There are two national breastfeeding studies you may qualify to participate in:
1) The first is a breast cancer study based at the University of Massachusetts. You've heard me mention it before, but we're in the last few year of the study, so I thought I'd run it by you again.
Dr. Kathleen Arcaro at the University of Massachusetts is looking for nursing moms who have had, or are expecting to have, a breast biopsy, to donate a breastmilk sample for her breast cancer research. The purpose of this study is to identify molecular biomarkers for the development of breast cancer, which may lead to new preventative and treatment strategies. Breastmilk samples are sent by overnight mail to her lab, and mothers receive $25 in thanks. If you've interested in participating, please either email me (Tanya) or Dr. Sarah Lenington, Recruitment Coordinator. More information is available at the study website.
If you happen to live locally (Western Massachusetts) you may also qualify for another study if you are either 1) 25 or younger and nursing, or 2) in your mid-30's or older and have had a child in your mid-20's or younger. Please contact me if you qualify to participate in this study.
2) The second study is on breastfeeding and childhood sexual abuse, a topic I explored with Penny Simkin in this podcast, and about which there is very little research.
Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, are seeking mothers who have breastfed and also experienced childhood sexual abuse to take a survey on their experiences. The stories will be shared, with no identifying information, at a symposium on Breastfeeding & Feminism, as well in a new book due out in Fall of 2010. Participants are not asked for any identifying information, and must be at least 18 years old to participate. Mothers are asked to complete the survey by Friday, February 26.
To complete the survey, please click here.
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