In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty reviews five fascinating new studies covering maternal autonomy in India, breastfeeding practices in Saudi Arabia, real-world concerns shared on social media, the circadian rhythm of breast milk, and more. Each study offers a unique lens on how culture, policy, biology, and digital spaces shape the feeding experience—and what lactation professionals can do to support families more effectively.

Key Studies and Takeaways:

1. “Infant and Young Child Feeding Practices and Their Association with Women's Autonomy: A Community-Based Study in Rural West Bengal”

Citation: Sarkar, N. H., et al. (2025). Healthline, 16(1), 35–44. https://doi.org/10.51957/Healthline_689_2025

• Cross-sectional study with 161 mothers in rural India
• While 96% breastfed, only 63% initiated within the first hour and 24% exclusively breastfed
• Maternal autonomy (decision-making, mobility, financial control) positively correlated with better IYCF practices
• Cesarean birth and female infants were associated with poorer outcomes
• IBCLCs must address family dynamics, autonomy, and equity—not just technique

2. “Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Breastfeeding Among Mothers Attending King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia”

Citation: Alhamedi, N. M., et al. (2025). Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 14(4), 1295–1306. https://doi.org/10.4103/jfmpc.jfmpc_1465_23

• Mixed-methods study with 334 mothers
• 88% initiated breastfeeding, but only 39% exclusively breastfed to 6 months
• Working mothers had better knowledge and earlier initiation, but faced structural barriers
• Formula use was common; 71% used ready-made formula in the hospital
• IBCLCs must go beyond education—advocacy for workplace and hospital support is essential

3. “Analysis of Social Media Posts: Breastfeeding Mothers Concerned About Breast Milk Supply, Logistics of Breastfeeding, and Child Development Outcomes”

Citation: Heng, W. X., & Azhari, A. (2025). Women’s Reproductive Health. https://doi.org/10.1080/23293691.2025.2489500

• Qualitative analysis of 504 Facebook posts from Singapore mothers
• Top concerns: milk supply, breastfeeding logistics (especially while working), and infant growth
• Many mothers used the group to seek practical advice—not emotional validation
• Reveals that self-efficacy is fragile, and community forums often serve as informal knowledge hubs
• IBCLCs should consider engaging in or partnering with online communities to share accurate guidance

4. “Chrononutrition and the Role of Melatonin in Neonates”

Citation: Markowska, M. (2025). Pediatrics and Family Medicine, 21(1), 46–50. https://doi.org/10.15557/PiMR.2025.0005

• Narrative review exploring melatonin in breast milk and its circadian rhythm
• Breast milk contains melatonin at night, which helps establish infant sleep cycles
• Preterm infants rely entirely on maternal melatonin for early circadian regulation
• Recommends time-matched milk labeling in NICUs and awareness of donor milk limitations
• Adds a new dimension to lactation counseling: breastfeeding isn’t just nourishment—it’s biological programming

Conclusion:

From biological rhythms to social dynamics, breastfeeding is shaped by so much more than supply and demand. These studies offer clinical, cultural, and digital insights that can help IBCLCs personalize care, address hidden barriers, and advocate for system-wide changes.

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Credits:

🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty

🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, My Time Traveling Machine

Hashtags & Keywords:

#BehindTheLatch #IBCLC #BreastfeedingResearch #MaternalAutonomy #SocialMediaSupport #MelatoninInMilk #BreastfeedingBarriers #LactationSupport

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