Dr. Ellen Demerath, Principal Investigator. Promotion of universal breastfeeding is a lynchpin of global public health due to the many benefits of human milk for both mothers and infants, especially vulnerable preterm infants and those without access to clean water. Yet, a significant proportion of women do not meet their own breastfeeding goals. This is due to a myriad of factors, including lack of lactation support and work accommodations. However, recent research also points to elevated BMI and gestational diabetes as important clinical factors to consider. The Demerath laboratory is now focusing on determining whether and how excessive gestational weight gain, slow post-partum weight loss, lower quality diets and sedentary lifestyles alter lactation and breastfeeding. This research is also taking a deep look at novel aspects of human milk composition, how it differs between women, and how these milk differences alter infant growth and brain development.