The Research Recap: 31- Adolescent Mothers, Maternal Diet, Knowledge in Ireland, and Pharmacist Support

In this episode of Behind the Latch, Margaret Salty reviews recent research findings that impact lactation consultants. From feeding method and frequency in toddlers, to the lived experiences of adolescent mothers, maternal diet’s role in neurodevelopment, healthcare professional training gaps, and the underutilized role of pharmacists—Margaret translates the latest studies into actionable insights for IBCLCs.Key Points Covered:1. Breastfeeding in the Midst of Adversity: Adolescent Mothers’ ExperiencesMargaret shares findings from a qualitative study of adolescent mothers in Iran that explores the emotional, physical, and social dynamics shaping their breastfeeding experiences.Reference:Yas, A., Karimi, F. Z., Heydari, A., Moghri, J., & Khadivzadeh, T. (2025). Breastfeeding in the midst of adversity: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of breastfeeding in adolescent mothers. BMC Public Health, 25, 1363. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-22605-7Practical Takeaways:Young mothers face stigma, isolation, and pressure to formula feed.Breastfeeding shapes maternal identity and healing.Cultural sensitivity and non-judgmental support are essential.Midwives and grandmothers can play pivotal support roles.2. Maternal Diet, Breastfeeding, and Child Cognitive GrowthMargaret reviews a 10-year prospective study from Denmark linking maternal diet and breastfeeding duration to child IQ and head growth.Reference:Horner, D., Jepsen, J. R. M., et al. (2025). Maternal dietary patterns, breastfeeding duration, and their association with child cognitive function and head circumference growth: A prospective mother–child cohort study. PLOS Medicine, 22(4), e1004454. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.1004454Practical Takeaways:A varied diet is linked to higher IQ and brain growth.Head circumference growth is a proxy for cognitive development.Longer breastfeeding supports better neurodevelopment.Nutrition counseling should start in pregnancy.3. Breastfeeding Knowledge and Practices of Primary Healthcare Professionals in IrelandMargaret discusses findings from a national survey of Irish healthcare workers assessing breastfeeding knowledge, training, and confidence.Reference:McGuinness, D., Frazer, K., et al. (2025). Breastfeeding-related knowledge, attitudes, perceptions and practices of primary healthcare professionals in Ireland: A national cross-sectional survey. PLOS ONE, 20(4), e0320763. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0320763Practical Takeaways:Less than half received breastfeeding education; only 18% had hands-on training.94% want more training, but face time and cost barriers.GPs were more confident than trainees or nurses.IBCLCs must be partners in professional education.4. Pharmacist Support for Breastfeeding Mothers in SerbiaMargaret explores a prospective observational study showing how pharmacist counseling prevented early weaning and saved families money.Reference:Catić Đorđević, A., et al. (2025). Community pharmacists’ support for nursing mothers in Serbia: potential cost savings due to breastfeeding continuation. BMC Health Services...

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