Breastfeeding Research Study
Researchers at The Lundquist Institute at Harbor-UCLA are studying the factors that contribute to the nutritional makeup of breast milk.
Fast Facts
Delivered a Child in the Last 7 Weeks OR Currently in the Third Trimester of Pregnancy
Breastfeeding or Planning to Breastfeed
Compensation Provided
Conducted in the Greater Los Angeles Area
Study Background
Researchers at the Lundquist Institute are studying the factors that contribute to the nutritional components in breast milk.
Study Background
Researchers at the Lundquist Institute are studying the factors that contribute to the nutritional components in breast milk.
We are doing this study to investigate the nutritional impact of breast feeding on the relationship between the mother’s body mass index (BMI – weight compared to height) and how it affects the fat, protein, and carbohydrate make-up during the first part of breast feeding versus the make-up in the milk at the end of breast feeding. We will see if the content of the breast milk early in the feed (called foremilk) and the milk late in the feed (called hindmilk) changes when the breast is completely empty versus when it is half empty. In this study, we will also seek to learn whether the factors that make milk fat, protein, and carbohydrates change as well.
Findings from this study could help guide recommendations for nutrition and family planning in the future.
Additional Information
This study is being done to better understand how the nutritional components of breast milk are shaped.
You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Postpartum (delivered within the last 7 weeks) OR pregnant and in the third trimester
- Currently breastfeeding (or planning to breastfeed)
- Infant is not a multiple
- Delivered >37 weeks gestation
- Ages 18+
- Infant birth weight >2500g (>5.5 pounds)
- No clinically significant neonatal ankyloglossia (defined as the tongue not being able to protrude beyond the lip)
- No clinically significant neonatal micrognathia (defined as the inability to feed well given a small jaw)
- No prior breast surgery or flat/inverted nipples that interfere with breastfeeding
- No pre-gestetational diabetes
- Not cognitively impaired
- Not a prisoner
Participants in our study will complete one in-person visit. The visit will take place at our research center in Torrance, CA, and will take 4-5 hours.
Participants will provide a blood sample and will pump milk until both breasts are empty. After 2 hours, we will repeat the continuous pumping from one breast, and pump from the other breast 4 hours later. You will also complete a dietary questionnaire about what you ate in the last day. Your infant is not required at this visit but is welcome.
Participants will receive a $100 gift card for participation, free breast milk analysis, free blood work, free nutrient analysis, and breast feeding support.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.
We are doing this study to investigate the nutritional impact of breast feeding on the relationship between the mother’s body mass index (BMI – weight compared to height) and how it affects the fat, protein, and carbohydrate make-up during the first part of breast feeding versus the make-up in the milk at the end of breast feeding. We will see if the content of the breast milk early in the feed (called foremilk) and the milk late in the feed (called hindmilk) changes when the breast is completely empty versus when it is half empty. In this study, we will also seek to learn whether the factors that make milk fat, protein, and carbohydrates change as well.
Findings from this study could help guide recommendations for nutrition and family planning in the future.