Latest Updates in Lactation: LactaLearning's 2026 Annual Conference 1-31-26

Catherine Watson Genna: Ultrasound Analysis of Sucking: Tongue-tie and Confounders

Tongue tie and it’s treatment is still controversial, partially because objective selection of infants for frenotomy is lacking. Our research collaborative assessed the organization of tongue movements in space and time using ultrasound during breastfeeding in infants with tongue-tie and other conditions that impact feeding efficiency. This talk shares some of our published (Genna, 2021) and not yet published results, in the context of individualized care for dyads. Ultrasound is a useful tool in our quest to understand both normal sucking and breastfeeding impairments. Research depends on both accurate classification of subjects and breastfeeding best practices. This talk presents findings from our studies of tongue kinematics during breastfeeding using an objective methodology, highlighting some important considerations when conducting or assessing research.

Catherine Watson Genna: Compensations or Dysphagia: Analyzing and Assessing Suck: Swallow Patterns by Observation and Cervical Auscultation

Suck:swallow:breathe patterns are rich sources of information about infant feeding efficiency and ease. Infants with health conditions may use variant patterns as compensations for their difficulties, yet still feed functionally. Others with the same conditions are unable to compensate and protect their airways during feeding. This talk surveys the evidence on normal feeding patterns and rhythms, and the ways infants adapt those to both milk flow and their own capabilities. Different ways of assessing and observing suck:swallow patterns are demonstrated in clinical videos and sound recordings so participants can learn to assist struggling infants, differentiate functional compensations from dysphagia, and refer appropriately when indicated.

Lisa Marasco: PCOS Phenotypes: A Possible Key to Optimizing Treatment Strategies for Low Supply

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) emerged as a potential risk factor for lactation over 25 years ago. Validating research has been mixed, with some studies showing modest correlations while others cast doubt on any correlations, despite clinical experiences and observations. Investigations extending to potential treatments for lactation problems in PCOS patients have been equally disappointing. One glaring omission to much of the research is the lack of recognition that PCOS is a syndrome with varying presentations rather than a disease with a distinct specific set of causes and symptoms.  Current trends in PCOS research are focusing on the phenotypes with an eye towards a more effective, individualized approach to therapy rather than assuming that one treatment is appropriate for anyone with the PCOS diagnosis. Understanding these phenotypes may help lactation helpers as well to zero in on potential treatment strategies that have a higher likelihood of helping related lactation problems.

Lisa Marasco: FIL and Milk Production Regulation: What have We Learned?

It has long been understood in the animal lactation world that milk production quickly transitions from hormonal to local control in the days and weeks after birth. The mechanism of this control was believed to involve a why protein- FIL. Subsequent research shows a much larger, encompassing picture: homeostatic regulation. This session reviews the progression of this research and the factors likely involved in human mammary homeostasis.