Breast or body feeding is an important goal for many new parents, but it can feel challenging when difficulties arise.
Now, a federally funded study happening at the University of New Mexico aims to develop improved understanding of lactation challenges and provide culturally congruent lactation support in New Mexico’s diverse communities.
Katie Kivlighan, PhD, MRS, RN, CNM, assistant professor for the UNM College of Nursing has received a subaward on a federal R01 research grant, along with co-principle investigators Kathleen Arcaro, PhD, at UMASS Amherst and Sallie Schneider, PhD, at Baystate Medical Center.
The study, titled “Mammary epithelium permeability, lactation outcomes and infant health,” tests for markers like sodium in human milk that might indicate the overall health of the mammary gland. The mammary gland is the only organ in the human body that doesn’t have a test for normal function. This research seeks to learn more about the mammary gland, lactation and milk production so that those experiencing milk production issues will have an easier time seeking health care.
This research takes place in Kivlighan’s laboratory on the UNM College of Nursing Albuquerque campus, the UNM Clinical and Translational Sciences Center, off-site in UNM affiliated clinics and research participants’ homes.
“The flexibility to operate in a lab and in our participants’ homes is very helpful for the lactating person’s comfort and convenience. Being able to meet them in their own environment builds trust, ensures more accurate data collection and enables more effective lactation support,” Kivlighan says.
The flexibility to operate in a lab and in our participants’ homes is very helpful for the lactating person’s comfort and convenience. Being able to meet them in their own environment builds trust, ensures more accurate data collection and enables more effective lactation support.
To address equitable lactation counseling and care, Kivlighan will use award funds to support culturally congruent lactation support provided by lactation specialists from New Mexico’s culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The overall objective of Kivlighan’s research is to learn more about the human mammary gland, examine why many lactating individuals struggle with milk production and – most significantly to the communities of peoples experiencing these struggles – contribute to efforts to develop culturally congruent, accessible lactation counseling for diverse populations.
This community-minded research project adheres to the ambitious mission of the College of Nursing’s research sectors: to gain a holistic perspective and an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the unique health care needs of the state, and beyond.