Participate in a breastfeeding study.

There are several breastfeeding studies currently seeking participants.  Thanks to Diana West and her Low Milk Supply website for several of these!  If you know of any others, feel free to email me.

Breastfeeding and biopsy study

I'm helping to recruit mothers for this study, which is based at the University of Massachusetts.  We're seeking nursing moms who have recently had a breast biopsy, or who are expecting to have one.  I wrote about the study here. 

The primary goal of the study is to identify molecular biomarkers for breast cancer.  This could lead to breast cancer detection long before we notice lumps, which is important because early detection is the key to survival.  Another benefit could be the development of a simple breastmilk test which could determine if breast cancer is present - at its earliest stages - through epithelial cells in the milk, and without the need for biopsies. 

Participants donate a milk sample and share the results of their biopsy.  For more information about this study, visit breastmilkresearch.org or email Dr. Sarah Lenington (see website for address).

Milk supply/supplementation study at Dr. Jack Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute

The Dr. Jack Newman Breastfeeding Clinic and Institute is recruiting mothers and babies for a study on milk supply issues involving formula supplementation.  The study will be a randomized control trial, which is double blind and uses a placebo.

They are looking for mothers whose babies are under 2 weeks of age, and are already using formula as a supplement.  Email breastfeeding@ccnm.edu for more information. 

Premature baby/insufficient milk study

The Reproductive Endocrine Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting a research study to treat mothers of premature infants who have an insufficient breast milk supply.  Mothers should be 18-45 years old, pumping breast milk for their premature infant and may not be taking oral birth control pills or have had previous breast surgery in order to be eligible.  The study involves hospital visits, administration of prolactin or placebo (contains no active medication) and blood draws.  A payment for participation of up to $200 will be provided.  Call Corrine Welt, MD at 617-726-8437.

Induced lactation study

Individuals who have induced lactation within the last three years are being sought to participate in a study being conducted by Lenore Goldfarb, B. Comm., B. Sc., Dip. C., IBCLC, for her doctoral research. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the practices and outcomes of women who followed a protocol or procedure to induce lactation to provide breastmilk to their babies. Study participants will complete an internet-based survey.  For more information about this study, or to assist in soliciting participants, visit www.inducedlactationsurvey.com or contact Lenore Goldfarb at Lenore.Goldfarb@tui.edu.

Shatavari survey

Diana West, co-author of The Breastfeeding Mother's Guide to Making More Milk, is seeking mothers who have used the herb Shatavari to increase milk supply.  If you've used it, please fill out her survey.

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