paullin T. Supporting Families as They Navigate Infant Food Allergies. Journal of Human Lactation. 2026;42(1).

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/08903344251401908

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In this episode, hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky are joined by Tina Tan and Diahann Cuevo to discuss the article, “From the Field: Assessing Feeding and Swallowing Function in Breastfeeding Infants via Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).”

Published in JHL Volume 41, Issue 3, this clinical practice article explores how FEES is being used in real-world settings to assess swallowing function in breastfeeding infants, expanding the possibilities beyond traditional bottle-based swallow studies.

Together we compare FEES with Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) and explore why assessing infants during direct breastfeeding can significantly improve clinical decision-making and lactation support.

Key takeaways include:

• Traditional VFSS has important limitations for breastfeeding infants, including radiation exposure, time constraints, and reliance on bottle feeding, which may not reflect true feeding dynamics at the breast.

• FEES enables real-time visualization of swallowing during direct breastfeeding, allowing clinicians to observe airway protection, coordination, and fatigue over a full feeding without radiation.

• The ability to trial and immediately evaluate feeding interventions such as positioning or managing milk flow helps create highly individualized, responsive care plans.

• FEES and VFSS serve complementary roles, and findings from these studies can guide interdisciplinary collaboration and support breastfeeding goals, rather than functioning as pass/fail assessments.

The episode also highlights a clinical case where FEES supported the transition back to breastfeeding after initial aspiration concerns, illustrating how feeding plans can evolve as infants mature.

Links to the article:
Tan T, Cuevo D. From the Field: Assessing Feeding and Swallowing Function in Breastfeeding Infants via Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Journal of Human Lactation. 2026;41(3).
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08903344251342216

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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 for updates and join our community of lactation professionals and advocates!

In this episode of the Journal of Human Lactation podcast, hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky discuss the article “Possibility of Microwave Thawing of Human Milk: Effects on Milk Composition and Temperature Distribution."

The article, published in JHL Volume 41, Issue 4, explores whether microwaving frozen human milk might safely thaw milk without compromising its composition or creating dangerous temperature “hot spots.”

Despite long-standing guidance advising against microwaving, this study reexamines the evidence using household microwaves—rather than laboratory equipment—to mirror real-world conditions.

Key takeaways include:

• Research on microwaving human milk is decades old, highlighting the need for updated studies.

• After microwaving and gentle inversion, hot spots were greatly reduced, suggesting that temperature variation may be less concerning than once believed.

• The findings indicate that while microwaving is not yet recommended, more research could clarify its potential for safe, convenient thawing in the future.

  
  

This preliminary study invites discussion about balancing safety, convenience, and accuracy in human milk handling, especially as more families rely on expressed milk.

Links to the article:
Ito M, Tanaka M, Date M, Miura K, Mizuno K. Possibility of Microwave Thawing of Human Milk: Effects on Milk Composition and Temperature Distribution. Journal of Human Lactation. 2025;41(4).

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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 Adina Kopinsky and Ellen Chetwynd use the first 15 minutes to review two recent JHL articles exploring breastfeeding among parents managing chronic illness:

• Reasons for Breastfeeding Avoidance: A Multicenter Insight in Mothers With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus by Massimo Radin, Silvia Foddai, Karen Schreiber, et al.

• Lower Adherence to Breastfeeding Recommendations in Mothers Treated With Antirheumatic and Antidepressant Medications by Essie Whaites Heinonen, Diana Johnson, Alec Todd, and Christina Chambers.

  
  

Both studies, published in JHL Volume 41, Issue 3, shed light on the experiences of mothers and parents navigating breastfeeding while living with chronic conditions or using long-term medications. Together, they highlight how gaps in medical support and uncertainty about medication safety often shape feeding decisions more than personal motivation or community support.

The discussion then continues after minute 15 to feature Jennifer Pegram, who shares her lived experience of breastfeeding while managing cerebral palsy, bringing an essential human perspective to the data.

Key Takeaways:

• Many mothers with chronic illnesses want to breastfeed but are discouraged by inconsistent medical advice and limited professional support.

• Fear of medication harm remains one of the biggest barriers, even when evidence indicates safety.

• Both studies emphasize the need for accurate, evidence-based counseling and targeted lactation support for breastfeeding parents taking chronic medications.

• Pairing research with lived experience reveals the nuances of breastfeeding with chronic illness, which data can’t always capture.

  
  

Links to Articles:

Radin M, Foddai SG, Schreiber K, et al. Reasons for Breastfeeding Avoidance: A Multicenter Insight in Mothers With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Journal of Human Lactation. 2025;41(3):392-400. doi:10.1177/08903344251338242

Whaites Heinonen E, Johnson DL, Todd A, Chambers CD. Lower Adherence to Breastfeeding Recommendations in Mothers Treated With Antirheumatic and Antidepressant Medications. Journal of Human Lactation. 2025;41(3):412-422. doi:10.1177/08903344251337384

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If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite podcast platform. Your support helps us continue bringing you the latest in lactation research and real-world experience.

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 

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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

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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!