Your Referral Makes A Difference
Health providers who care for lactating patients often face uncertainty when making treatment decisions. Will this medication pass into breast milk? Will it affect the child who is consuming this milk? Will my patient adhere to the treatment plan if there is any uncertainty or risk?
If you’ve asked these questions, you are not alone. These questions – and similar questions about how to boost milk supply, or how a workplace or other environmental exposure could impact human milk – have too few answers.
The goal of Mommy’s Milk is to assemble to world’s largest database of indexed human milk samples and associated clinical data that can be accessed by scientists to answer pressing questions about human milk and its impact on child development. We also actively conduct this research, ultimately providing clinicians and their lactating patients with the evidence that is needed to make more informed treatment decisions.
Health providers are a trusted source of information for many patients. We find that when patients are referred to us by their health provider, they are more likely to participate in our program. By referring your patient, you are actively making a difference in human milk discoveries.
“The general absence of data on the extent of the transfer of specific drugs into human milk, and other factors, make health care providers cautious when advising on medication use while breastfeeding.”
— Task Force on Research Specific to Pregnant Women and Lactating Women, 2018
Current Studies
We’re actively recruiting lactating patients to participate in a variety of studies.
the Human Milk Biorepository
The UC San Diego Human Milk Biorepository (HMB), established in 2014, is a research resource that collects and stores donated human milk to support scientific studies on the role of breast milk in infant health. To date, the repository has gathered over 110,000 samples from more than 3,400 lactating individuals. However, most samples have been contributed by non-Hispanic White individuals with middle to high incomes, which limits representation. To strengthen the value of the biorepository, we are seeking to diversify the participant pool to better reflect the U.S. population. Current efforts also include evaluating how different compensation levels may influence participant enrollment and study completion. Healthcare professionals can share this study with their patients to learn more.
Motegrity® (prucalopride) lactation Study
The UC San Diego research team is conducting a study to determine whether Motegrity® (prucalopride), prescribed for functional constipation in adults, passes into human milk. Volunteers receive up to $125 for completing the study. Healthcare professionals can refer eligible patients to the study for more information.
Commonly Used Drugs in Lactation
The CUDDLE study is designed to better understand the transfer of commonly used medications into human milk, with the goal of identifying safe dosing levels for both the lactating parent and the breastfed infant. Participants must be located in San Diego area for a one hour in-clinic visit. Current medications of interest include: amoxicillin, buprenorphine (Belbuca, Brixadi, Buprenex, Butrans, Sublocade, and Subutex), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril®, Amrix®), duloxetine (Cymbalta, Yentreve), hydrocodone (Vicodin®, Lortab®, Lorcet-HD®, Hycodan®, Vicoprofen®), levetiracetam (Keppra, Roweepra, and Elepsia XR), paroxetine (Aropax, Paxil, Pexeva, Seroxat, Sereupin and Brisdelle), trazadone (RALDESY™), and venlafaxine (Effexor®). Providers can refer eligible patients to the study team for screening and enrollment.
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions about Referrals
Does my patient have to be taking a medication to participate?
Not necessarily! We collect samples from participants with a variety of exposures and baby ages for a comprehensive biorepository. Our study staff will screen the patient to see if they are eligible for a specific study or just a sample donation.
Will my patient be asked to take a medication or change their treatment plan?
No. Our studies are strictly observational; your patient will not be asked to change any part of their health care routine, including their medications.
What will my patient be asked to do?
It depends on the specific Mommy’s Milk study in which they enroll. Generally, all participants are asked to provide a 2 oz. sample of breast milk using a sterile pump and collection bag. They will also complete a phone interview and either online or mailed surveys. Some studies may involve the collection of other biological specimens from either the lactating parent or the infant (e.g., blood, saliva, fecal sample). The study provides all materials for both sample collection(s) and shipping and pays for postage. Participating in the study will not cost your patients anything. Additionally, some studies are incentivized with a gift card. More details can be found under each study description.
If my patient enrolls, what will I be required to do?
All you need to do is refer your patient to us. Your patient will be contacted by the study staff to see if they qualify for participation. After you make the referral nothing more is required of you.
Do you have materials I can use to educate my patients or colleagues about your studies?
Yes! We can provide you with patient-friendly materials for your office. You can request materials by contacting our Research Team via email at MilkStudy@health.ucsd.edu.
Our Studies Depend on You
Referring your patient is fast and simple. Just fill out our Refer a Patient form and our experienced research team will take it from there to contact your patient and tell them more about Mommy’s Milk studies. You can also call us to take your referral by phone toll-free at 844.605.MILK (6455). We’re open Monday – Friday 9 am – 5 pm Pacific, excluding public holidays.
