By investigating how our biology predicts and affects breastmilk production, we hope our research will support the needs of women as individuals. By studying how biology influences breastmilk nutrition, we hope to learn more about why breastmilk is such a good meal for growing babies.
We are busy working with the data we’ve collected so far! Here are some recent findings and statistics from the MILk study.
Here's a brief overview of the first cohort of the MILk study:
|
|
MN |
OK |
|
Completed all 3 visits |
246 |
92 |
|
Female babies |
54% |
41% |
|
Male babies |
46% |
59% |
|
Average birth weight (lbs) |
7.72 |
7.88 |
|
% of study babies with big brothers/sisters |
53% |
66% |
|
% of study babies that are first babies |
47% |
34% |
|
% of moms still exclusively breastfeeding at 3 mo |
93% |
96% |
|
% of moms still exclusively breastfeeding at 6 mo |
86% |
67% |
|
% of study babies eating cereal at 6 mo |
51% |
84% |
|
% of study babies eating vegetables at 6 mo |
47% |
35% |
|
% of study babies eating fruit at 6 mo |
47% |
49% |
|
Average baby body fat % at 1 mo |
16.8% |
17.0% |
|
Average baby body fat % at 3 mo |
23.8% |
23.0% |
|
Average baby body fat % at 6 mo |
34.3% |
33.9% |
|
Average maternal added sugar intake (grams/day) |
45 |
46 |
|
Average maternal protein intake (grams/day) |
73 |
67 |
|
% of moms meeting physical activity recommendations at 3 mo |
67% |
23% |
News features
Measuring Appetite-Regulating Hormones in Breast Milk
Understanding Obesity — Starting with a Baby’s First Meal
Maternal Diet Quality Associated with Infant Growth Trajectory
Research reports
Minnesota: Breast Milk from Obese Mothers Contains Protein Associated with Risk of Chronic Diseases
Recent publications
This was a pilot study to compare breast milk microbial characteristics in women who have had diabetes during the prior pregnancy (GDM) to breast milk microbial characteristics in women who have not had diabetes during pregnancy. (N=150)