The UCSD Human Milk Biorepository: Studying Breast Milk and Its Impact on Infant and Child Health

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to better understand how breast milk affects infant and child health by collecting and studying breast milk samples and related health information. The study involves breastfeeding women who agree to donate milk samples and share health details, enabling researchers to learn about the benefits of human milk and its role in child development. Several substudies focus on specific topics such as COVID-19 exposure, antibiotic use during breastfeeding, and how maternal medical exposures influence milk composition and infant health. Participants provide breast milk samples—ranging from as little as a teaspoon to about 50 ml (2 ounces)—and answer questions about their health, treatments during breastfeeding, eating habits, and mood. These samples and information are stored long-term in the UCSD Human Milk Biorepository for approved research studies. Specific substudies include screening for COVID-19 exposure or infection, examining antibiotic use in breastfeeding mothers with infants under 3 months old, and investigating maternal medical exposures affecting milk and child health. During the study, participants complete online or tablet-based questionnaires taking about 30 minutes, and researchers may contact them about future studies. The repository maintains milk samples and health data indefinitely unless participants request removal. Researchers measure and manage the repository over time, with ongoing data collection and analysis extending through the study period. Participation involves providing milk, health information, and completing questionnaires, with no treatment interventions administered.

Researchers At UC San Diego Are Learning About the Benefits of Human Milk and How It Influences Infant and Child Health