In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty reviews four new studies with big implications for hospital, NICU, and community-based lactation care. From evidence-based pain relief strategies to debunked interventions and mobile clinic models that build breastfeeding confidence, this Research Recap delivers practical takeaways for IBCLCs working across settings.

Study 1: Breast Milk Smell/Taste Exposure Before Tube Feeds

This randomized controlled trial examined whether exposing very preterm infants to the smell and/or taste of breast milk before tube feeds improves growth or reduces length of hospital stay.

Key findings:

• No significant difference in weight gain or time to discharge
• Intervention group: 715g weight gain vs. 657g in control (p = 0.60)
• No impact on secondary outcomes like NEC or breastfeeding at discharge

🔍 Implications for IBCLCs:

• Be cautious about implementing new NICU interventions without strong evidence
• Prioritize time and resources toward proven strategies (skin-to-skin, milk supply protection, cue-based readiness)
• Set realistic expectations with NICU families about evidence-based support

Citation: Fonseca, L. G. R., et al. (2025). The lack of benefit of exposing the premature infant to breast milk smell and/or taste before tube feeding: A double-blind randomized clinical trial. Breastfeeding Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1089/bfm.2025.0042

Study 2: Breastfeeding as Pain Relief During Blood Draws

A quasi-experimental study evaluated the effect of breastfeeding during blood sampling in infants under one year old.

Key findings:

• FLACC pain scores were 2.6 in breastfed infants vs. 6.7 in controls
• Breastfed infants had more stable vitals, less crying, and quicker recovery
• 63% of non-breastfed infants experienced severe pain—compared to 0% in the breastfeeding group

🔍 Implications for IBCLCs:

• Advocate for breastfeeding during minor procedures like heel sticks and venipuncture
• Use this study to educate hospital staff about non-pharmacologic pain relief
• Reinforce for families: breastfeeding isn’t just for nutrition—it reduces pain

Citation: Sharbat, R., et al. (2025). Effect of breastfeeding on pain intensity among infants during blood sampling. Minia Scientific Nursing Journal, 17(2), 46–62.

Study 3: Music Therapy & Milk Supply in NICU Mothers

This study explored the effects of music therapy on milk volume and stress in NICU mothers using Indian classical ragas.

Key findings:

• Milk volume was slightly higher in the non-music group
• But the music therapy group showed significant reductions in stress and cortisol levels
• Suggests music may improve milk supply indirectly via stress reduction

🔍 Implications for IBCLCs:

• Music therapy may not boost output directly—but it supports maternal well-being
• Lower stress = better lactation outcomes long-term
• Recommend calming music as a low-cost, adaptable intervention in NICU or home settings

Citation:  Dixit, S., & Singh, B. (2017). Impact of music therapy on amount of breast milk secretion among mothers of premature newborns. International Journal of Life Sciences, Biotechnology and Pharma Research, 6(12), 5–8.

Study 4: Nurse-Led Breastfeeding Mobile Clinics in India

This community-based study evaluated a nurse-led mobile lactation clinic serving postpartum families in Gurugram, India.

Key findings:

• Breastfeeding self-efficacy scores were significantly higher in the mobile clinic group
• Maternal satisfaction also increased dramatically
• Demonstrates the value of mobile, proactive, structured lactation support

🔍 Implications for IBCLCs:

• Community-based, nurse-led models are effective and scalable
• Higher confidence = longer breastfeeding duration
• IBCLCs can help train or collaborate with nurse teams in under-resourced settings

Citation: Sonam, K. M., Deepak, S., Shalu, B., Banapriya, M., & Yadav, P. (2025). A study to assess the effectiveness of nurses-led breastfeeding mobile clinic (NLBMC) on breastfeeding outcomes in lactating mothers at selected areas of Gurugram. Journal of Neonatal Surgery, 14(12s), 1117–1123.

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