Our overarching research goal is to understand how external influences (for example the environment and milk handling) change the components in human milk and whether these changes influence infants' health.

1. Summary of the project
2. Eligibility criteria
3. Readings
4. Contact the research team leader
   
5. How to apply
6. Scholarships

Summary of the project

Human milk (HM) is a complex biofluid, which contains an array of biological nutrients that are designed to provide nutrition for the rapid growth and development of the infant as well as protection from infection and disease. The composition of HM is dynamic and changes constantly throughout the lactation stages, over the course of a feed and in response to maternal diet. To date, the macronutrients in HM, such as lactose, proteins and total fat, have been extensively studied. 

Metabolomics is the study of small compounds (metabolites) in biofluids. This emerging field can provide  a multitude of information on the metabolites present in HM, which provides information on the physiology of the breasts and their interaction within the biological system.  

HM can also provide valuable information on the environmental contaminants the mother is exposed to both currently and historically. As some of these contaminants, such as persistent organic pollutants (POP), can be excreted into HM and be ingested by the breastfed infant, it is essential to monitor these levels. This will provide insight into the influences of POPs on the growth and development of the infant from birth through to adulthood.  

Our research group is continuously seeking to redefine and develop analytical methodologies not only to discover new components of human milk using advanced instrumentations, but also to advance the scientific accuracy of human milk analysis. 

Human milk metabolomics

This study is aimed at profiling HM metabolome at various lactation stages, handling and storage conditions using advanced analytical techniques such as nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and mass spectrometry (MS).  

This project will provide an insight into the changes of milk metabolites at different lactation stages and how current handling techniques such as pasteurization and storage temperature can affect the health of the milk and the infant.  

Environmental contaminants  

This study aimed to monitor the presence of environmental contaminants, such as POPs, in HM from mothers residing in rural regions compared to metropolitan Western Australia using gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) tandem mass spectrometry. The effect of these contaminants on the infant growth outcomes and development will also be evaluated.  

This project will provide valuable information on the current and historical use of POP and its metabolites present in HM from various regions of Western Australia, and determine any effect of these POP potentially have on infant growth outcomes.  

Back to top

Eligibility criteria

Back to top

Reading

• Thomas W. Hale, Peter E. Hartmann, 'Hale and Hartmann's Textbook of Human Lactation (2007)' Hale Publishing; 1 edition (June 30, 2007)

Back to top

Contact the research team leader

Once you have ensured that you meet the eligibility criteria and are ready to discuss a proposal, contact the research team leader to identify a potential supervisor.

Research team leader: Dr Donna Geddes

I am the Senior Research Fellow directing the Human Lactation Research Group. I have a deep interest in understanding the mechanisms by which human milk and breastfeeding confer their benefits to infants. The long-term benefits of breastfeeding (for example decreased obesity, diabetes) suggest lactation plays a major role in programming the health of infants. Increasing knowledge of this programming phenomenon allows us to develop strategies that will enhance health when lactation issues occur.

Back to top

How to apply

Back to top

Scholarships

Back to top