Press release, Vienna, 21st April 2012
Scientific discoveries break new ground in breastfeeding and
lactation research
On the occasion of Medela’s 7th International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium, an
international panel of scientific experts highlighted ground-breaking discoveries which are
increasing understanding of the unique power of human milk, and are changing the ways
that breastfeeding mothers and their infants are supported in practice.
Breast milk stem cells – an ethical source for regenerative medicine?
In 2008, Professor Peter Hartmann and his team at the Hartmann Human Lactation
Research Group, University of Western Australia first discovered the presence of stem cells
in breastmilk. Now, Dr. Foteini Hassiotou, a current PHD student in his team, and winner of
the 2011 Aus-Biotech-GSK Student Excellence Award, has made a new breakthrough which
proves that the embryonic-like stem cells found in breastmilk can be directed to become
other body cell types such as bone, fat, liver, pancreatic and brain cells. This raises new
possibilities for the sourcing of stem cells for use in regenerative medicine, without the need
to destroy any embryos in the process.
Presenting her findings for the first time to a European audience at the Medela Symposium,
Dr. Foteini Hassiotou explained that this discovery opens up several directions to explore for
the future, including breast cancer research, stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.
Dr. Hassiotou and the UWA team will now focus further on the role of these cells in the
development of breastfed babies, and whether they play any part in understanding the root
cause of lactation difficulties in some mothers.
Dr. Foteini Hassiotou commented: “I am proud to be part of this exciting journey of discovery
into stem cells in breast milk, supported by Medela, which is opening up many new research
horizons. As stem cells are present in relatively high amounts in human milk, I am
particularly interested to find out more about the role they play in tissue regeneration and
development of the baby, as well as what impact they might have in the presence of
disease.”
Human Milk Oligosaccharides – unique protection for breastfed infants
Dr. Lars Bode, from the University of California explained a major step forward in
understanding how human milk helps bolster the baby’s immune system and protect against
disease, through his research into Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMO). HMOs are complex
sugars found in breastmilk, which have unique prebiotic and antimicrobial effects. Dr.
Bode’s research has isolated a single HMO out of the hundreds present in breastmilk, which
may protect breastfed infants from Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a serious, life threatening
inflammatory bowel disease, which affects around 5-10% of very low birthweight babies, and
which has a mortality rate of around 25%. He has also conducted research into the potential
power of HMOs in blocking the transmission of the HIV virus through breastmilk from
infected mothers to their infants.
Speaking at the Medela Symposium, Dr. Lars Bode explained:
“Human Milk
Oligosaccharides have important interactions with the immune system of the baby, which
Press release, Vienna, 21st April 2012
today cannot be replicated in infant formula. There is a great deal more to be understood
about the benefits HMOs bring to both mother and baby, and this is a very promising area of
future research.”
Bridging research and practice
The scientific findings shared at the Medela Symposium are also influencing day-to-day
practice, and are helping support both mothers and babies in their breastfeeding experience.
In this context, delegates heard from speakers across a wide range of topics including
breastfeeding and medication, the importance of family-centred care in the NICU, ways of
preventing the transmission of the CMV virus between mothers and their babies, and the
role of milk banks in providing human milk to preterm babies.
Taking medication whilst breastfeeding
Dr. Tom Hale, Professor of Paediatrics and Assistant Dean of Research at Texas Tech
University School of Medicine, explained that when it comes to taking medication, many
women are faced with an either/or choice: either stop breastfeeding, or choose not to get
treated. He challenged this model stressing that healthy mothers equal healthy babies.
Dr. Hale explained that around two thirds of all medicines on the market are untested for
their impact on breastfeeding, and he urged pharmaceutical companies to be mandated to
provide more detailed and accurate breastfeeding information based on scientific research.
“Too many package inserts simply say ‘do not use when breastfeeding’ as standard, and it is
vital that women receive better, more accurate information so they can address their own
health issues as well as continue breastfeeding successfully and safely.”
A family centred approach to Neonatal Intensive Care (NICU)
Professor Uwe Ewald from Uppsala University Sweden, explained the benefits of changing
practices in the NICU, which are ensuring much closer contact between preterm infants and
their parents. In the past, it has been common practice to separate the infant at a very early
stage, but research reveals this is unnecessary and may have a negative impact on the
bonding process. Professor Uwe Ewald underlined his vision for the future: “No mother or
parent should be seen as a ‘visitor’ to a neonatal intensive care unit, as they have a vital role
to play in the development and care of their baby.” Professor Ewald explained to delegates
the benefits of ‘kangaroo care’, focused on close mother/baby contact, which has been
shown to decrease stress and pain for the baby, whilst also benefiting sleep patterns and
overall growth.
All conference sessions underlined the importance of ongoing research into lactation - from
the perspective of both mother and baby. Professor Peter Hartmann, founder and leader of
the Hartmann Human Lactation Research Group at the University of Western Australia
noted:
“Human milk is unique in providing infants not only with nutrition, but also with protection,
and the process of breastfeeding has strong health benefits for the mother too. Our
challenge is to ensure that scientific breakthroughs in lactation research are applied in
practice, and ultimately lead to a successful breastfeeding relationship for both mother and
baby.” CONTINUED>>>
Press release, Vienna, 21st April 2012
Dr. Leon Mitoulas, Head of Research, Medela AG, concluded:
“This year’s International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium has showcased genuinely
ground-breaking research, which is shaping the scientific agenda within and beyond the
sphere of human lactation. Medela is a long-standing supporter of lactation research and is
proud to be part of this scientific journey. We share a common commitment to supporting
both families and health professionals to ensure a successful lactation process.”
ENDS
For more information visit www.medela.ch
About Medela
Medela provides the most technologically advanced, superior-quality breastpumps and breastfeeding
accessories to nursing mothers around the world. A longtime champion of breastfeeding, Medela is
the only company to develop products based on research by the world's leading lactation experts. As
a result, Medela's breastpumps are the number one choice of healthcare professionals and
healthcare facilities worldwide.
Medela has developed an extensive line of products to meet the diverse needs of nursing mothers.
These products include hospital-grade, double and single electric and manual breastpumps;
breastfeeding accessories such as pump cleaning products, breast care products and specialty
feeding devices; and maternity and nursing intimate apparel.
Founded in 1961 by Olle Larsson in Zug, Switzerland, Medela continues to grow under the ownership
of the Larsson family. Medela serves customers through a worldwide network of distribution partners
in more than 90 countries and its 15 subsidiaries in Australia, Benelux (Belgium and the Netherlands),
Canada, China, France, Germany, (Austria), Italy, Japan, Poland, Russia, Spain (Portugal), Sweden,
(Norway and Denmark), Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
www.medela.com
About the Medela 7th International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium
The Medela 7th International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium took place in Vienna on the
20th and 21st April 2012.
Around 300 participants attended including doctors, midwives,
neonatologists and lactation consultants from 33 countries across Europe, the Middle East, US, and
Asia. The 8th International Breastfeeding and Lactation Symposium will take place on the 12th and
13th April 2013 in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Medela AG, Medical Technology
Lättichstrasse 4b
CH-6341 Baar
Tel.: +41/ (0)41 / 769 51 51
Fax: +41/ (0)41 / 769 51 00
[email protected]
www.medela.ch
Press contact
Veronika Studer, Communication Manager
Tel.: +41/ (0)41 / 769 54 37
[email protected]