How maternal stress affects breast milk and infant development
Official title: Maternal Stress, Human Milk Composition, and Neurodevelopmental and Feeding Outcomes
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11140611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how stress in new moms affects their breast milk and how that, in turn, impacts the health and development of their preterm babies in the NICU, with the goal of finding ways to help these little ones thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $247,393 |
| NIH project number | 4R00HD108276-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11140611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are mothers of preterm infants who are currently in the NICU and are experiencing varying levels of postnatal stress.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have full-term infants or those not currently in the NICU may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of maternal stress on the composition of breast milk and the subsequent feeding and neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). By examining various stress factors that mothers experience postnatally, the study aims to understand how these stressors influence milk production and quality, as well as the health and development of their infants. The research employs a biological systems approach to analyze the relationship between maternal stress, milk composition, and infant gut health, ultimately seeking to improve outcomes for vulnerable preterm infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved nutritional strategies and support for preterm infants, enhancing their health and developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that maternal stress can negatively impact breastfeeding and infant outcomes, suggesting that this study's approach is both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagel, Emily M — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Nagel, Emily M
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.