Human milk contains messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), a key player in protein production and a source of gene expression information for understanding lactation physiology. The mRNA is renowned for its fragility and exists in several milk fractions, creating practical challenges for mRNA isolation and analysis. While research teams have developed protocols for the use of human milk samples in transcriptomic applications, it is unclear whether there are best practices in sample collection, storage, and processing procedures for the collection of the highest quality mRNA.

Fresh human milk for preterm infants is associated with a reduction of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, to improve survival without major complications, and with an increased breastfeeding duration. Nevertheless, its administration is frequently restricted due to the risk of post-natal cytomegalovirus infection. Looking at 12 years of medical records in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit using fresh milk without restriction, we retrospectively collected cases of symptomatic postnatal cytomegalovirus infection in preterm infants born under 32 weeks receiving fresh milk. We present the prevalence and outcome of postnatal milk-acquired cytomegalovirus infection.

Antimicrobial resistance is a global concern. It is particularly impactful during breastfeeding infections when identifying risk factors and protective mechanisms is crucial.

Relactation is the process of re-establishing a breast milk supply that has diminished or ceased.

In an earlier paper, we summarized the meanings of the term "weaning" as it is used colloquially, clinically, and in scientific and grey literature. Due to the various potential definitions, we suggested that researchers avoid using the term and instead aim to use standard terms and definitions that more precisely describe the specific transition in infant and young child feeding they are referring to. One key concept from the first paper is "breastfeeding cessation." In this subsequent article, we go a step further to more precisely define breastfeeding cessation, guiding how to choose the level of its measurement. We discuss potential parameters, proxies for breastfeeding cessation, measurement tools, and instruments pertinent to the measurement and monitoring of breastfeeding cessation in qualitative and quantitative research. This paper draws on perspectives from different scientific disciplines, including clinical research, public health, psychology, and anthropology. By doing so, we aim to deepen appreciation for tools and instruments used across these disciplines, ultimately fostering a common understanding of parameters, tools, and approaches for measuring breastfeeding cessation.

Perinatal loss is a time of intense grief for affected parents. Due to lactation physiology, bereaved mothers still experience the onset of lactation and are left with milk but no child to feed.

Evidence on the beneficial effects of microorganisms in human milk is emerging. Obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus appear to be related to alterations in the maternal gut microbiota and human milk composition. However, knowledge about the influence of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus on the human milk microbiota remains limited.

Sexual and gender minority adults are increasingly growing their families and having children, yet there is limited information on the lactation experiences of sexual and gender minority parents.

Human milk sub-sampling protocols are used in lactation research to estimate milk composition, while minimizing interference with normal breastfeeding. However, macronutrient concentrations in human milk can be highly variable, and the accuracy of sub-sampling protocols for a single breastfeed is currently unknown.

Breastfeeding rates in Ireland are among the lowest in the world. Social support networks influence initiation and duration.

Preterm infants frequently face challenges in breastfeeding, leading to lower initiation rates and shorter durations compared to full-term infants. It is unclear how prematurity shapes breastfeeding behavior with subsequent births.

The World Health Organization recommends exclusive breastfeeding in the first 6 months of life. Substances used by the nursing mother may be transported through human milk (HM) and absorbed through the infant's gastrointestinal tract; thus, a mother's exposure to illicit drugs such as cocaine (COC) may pose a risk to the breastfeeding child's health.

Positionality and reflexivity are increasingly recognized as essential practices that enhance the rigor, transparency, and ethical integrity of research. Although these concepts are often associated with qualitative studies, they are equally relevant in quantitative and mixed methods approaches. In this article, we define positionality and reflexivity and describe the relationship between these concepts. We also provide three strategies for understanding one's positionality and practicing reflexivity-identity mapping, reflexive journaling, and bracketing-and consider how each method can be applied across different research designs and throughout the research process. We conclude with practical guidance and examples for how to communicate these practices through positionality statements. By explicitly acknowledging positionality and adopting reflexive practices, researchers can better manage assumptions and biases, strengthen credibility and trustworthiness, and promote equity and inclusivity in knowledge production.

Human milk protects very preterm infants from many complications. While quality indicators are crucial for evaluating and improving breastfeeding practices, those specifically tailored for very preterm infants are lacking.

Freezing is commonly used to preserve human milk; however, microwave thawing is not recommended due to nutritional loss and creation of hotspots in the milk. Data on compositional changes after microwave thawing and uneven temperature distribution are scarce.

A disrupted gut microbiome during an infant's first 1000 days of life can lead to long-lasting negative effects on child health. Cesarean delivery and formula feeding are two factors that can detrimentally impact infant microbiome development as well as maternal mental health. Donor human milk may be a superior supplementation alternative to formula.

Human milk shapes neonatal immunity through antibodies, transferring passive immunity to the infant, mainly by secretory IgA (sIgA). sIgA provides antimicrobial defense in the infant's gastrointestinal tract, protecting the newborn against infections and mediating much of the potential of human milk to decrease disease risk. Although maternal nutrition may influence some human milk characteristics, the influence of specific maternal macro and micronutrient intake on sIgA concentrations in colostrum is unknown.

Individuals with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are at a significantly increased risk for chronic hypertension and premature cardiovascular disease. Although breastfeeding may have cardiovascular benefits, those with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy tend to have lower rates of breastfeeding initiation, duration, and exclusivity. A deeper understanding of their breastfeeding experiences is necessary to inform effective interventions that support lactation.

Adolescent mothers face unique psychosocial and breastfeeding challenges, and their problem-solving strategies, especially in Thailand, remain poorly understood.