CURRENT RESEARCH PROJECTS

Influence of Early Nutrition on Obesity

In 2008, we began a longitudinal cohort study of infants from birth until 2 years of age.  We are exploring the relationship between weight gain during the first week of life and exclusive breastfeeding in the first week of life to BMI at age 2.   

Seasonal and Racial Variation in Vitamin D Levels in Mothers and Newborns

We recently wrapped up a 3 year study that looked at the relationship between infant and maternal vitamin D levels at birth and infant levels at 4 months of age.  Check back soon for links to our publications.

Breastfeeding, Race and Ethnicity

Race, ethnicity, and maternal place of birth are important predictors of breastfeeding.  BMC serves a largely minority and immigrant population.  Since its inception, The Breastfeeding Center has investigated breastfeeding in minority populations and working on clinical interventions to raise breastfeeding rates in these populations.  Click to see our present publications on this topic.

 Formula Company Sponsored Discharge Bags: Nationwide Distribution

The CDC, AAP, and ACOG are all against the distribution of "free" formula-company sponsored dicharge packs for new mothers.  So, why are so many hospitals still giving them out?  We just wrapped up a study to catelogue the extent of this practice nation-wide.  Check back shortly as we just submitted an article for publication.  Use this link to see what we are doing and how you can become active in the Ban-the-Bags campaign

Prolactin Administration and Breast Milk Production

We are working with Corinne Welt, MD at Massachusetts General Hospital to look at the novel use of Prolactin to increase milk production in mothers with a low supply.  Check back for future publications and updates.

Iodine Levels in Colostrum

We have collaborated with the Department of Endocrinology to study iodine levels in colostrum.  Check back soon.

 

Las Dos Cosas: Breastfeeding Patterns among Latina Women in the Hospital

Why do Latina women have such high breastfeeding initiation rates, but low exclusivity rates.  In this study we analyze the results of a chart pull and are in the middle of a qualitative study that to understand the factors which influence feeding choices among Latinas giving birth at BMC.  Check back shortly for an update.

 

COMPLETED RESEARCH PROJECTS

Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative:  "Baby-Friendly" is a UNICEF/WHO designation for hospitals that meet the Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding. UNICEF and the WHO began the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative in 1991, as an international attempt to increase breastfeeding at the hospital level. For information on becoming Baby-Friendly in the US, contact Baby-Friendly USA.

 NICU peer counselors:  See how NICU peer counselors increased breastfeeding rates at our hospital. Click here

Hospital Education of Lactation Professionals (HELP):  We taught intensive breastfeeding education at 4 MA hospitals and looked at the impact on provider knowledge and breastfeeding rates.  As a result of our teaching on multi-cultural practices, Saints Memorial Medical Hospital instituted a Cambodian menu for postpartum women.  Link to this publication, or to the poster presentation (ILCA, 2006).  We are currently working on a publication that documents the effect of the teaching on breastfeeding rates.  Please check back soon!

 

Using the BFHI-90 Tool to measure compliance with the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative Ten Steps in the hospital setting (Collaborative project with the Department of Public Health in Quebec, Canada): This tool has been used extensively in Canada by our colleague Laura Haiek, MD.  Click to see how we used this tool (poster presentation, ILCA 2006) and to link to the free version of this tool

 

Accuracy of Breastfeeding Data on the Massachusetts Birth Certificate: Check back shortly, as we have recently submitted this for publication.