In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty explores four essential studies shaping lactation practice: the impact of breastfeeding on long-term kidney health, how photobiomodulation may help heal nipple injuries, how breastfeeding network prevalence is shaped by race and community in Mississippi, and what effective breastfeeding technique really looks like in an Ethiopian hospital. Each paper reveals actionable insights for IBCLCs striving to support diverse families with evidence-based care.

Key Studies and Takeaways:

1️⃣ Breastfeeding and Long-Term Renal Health

Citation:

Sivasankar, M., Raja, I. N., Parthasarathy, S., & Suchitra, M. R. (2025). The protective role of neonatal breastfeeding in renal health: A systematic review. Journal of Neonatal Surgery, 14(6s), 138–144.

• Breastfeeding lowers the risk of UTIs in infancy and chronic kidney disease later in life.
• Protective mechanisms include immune system maturation, healthier metabolic programming, and a balanced gut microbiome.

IBCLC Takeaway: Breastfeeding does more than nourish—it protects renal health long-term. Advocate early and often, especially for at-risk infants.

2️⃣ Photobiomodulation for Nipple Injury

Citation:

Alves, R. O., Ragghianti, M. H. F., Nunes, L. P., Ferreira, M. F., et al. (2025). Photobiomodulation as a promising approach in the management of nipple lesions during breastfeeding: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Lasers in Medical Science, 40, 276. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-025-04531-7

• PBM (low-level laser therapy) significantly reduces nipple pain and promotes healing.
• Meta-analysis showed improved outcomes with minimal side effects.

IBCLC Takeaway: While outside our scope to deliver PBM, we can support referral and advocate for evidence-based adjunct therapies for painful nipple trauma.

3️⃣ Breastfeeding Network Disparities in the Deep South

Citation:

Bartkowski, J. P., Klee, K., Xu, X., Roach, J. B., & Jones, S. (2025). Breastfeeding and intersectionality in the Deep South: Race, class, gender and community context in Coastal Mississippi. Women, 5(2), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/women5020021

• African American women had lower breastfeeding network prevalence.
• Higher income and community support significantly reduced disparities.

IBCLC Takeaway: To close gaps in breastfeeding equity, we must build strong, culturally relevant support networks—and work alongside communities, not just within clinics.

4️⃣ What Effective Breastfeeding Really Looks Like

Citation:

Abebe, Y., & Dadi, B. (2025). Effective breastfeeding practices among mothers exclusively breastfeeding infants in Ethiopia. Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health, 34, 102089. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cegh.2025.102089

• Only 23% of mothers met criteria for effective breastfeeding based on WHO technique standards.
• Postpartum counseling, demonstration, and previous experience were key factors.

IBCLC Takeaway: Technique matters. Observation, demonstration, and follow-up are crucial. Even exclusive breastfeeding may not be effective without proper latch, positioning, and suckling.

Connect with Me:

📸 Instagram: @margaretsalty

📧 Email: [email protected]

📘 Facebook: Margaret Salty

Credits:

🎙 Hosted by: Margaret Salty

🎵 Music by: The Magnifiers, “My Time Traveling Machine”

Hashtags and Keywords:

#BehindTheLatch #BreastfeedingResearch #IBCLC #KidneyHealth #NipplePain #PBMTherapy #BreastfeedingInequities #EffectiveLatch #GlobalLactation #LactationEducation

🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app—and don’t forget to subscribe to Behind the Latch and leave a review!