7 Breakthrough Breastfeeding Research Findings from 2024

This year has brought incredible advancements in breastfeeding research, uncovering new insights that continue to shape how we understand and support this vital practice. From health benefits for both mother and child to innovative findings about milk composition and feeding practices, 2024 has been a pivotal year for breastfeeding science.

In this roundup, we highlight seven of the most impactful breastfeeding research findings from 2024. Ones that challenged assumptions, inspired change, and deepened our appreciation for the complexities of breastfeeding. Dive in to explore the advancements that made headlines and changed perceptions this year.

1. Scientists Uncover New Hormone That Strengthens Bones in Breastfeeding Women

Scientists at UC San Francisco and UC Davis have found a new hormone that helps build strong bones in breastfeeding women, even as they lose calcium to milk production. This breakthrough could have significant implications for bone health in new mothers and beyond.

Read more here.

2. Asthma Rates Lower In Children Who Received Only Breast Milk at Birth Hospital

Infants who were exclusively fed breast milk during their hospitalization at birth were 22% less likely to develop asthma in early childhood – according to research presented during the American Academy of Pediatrics 2024 National Conference & Exhibition in Orlando.

Find out more here.

3. Fear of Childbirth is Associated with Shorter Duration of Breastfeeding

Fear of childbirth is associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding, a new study from Finland shows. In mothers who feared childbirth, the duration of breastfeeding, either exclusively with their own milk or with formula, was three times more likely to be shorter than recommended.

Discover more about this here.

4. Studies provide first evidence that breastfeeding after breast cancer is safe

Results from two international studies provide the first evidence that breastfeeding after breast cancer is feasible and safe.

Read more about this here.

5. New Study Reveals Breastfeeding Duration Influences Infant Microbiome and Respiratory Development

A groundbreaking new study shows that breastfeeding duration influences infant microbiome and respiratory development, offering new insights into asthma protection.

Discover more here.

6. Longer exclusive breastfeeding may lower risk for childhood hematologic cancers

Exclusive breastfeeding duration of at least three months may decrease the risk for childhood hematologic cancers, according to a recent study conducted by a team of Danish researchers.

Learn more here.

7. Researchers from La Trobe University uncover reasons for reduced supply of breast milk

A survey of almost 500 women in Australia, the US, and the UK, found that women with low milk supply often did not notice an increase in breast size during pregnancy; could have breast hypoplasia; or may have been overweight as a teenager.

Find out more here.

Which of these breastfeeding research findings were the most impressive in your eyes?