 Image credit: Human-Milk.com MILC Director Dr. Meghan Azad sat down with Claire Tchaikoski of Human-Milk to discuss groundbreaking research that is reshaping how we understand human milk. Emerging science shows that breastmilk is not static nutrition — it’s a living, adaptive substance that changes over time, responding to a baby’s age, environment, and even illness. Dr. Azad explains how breastmilk can adjust its composition to meet a baby’s evolving needs, delivering tailored immune protection, supporting microbiome development, and helping shape lifelong health. It’s a reminder that breastfeeding is not just feeding — it’s a complex biological conversation between mother and child. The discussion also highlighted why supporting mothers who choose to breastfeed is critical. From workplace policies to community and healthcare support, ensuring families have the resources they need benefits not only babies, but society as a whole. View the full interview here.
New MILC Research Examines Association Between Family Socioeconomic Status and Child Behavior Scores2/13/2026
 Image credit: (left) Frontiers in Public Health, (right) MILC. A new paper published in Frontiers in Public Health explores the question: can breastfeeding help buffer children against early-life socioeconomic disadvantage? Led by MILC Club member Dr. Sarah E. Turner, along with MILC Director Dr. Meghan Azad and collaborators, the team used data from the CHILD Cohort Study to show that breastfeeding may help reduce childhood behaviour problems, especially in families of lower socioeconomic status. Read more on LinkedIn.
 Photo credit: UMToday. MILC member Dr. Shen presents research findings (left), MILC Laboratory Manager Shayna Giesbrecht (right, back) and MILC Director Dr. Meghan Azad (right, front) analyze macronutrient composition of breast milk. MILC Director Dr. Meghan Azad and MILC member Dr. Garry Shen were featured in a recent UMToday article highlighting their role in helping to reinstate public funding for lactation consultants in Manitoba. The service, which was cut in 2018, has now been permanently restored following widespread advocacy supported by evidence-based research. Dr. Shen and UM colleagues demonstrated that eliminating publicly funded lactation consultant services was associated with lower breastfeeding rates and increased formula use, particularly in remote and First Nations communities. This research and advocacy contributed to a province-wide effort that led the Manitoba government to reverse its decision and secure funding for lactation consultant positions once again. The reinstatement will help support stronger starts for infants, mothers, and families across the province, aligning with MILC’s mission to advance maternal–child health research and impact.
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