The Journal of Human Lactation Podcast
The Journal of Human Lactation Podcast
Podcast Description
Welcome to the JHL podcast where we delve into the groundbreaking world of lactation science. We'll explore the latest research articles, uncover innovative practices, and discuss the future of breastfeeding and human milk studies.
All articles featured will be open access for 6 weeks after the podcast publishing date.
Our hope is that our podcast fosters scientific curiosity, inspiration, and further discussion among clinicians and researchers as we move the field of lactation forward.
If you have any questions, we’d love to hear about it! Email us at [email protected].
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on various themes within lactation science, including research on breastfeeding, maternal emotional availability, and lactation support techniques. Episodes include discussions on topics like the importance of customized flange sizing for breast pumps, the influence of coparenting on breastfeeding dynamics, and the commercialization of human milk, providing listeners with evidence-based insights and real-world applications.
Welcome to the JHL podcast where we delve into the groundbreaking world of lactation science. We’ll explore the latest research articles, uncover innovative practices, and discuss the future of breastfeeding and human milk studies.
All articles featured will be open access for 6 weeks after the podcast publishing date.
Our hope is that our podcast fosters scientific curiosity, inspiration, and further discussion among clinicians and researchers as we move the field of lactation forward.
If you have any questions, we’d love to hear about it! Email us at [email protected].
In this episode, hosts Ellen Chetwynd and Adina Kopinsky are joined by Tina Tan and Diahann Cuevo to discuss the article, “From the Field: Assessing Feeding and Swallowing Function in Breastfeeding Infants via Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES).”
Published in JHL Volume 41, Issue 3, this clinical practice article explores how FEES is being used in real-world settings to assess swallowing function in breastfeeding infants, expanding the possibilities beyond traditional bottle-based swallow studies.
Together we compare FEES with Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS) and explore why assessing infants during direct breastfeeding can significantly improve clinical decision-making and lactation support.
Key takeaways include:
Traditional VFSS has important limitations for breastfeeding infants, including radiation exposure, time constraints, and reliance on bottle feeding, which may not reflect true feeding dynamics at the breast.
FEES enables real-time visualization of swallowing during direct breastfeeding, allowing clinicians to observe airway protection, coordination, and fatigue over a full feeding without radiation.
The ability to trial and immediately evaluate feeding interventions such as positioning or managing milk flow helps create highly individualized, responsive care plans.
FEES and VFSS serve complementary roles, and findings from these studies can guide interdisciplinary collaboration and support breastfeeding goals, rather than functioning as pass/fail assessments.
The episode also highlights a clinical case where FEES supported the transition back to breastfeeding after initial aspiration concerns, illustrating how feeding plans can evolve as infants mature.
Links to the article:
Tan T, Cuevo D. From the Field: Assessing Feeding and Swallowing Function in Breastfeeding Infants via Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES). Journal of Human Lactation. 2026;41(3).
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/08903344251342216
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