Behind the Science in Service of

Infants and Families

FLOW study

Facilitating Lactation through Optimized Workflows (FLOW) — Evaluating the Efficiency of Pumping Protocols and Cellular Mechanisms of Milk Production (NICHD-funded research).

The Problem

Low milk production is a common challenge for breastfeeding mothers. Despite its prevalence, there is limited evidence-based clinical research on effective treatments to support milk supply.

The Gap

The most common recommendation is a “triple-feeding” protocol: breastfeeding the infant, pumping any remaining milk, and then feeding the expressed milk. This approach typically requires pumping 6–8 times per day. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, and many mothers report discontinuing breastfeeding because the protocol is physically and emotionally demanding.

Our Approach

Our research evaluates whether less intensive approaches—such as pumping 3–4 times per day or not adding extra pumping at all—can improve maternal adherence, increase milk production, and support longer breastfeeding duration. By testing more sustainable strategies, we aim to identify practical, evidence-based solutions that better support mothers and families.

DROP study

The Problem

Obstetric interventions—particularly elective cesarean delivery and induced labor—are associated with delayed secretory activation and poorer breastfeeding outcomes.

The Gap

There are currently no clinically validated early biomarkers to identify individuals at risk for breastfeeding difficulties. Additionally, it is unknown whether non-pharmacological interventions, such as nipple stimulation for labor induction, may support earlier lactation initiation (timely secretory activation) and improve breastfeeding outcomes.

Our Approach

This prospective observational study aims to evaluate how the mode of delivery influences human milk composition, milk biomarkers, and long-term lactation outcomes. We hypothesize that the mode of delivery significantly impacts human milk production.

NICU study

Better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of milk production using milk transcriptomic and milk samples, as well as tissue culture models.

The Problem

Most galactagogues (drugs used to stimulate milk production) are either poorly studied or lack a clear mechanistic understanding of their action. In the United States, there is currently no FDA-approved medication specifically indicated for the treatment of low milk production.

The Gap

The molecular mechanisms underlying human milk production remain understudied, making it difficult to develop targeted therapeutic approaches to treat insufficient milk supply

Our Approach

We collect clinical samples from a highly controlled population—exclusively pumping mothers with infants in the NICU. Using RNA sequencing and human milk profiling, we characterize the molecular pathways associated with delayed secretory activation (lactogenesis II) and low milk production, and identify key regulators of human milk synthesis. Using milk cells and tissue culture models, we then validate these findings and perform large-scale screening to identify additional therapeutic targets.

RNA transfer study

Investigating the role of milk bioactive components on infant health with a specific interest in the role of maternal mRNA in MFG.

The Problem

Mother’s own milk provides significant benefits for infants compared with infant formula or banked donor milk (for example, improved immune protection and reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis). However, many bioactive components present in human milk are either absent from infant formula or can be degraded during the milk banking process. One such component is milk-derived mRNA, which is rapidly degraded during freezing and storage.

The Gap

Despite the presence of abundant mRNA within human milk fat globules—molecules that infants consume with every feeding—we do not yet know whether this mRNA plays a functional role in the infant or whether preserving it is important for infant health.

Our Approach

We use human milk samples and mouse models to characterize mRNA contained within milk fat globules and to determine its potential role in infant development and health.

The Flow Study

Facilitating Lactation through Optimized Workflows (FLOW) — Evaluating the Efficiency of Pumping Protocols and Cellular Mechanisms of Milk Production (NICHD-funded research)

The Problem

Low milk production is a common challenge for breastfeeding mothers. Despite its prevalence, there is limited evidence-based clinical research on effective treatments to support milk supply.

The Gap

The most common recommendation is a “triple-feeding” protocol: breastfeeding the infant, pumping any remaining milk, and then feeding the expressed milk. This approach typically requires pumping 6–8 times per day. However, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness is limited, and many mothers report discontinuing breastfeeding because the protocol is physically and emotionally demanding.

Our Solution

Our research evaluates whether less intensive approaches—such as pumping 3–4 times per day or not adding extra pumping at all—can improve maternal adherence, increase milk production, and support longer breastfeeding duration. By testing more sustainable strategies, we aim to identify practical, evidence-based solutions that better support mothers and families.