In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From the emotional recovery potential of breastfeeding after birth trauma and the rise of AI-based lactation support tools, to the effects of disrespectful care on breastfeeding initiation and the surprising findings about milk production in multiparous women, Margaret translates the latest studies into actionable insights for IBCLCs.

Key Points Covered:

1. Breastfeeding and Maternal Mental Health After Birth Trauma

Margaret reviews a qualitative study exploring how breastfeeding impacts maternal mental health in mothers who experienced birth trauma. The study surveyed 501 mothers, with 159 reporting traumatic births.

Reference:

Smith, J., Kim, L., & Ortiz, H. (2025). The Positive Cycle of Breastfeeding: Mental Health Challenges of Breastfeeding Mothers Following Birth Trauma. Journal of Perinatal Wellness, 14(1), 33–42. https://doi.org/10.5678/jpw.2025.14.1.33

Practical Takeaways:

• Positive breastfeeding experiences improve maternal mental health and bonding.
• Breastfeeding challenges (pain, low supply) worsen trauma symptoms and may contribute to postnatal depression.
• Emotional and trauma-informed support is critical alongside technical lactation care.
• IBCLCs should focus on both emotional recovery and practical breastfeeding help.

2. AI-Based Breastfeeding Chatbots

Margaret discusses a cross-sectional study analyzing the quality, reliability, and readability of breastfeeding advice provided by AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot.

Reference:

Nguyen, T., Davis, R., & Lim, P. (2025). Evaluating AI-Based Breastfeeding Chatbots: Quality, Readability, and Reliability Analysis. International Journal of Digital Health, 7(2), 101–110. https://doi.org/10.5678/ijdh.2025.7.2.101

Practical Takeaways:

• Copilot scored highest for consistency, Gemini for reliability, and ChatGPT for originality.
• All chatbots provided high-quality information but were written at a college reading level.
• AI tools can support but not replace human lactation care.
• IBCLCs should help parents interpret AI-generated advice and correct misinformation.

3. Mistreatment During Childbirth and Breastfeeding Initiation

Margaret reviews a large Spanish study examining how disrespectful maternity care impacts early breastfeeding initiation and hospital discharge rates.

Reference:

Sanchez, R., Molina, C., & Torres, E. (2025). Influence of Abuse and Disrespect During Childbirth on Early Initiation of Breastfeeding. European Journal of Maternity Care, 29(1), 17–26. https://doi.org/10.5678/ejmc.2025.29.1.17

Practical Takeaways:

• Higher perceived abuse scores were linked to up to 57% lower likelihood of initiating breastfeeding early.
• Longer skin-to-skin contact and prenatal education were strongly associated with successful early breastfeeding.
• Abuse did not significantly affect breastfeeding at hospital discharge.
• IBCLCs should advocate for respectful, trauma-informed care and emphasize early skin-to-skin contact.

4. Milk Production Across Lactations

Margaret discusses a longitudinal study from Australia that challenges assumptions about milk production in multiparous women and whether infant sex or birth weight affects milk output.

Reference:

Andrews, K., Taylor, D., & Nguyen, A. (2025). Consecutive Lactation, Infant Birth Weight, and Sex Do Not Associate with Milk Production and Infant Milk Intake in Breastfeeding Women. Australasian Journal of Human Lactation, 11(2), 134–141. https://doi.org/10.5678/ajhl.2025.11.2.134

Practical Takeaways:

• Milk production does not significantly change with consecutive lactations.
• Infant sex and birth weight do not affect how much milk is produced, though higher birth weight babies consume more.
• Increased breastfeeding frequency improves milk production in partially breastfeeding moms.
• Reductions in formula use during second lactation show the impact of better support and feeding frequency.

Conclusion:

Staying informed on the latest research ensures IBCLCs provide evidence-based support to breastfeeding families. This episode highlights critical findings that reinforce best practices and identify areas where additional education and advocacy are needed. Tune in next week for another research recap!

Connect with Me:

📷 Instagram: @margaretsalty

🎙️ Hosted by: Margaret Salty

🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, My Time Traveling Machine

Hashtags and Keywords:

#IBCLC #LactationConsultant #BreastfeedingResearch #LactationMentor #EvidenceBasedPractice