In this episode of The IBCLC Mentor Podcast, Margaret Salty dives into the latest research articles from her Google Scholar alerts, exploring how recent findings can enhance the practice of IBCLCs. Each week, Margaret brings you key insights from the latest studies, breaking down complex research into actionable strategies for lactation consultants. Whether you're a seasoned IBCLC or just starting your journey, these episodes will keep you at the forefront of evidence-based lactation care.

Read my post about how to stay up-to-date with current research here: https://margaretsalty.com/2023/12/08/research/

Key Points Covered:

Celebrating Breastfeeding Week 2024: What Have We Achieved and What Can Still Be Done?

Margaret discusses the editorial highlighting the progress and challenges in promoting breastfeeding globally, as celebrated during World Breastfeeding Week 2024. The editorial emphasizes the need for supportive environments, both in public and workplace settings, and calls for stricter enforcement of the International Code of Marketing of Breast-Milk Substitutes to protect breastfeeding. The segment underscores the importance of continued advocacy and support to close gaps in breastfeeding practices and achieve global breastfeeding targets.

Fat Content and Energy Calculation in Pasteurized Human Milk: Comparison Between Infrared Analysis and Creamatocrit Method

In this segment, Margaret reviews a study comparing two methods of measuring fat and energy content in pasteurized human milk: the infrared analysis and the creamatocrit method. The findings show that the infrared analysis method consistently reported higher values of fat and energy than the creamatocrit method. This segment highlights the need for accurate measurement techniques in human milk banks to ensure optimal nutritional support for preterm infants, reinforcing the importance of selecting reliable methods for assessing milk quality.

Primiparous Women's Experiences of Unwanted Early Cessation of Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study

Margaret delves into a qualitative study exploring the experiences of first-time mothers who stopped breastfeeding earlier than intended. The study identifies feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and emotional defeat among mothers due to unmet breastfeeding expectations and inadequate support from healthcare systems. This segment emphasizes the importance of providing empathetic, comprehensive support to new mothers, and addressing the emotional challenges associated with early cessation of breastfeeding.

Practical Application for IBCLCs:

Margaret synthesizes the research findings into practical tips for IBCLCs, including:

• Advocating for better breastfeeding support in public, workplaces, and healthcare settings to create enabling environments for all mothers.
• Emphasizing the use of accurate methods like infrared analysis for assessing the nutritional content of donor milk, ensuring optimal support for vulnerable infants.
• Offering empathetic and comprehensive support to first-time mothers struggling with breastfeeding, helping to mitigate feelings of failure and promote breastfeeding success.

Conclusion:

Staying updated with the latest research is essential for providing the best care as an IBCLC. By integrating evidence-based interventions and educational strategies, you can directly enhance breastfeeding success and support the families you work with more effectively. Be sure to tune in each week as we continue to explore the latest insights from the world of lactation science.

References:

• Chaudhary, N. (2024). Celebrating Breastfeeding Week 2024: What Have We Achieved and What Can Still Be Done? Journal of Universal College of Medical Sciences, 12(2), 1-2. DOI: 10.3126/jucms.v12i02.69358
• Andreassa, N. P., Suano-Souza, F. I., & Sarni, R. O. S. (2024). Fat Content and Energy Calculation in Pasteurized Human Milk: Comparison Between Infrared Analysis and Creamatocrit Method. Breastfeeding Medicine, 00(00), 1-7. DOI: 10.1089/bfm.2024.0249
• Mahon, J., & Dreyer, P. (2024). Primiparous Women’s Experiences of Unwanted Early Cessation of Breastfeeding: A Qualitative Study. Nordic Journal of Nursing Research, 44, 1-8. DOI: 10.1177/20571585241276464

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Have questions or want to suggest a topic? Reach out to me at margaretsalty.com or connect with me on social media:

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Don't forget to share this episode with fellow IBCLCs or students who could benefit from these research insights.

Credits:

• Hosted by: Margaret Salty
• Music by: The Magnifiers, "My Time Traveling Machine"

Hashtags and Keywords:

#IBCLC #LactationConsultant #BreastfeedingResearch #LactationMentor #IBCLCMentorPodcast #EvidenceBasedPractice