Studying how human milk changes and affects infant health
Official title: Improving Infant Health by Studying Human Milk as a Biological System: Composition, Dynamics, and Delivery (At-the-Breast vs Expressed Milk) (BEGIN)
Funded at University of Rochester · NIH-11129926 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the makeup of breast milk changes throughout the day and over time to see how it affects babies' growth and health, especially comparing those who breastfeed directly to those who get expressed milk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $686,458 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD112363-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11129926 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are exclusively breastfeeding mothers and their infants aged 1-4 months postpartum.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not breastfeeding or whose infants are older than 4 months may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the dynamic nature of human milk (HM) and how its composition varies throughout the day and over time to meet the needs of infants. It aims to understand the differences in health outcomes for infants fed directly at the breast versus those fed expressed milk. By collecting daily HM samples from breastfeeding mothers and their infants, the study will analyze various components of HM, including hormones and nutrients, to see how these factors influence infant development, sleep patterns, and microbiome growth. The research employs advanced analytical techniques to provide a comprehensive view of HM as a biological system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved feeding practices that enhance infant health and development.
How similar studies have gone: While the study explores novel aspects of human milk dynamics, previous research has shown that understanding the biological systems of milk can significantly impact infant health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Young, Bridget Victoria — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Young, Bridget Victoria
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Rapid automated breast lump diagnosis without a radiologist or sonographer
A new AI-powered ultrasound tool helps determine if a palpable breast lump is likely benign or malignant, using a simplified technique that can be used by people with minimal ultrasound training.
-
ML-ROVER: Reducing Unneeded Lab Tests in Kids with AI
Aims to use machine learning to cut unnecessary blood tests in children in intensive care, helping avoid anemia and improve care quality.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect the brains of children with CNS malaria
A study planned for children with CNS malaria will test whether aggressive fever-reducing treatment can lower death and brain-related problems.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing therapy to protect brains in children with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medications to children with central nervous system malaria can lower death and brain injury.
-
Aggressive fever-fighting treatment to protect the brain in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing treatment alongside standard care can lower death and brain injury in children with CNS malaria.
-
Aggressive fever-reducing treatment to protect brains in kids with CNS malaria
A plan to test whether giving strong fever-reducing medicine alongside standard malaria treatment can lower deaths and brain injuries in children with CNS malaria.
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.