Oxfordshire Lactation Survey
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Oxfordshire Lactation Survey - Understanding biological factors influencing the supply of milk during breastfeeding
IRAS ID
288986
Contact name
Fadil Hannan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford, Clinical Trials and Research Governance
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Background:
Breastfeeding is important for promoting infant growth and development. However, between 5-15% of women fail to produce enough breast milk, which can lead to infant nutritional deficiencies and failure to thrive. Moreover, some women produce excessive amounts of breast milk. The causes of such lactation disorders, and the biological factors influencing breast milk supply remain to be fully understood.
Study Objectives:
We propose to undertake an online survey of women who have given birth in the past 24 months to characterise the prevalence and spectrum of lactation disorders, identify biological and clinical factors influencing breast milk supply, and also to estimate how commonly severe and inherited lactation disorders occur.
Plan of Investigation:
1. A link to the online survey will be sent by email and/or text message to women aged 18 years or older, and who have given birth within the past 2 years.
2. The survey will take around 10 minutes. There are up to 9 multiple choice questions to complete. Participants will also have the option to leave their contact details if they are interested in participating in future research on lactation.
Benefits of the Study:
The purpose of these studies are to 1) advance knowledge about the biology of breast milk production; and 2) further our understanding of acquired and inherited causes of lactation disorders. Such investigations may eventually lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for women with disorders of lactation.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/PR/0707
Date of REC Opinion
20 May 2021
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion