Hot Topics
Embracing the First 100 Days
As more parents delay having children until their late 30s and early 40s, many will encounter perimenopause during pregnancy and lactation, which can begin as early as 35 and last over a decade. This period can significantly impact lactation, especially for Black and Hispanic women, who often face longer and more severe symptoms alongside barriers to equitable care. Our talk will explore the interplay between hormonal changes and milk production, discussing strategies for supporting lactating individuals in this transitional phase while addressing the impact of the microbiome on milk supply.
The lactation process in mammals relies on a complex interplay of hormones, known as neohormones, which are essential for supporting mammary function and reproductive health. While research has traditionally focused on a limited number of these hormones, many others contribute to the development and maintenance of the mammary gland and milk production. This session will explore the influence of endocrine disruptors from everyday products and activities on hormonal balance during lactation, equipping attendees with practical strategies to promote hormonal harmony and identify signs that may necessitate further evaluation.
Gut Reaction: How Human Milk and Breast/Chestfeeding Transforms the Newborn Gut and Long-Term Health
Who hasn’t heard of the microbiome lately? New research suggests that the microbiome plays an important role in our gut health, communication between the gut-brain axis, mood stability, even cardiac health. This session focuses on how humans seed the gut microbiome during the critical thousand days of a baby’s life and why human milk plays such a vital role in creating a healthy gut and ultimately positive long-term health outcomes.