Maternal Health Research: Miscellaneous

A range of studies looking at breastfeeding and maternal health is covered in this section.

An Immunologic Mode of Multigenerational Transmission Governs a Gut Treg Setpoint

This article explores how immunity depends on the selection and transmission of protective components of the immune system at the species level and a microbe-induced population of RORγ-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) is essential in controlling gut inflammation. Researchers uncover a non-genetic, non-epigenetic, non-microbial mode of transmission of their homeostatic setpoint and propose a model based on a double-negative feedback loop, vertically transmitted via the entero-mammary axis.

Ramanan, D., Sefik, E., et al. (2020). An Immunologic Mode of Multigenerational Transmission Governs a Gut Treg Setpoint. Volume 181, Issue 6. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cell.2020.04.030

You and your baby survey 2018 National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU)

This large-population survey from the NPEU the health and wellbeing of women who have recently given birth in England and shows positive upward trends in breastfeeding and delay of introduction of solids. The survey also delves into a variety of topics on maternal health including smoking behaviours around the time of pregnancy, return to work patterns and maternal mental health.

Harrison, S., Alderdice, F., et al. (2018). You and your baby survey 2018 (National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU)

Breastfeeding history and risk of stroke among parous postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative

This US study using data of 80,191 women found that, compared with women who had never breastfed, women who reported ever breastfeeding had a 23% lower risk of stroke. This association appeared stronger with longer breastfeeding duration and among non‐Hispanic white and non‐Hispanic black women.

Jacobson, L, Hade, E, et al, (2018). Breastfeeding History and Risk of Stroke Among Parous Postmenopausal Women in the Women’s Health Initiative, Journal of the American Heart Association, 2018;7:e008739

Older research 

• History of breastfeeding and risk of incident endometriosis: prospective cohort study

Farland, LV, et al (2017). History of breast feeding and risk of incident endometriosis: prospective cohort study, The British Medical Journal, https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.j3778

• Mammary candidiasis: A medical condition without scientific evidence?

Jiménez, E, et al (2017), Mammary candidiasis: A medical condition without scientific evidence? PLOS one, https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0181071

• Breastfeeding, ovulatory years, and risk of multiple sclerosis (MS)

Langer-Gould, A (2017), Breastfeeding, ovulatory years, and risk of multiple sclerosis. Neurology, doi: ​doi.​org/​10.​1212/​WNL.​0000000000004207

• Breastfeeding and endometrial cancer risk: an analysis from the epidemiology of endometrial cancer consortium

Jordan, S et al (2017) Breastfeeding and Endometrial Cancer Risk: An Analysis From the Epidemiology of Endometrial Cancer Consortium. Obstetrics & Gynecology doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000002057

• Exclusive breastfeeding effect on postpartum multiple sclerosis relapses

Hellwig, K. et al (2015). Exclusive Breastfeeding and the Effect on Postpartum Multiple Sclerosis Relapses. JAMA Neurology, doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2015.1806