Inflammation as a cause of reduced breastfeeding

 Inflammation as a cause of reduced breastfeeding

Despite the fact that 80 percent of moms breastfeed their children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only 25 percent of women exclusively breastfeed their kids for six months, as suggested by US dietary recommendations. 

The researchers discovered that various factors contribute to the drop in breastfeeding, including social isolation and work stress.

However, one of the most common causes for early breastfeeding discontinuation is the existence of physical milk supply issues. Inflammation may lead to poor milk supply in obese nursing moms, according to a recent study from Penn State and the University of Cincinnati.

Obesity, according to the researchers, is a risk factor for decreased milk supply in nursing moms. Chronic inflammation in obese persons, according to the study, originates in the body fat and extends via the circulation to organs and systems throughout the body. Previous study has demonstrated that inflammation can impair fatty acid absorption from the circulation into bodily tissues.

Fatty acids are necessary for the body's energy production and generation. Fatty acids are the fat building blocks required by nursing mothers to nourish their growing infant. Inflammation, according to researchers, may have a detrimental impact on milk production because it hinders fatty acid absorption into the milk-producing glands.

Rachel Walker, a postdoctoral nutrition student at Penn State University, led a team of researchers to study whether inflammation interferes with fatty acid absorption. The blood and milk samples from the trial were evaluated by the researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the University of Cincinnati. 

Researchers selected 23 moms who produced very little milk despite regular breast pumping (the conventional medical approach for improving milk production), 20 mothers who produced intermediate milk, and 18 mothers who were nursing alone, who served as the study's control group. 

Researchers examined fatty acid profiles and inflammatory markers in blood and breast milk in this investigation. The findings were reported in The Journal of Nutrition.

Moms with extremely low milk production showed considerably greater biomarkers of obesity and systemic inflammation as compared to mothers in the moderate milk production and exclusive breastfeeding groups. They also had lower amounts of long-chain fatty acids in their breast milk, as well as a lower blood-to-milk fatty acid ratio. 

In the control groups, milk and blood fatty acids were substantially associated, but not in the extremely low and medium milk production groups. "Science has repeatedly demonstrated that there is a strong association between the fatty acids in your blood and the fatty acids you ingest," Walker explains. 

"If a person consumes a lot of salmon, their blood contains more omega-3 fatty acids.

"Our study is one of the first to see if fatty acids detected in blood are also found in breast milk," Walker says. "The association was quite high in women who were exclusively nursing; most of the fatty acids in the blood were also identified in the breast milk. 

However, the link was nearly totally destroyed in women who had chronic inflammation and milk supply issues. This is compelling evidence that fatty acids cannot penetrate the mammary gland of women suffering from chronic inflammation."

For decades, research has established that overweight moms had shorter breastfeeding durations. "Breastfeeding provides a lot of benefits for both mother and baby, including a decreased risk of chronic illness in the mother and a lower risk of infection in the infant," said Alison Gernand, associate professor of nutrition at Penn State and co-author of the study. 

"This research will help us understand what is going on in moms who have high body weight and inflammation, which may lead to therapies or treatments that may assist more mothers who wish to breastfeed successfully."

Breastfeeding reduction due to inflammation: FAQs

Can breastfeeding cause inflammation?

Breastfeeding can sometimes cause inflammation in the breasts, but this is usually due to other factors such as engorgement or an infection.

Engorgement is a common condition that can occur when the breasts become full of milk, causing them to feel swollen, hard, and painful. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including an oversupply of milk, infrequent or ineffective breastfeeding, or a blockage in the milk ducts. Engorgement can lead to inflammation in the breasts, as well as other symptoms such as fever and chills.

An infection, such as mastitis, can also cause inflammation in the breasts. Mastitis is an infection of the breast tissue that can cause redness, swelling, pain, and fever. It is most commonly caused by bacteria entering the breast through a cracked or sore nipple, and it is more common in women who are breastfeeding.

If you are experiencing inflammation in your breasts while breastfeeding, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may recommend measures such as taking pain medication, applying warm compresses to the breasts, or adjusting your breastfeeding technique to help alleviate the inflammation and any other symptoms you may be experiencing.


What are the 8 factors that affects the milk secretion of a nursing mother?

There are several factors that can affect milk production in a nursing mother, including:

Frequency and duration of breastfeeding: Breastfeeding frequently and for longer periods of time can help stimulate milk production.

Hormonal changes: The hormone prolactin, which is released during breastfeeding, plays a key role in milk production. Other hormones, such as thyroid hormones and cortisol, can also affect milk production.

Baby's sucking technique: A baby's sucking technique can affect milk production. If the baby is not breastfeeding effectively, it can lead to reduced milk production.

Baby's growth and development: As a baby grows and develops, their milk intake may increase, which can lead to a decrease in milk production.

Stress and fatigue: High levels of stress or fatigue can affect milk production.

Certain medications: Some medications, such as certain types of antidepressants and blood pressure medications, can affect milk production.

Dehydration: Dehydration can affect milk production, as the body needs a sufficient amount of fluid to produce milk.

Poor nutrition: A lack of proper nutrition can also affect milk production. It is important for nursing mothers to consume a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

It is important to note that milk production can vary greatly from one nursing mother to another, and it can also change over time. If you are concerned about your milk production, it is a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for guidance.

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