Presentation Information

Chrononutrition in Lactation: The Day-Night Rhythms of Human Milk

• Speaker: Kelly Durbin , M.Ed., IBCLC
• Presentation Type:
• Duration: 60 Mins
• Credits: 1 CERP, 1 Nursing CEU, 1 CME, 0.1 Midwifery CEU

Abstract:

The composition of human milk is dynamic; it has a distinct diurnal cycle, with significant shifts in several components from day to night. A fascinating but often underappreciated aspect of lactation is the circadian variation in human milk composition and how this may impact infants. Human milk produced during the daytime differs from nighttime milk in its hormonal, nutrient, and immune profiles. These variations are not incidental; they reflect the parent's circadian rhythms and are designed to inform the infant's developing biological clock, sleep quality, and metabolic processes.

Using the latest research, this lecture explores the implications of circadian milk composition for lactation consultants, breastfeeding parents, and infants. We will discuss how hormones like melatonin, cortisol, and leptin in human milk govern sleepiness, alertness, metabolism, digestion, and gut repair while supporting the infant's circadian rhythm development. In addition, we will address the complexities of pumping and feeding expressed milk when the timing of milk production and feeding are mismatched.

Finally, we will consider the latest research recommendations and explore actionable strategies for lactation consultants who help parents leverage these biological rhythms to optimize feeding and pumping schedules.