Pamela Drynan, RN, BScN, IBCLC , Ontario

By now you most likely have learned about the microbiome of the human gut and how human milk influences the development of the microbiome. But have you heard about the microbiome of the breasts themselves? Marsha Walker, RN, IBCLC, RLC discusses the connection between the microbiome, treatment during pregnancy and labour and delivery, and the risk of developing mastitis in the most recent Clinical Lactation journal in the article “Mammory Dysbiosis: An Unwelcome Visitor During Lactation” She also describes the research of how probiotics have shown some positive effects on treatment of mastitis. The article provides some education on the nature of the bacteria of the breast and the influence of the breast microbiome while also providing education on the specific microorganisms that induce acute and subacute mastitis. Breast have their own community of bacteria that work together to protect breast tissue, however, there are many variables that can disrupt that protection and increase breastfeeding parents risks of mastitis. Marsha Walker brought to life how the community of microorganisms are an important area of knowledge that Lactation Consultants should have a greater understanding of in order to provide optimal clinical support to the families they service.

Access the online Clinical Lactation journal to read the full article here.