One question I get a lot from students and mentees is “What’s the best way to stay up-to-date with lactation research?”. With the rate at which new research is published, it can feel daunting to even know where to begin. As the field of lactation continues to evolve with new studies, insights, and best practices, staying informed is key to providing the most effective and evidence-based care.
I will give you three strategies for staying up-to-date with the latest studies. Whether you're a seasoned lactation consultant or just beginning your journey in this field, this post will equip you with the tools and resources needed to remain current and enhance your expertise in supporting breastfeeding dyads.
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Step 1: Start with memberships
Joining a professional organization comes with many benefits, one of which is access to the professional publications. For the field of lactation, there are two important professional organizations that I recommend joining.
The first is the International Lactation Consultant Association (ILCA). With this membership you’ll receive a subscription to the Journal of Human Lactation as well as be granted access to the journal archives. If you’re a student, you can ILCA at a significant discount and still get all of the same access to research!
The second is the US Lactation Consultant Association (USLCA). Access to the journal Clinical Lactation comes with the USLCA membership. USLCA doesn’t offer a student discount, but the cost is much lower than ILCA. If you’re able, join both.
Step 2: Get notified
You can create alerts within Google Scholar that will send you an email anytime new research is published that meets your criteria. For example, you can create an alert for the keyword “breastfeeding”. Anytime new research is published that includes your keyword, you’ll get an email with links to the abstracts for that newly published research. See the video below for how to set up these Google Scholar alerts. You can create alerts for other literature search engines, as well. See the written instructions below.
Step 3: Listen
In my Thursday Research Recap episode of the IBCLC Mentor Podcast, I review a few articles that show up in my inbox from Google Scholar alerts.
The Breastfeeding Medicine Podcast with Dr. Anne Eglash and Dr. Karen Bodnar reviews new research abstracts and articles. Each episode reviews about 2 abstracts or articles and episodes typically come out every month. These episodes are bite-size insights into new research that will enhance your clinical practice.
Staying up-to-date with the latest in lactation research does not have to be an overwhelming task. By following these three strategic steps, you can effectively navigate the wealth of information available in this dynamic field. Starting with memberships in key professional organizations gives you direct access to pivotal journals and publications. Setting up Google Scholar alerts ensures you receive timely updates tailored to your interests. Lastly, engaging with resources like The Breastfeeding Medicine Podcast provides a digestible and convenient way to absorb new information and perspectives.
Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student embarking on your lactation journey, these methods will keep you informed, involved, and at the forefront of lactation research, enabling you to provide the best evidence-based care and support to breastfeeding dyads. Remember, in the ever-evolving field of lactation, continuous learning is not just an option, but a necessity for professional growth and excellence in care.
