Lactation Research Studies

Participants Needed for Prolactin Research Study

The Reproductive Endocrine Unit at the Massachusetts General Hospital is conducting a research study to treat mothers of premature infants who have an insufficient breast milk supply.  Mothers should be 18-45 years old, pumping breast milk for their premature infant and may not be taking oral birth control pills or have had previous breast surgery in order to be eligible.  The study involves hospital visits, administration of prolactin or placebo (contains no active medication) and blood draws.  A payment for participation of up to $200 will be provided.  Call Corrine Welt, MD, at 617-726-8437 or email her at cwelt@partners.org.

Participants Needed for Breast Cancer During Lactation Research Study

Mothers who are breastfeeding and scheduled for biopsies are being sought to participate in an important study based at the University of Massachusetts and supported by the Love/Avon Army of Women breast cancer project.

The primary goal of the study is to identify molecular biomarkers for breast cancer.  This could lead to breast cancer detection long before we notice lumps, which is important because early detection is the key to survival.

Another benefit could be the development of a simple breastmilk test which could determine if breast cancer is present - at its earliest stages - through epithelial cells in the milk, and without the need for biopsies.  Biopsies are invasive and can be stressful, and mothers are often told inaccurately that they must wean before they can get one performed.

This study is a featured research project being promoted by the Dr. Susan Love/Avon Army of Women initiative, and you can read more about it here: 

For more information about this study, visit breastmilkresearch.org.