Project Grant R21HD120835

The Pennsylvania State University received a $470,816 Project Grant award from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research program (CFDA 93.865), effective June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2028. The research project investigates the molecular and metabolic mechanisms underlying secretory activation and milk volume production in mothers with infants in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The project utilizes transcriptomic gene expression analysis and biochemical assessment of inflammatory and lipid metabolism pathways to elucidate biological mechanisms associated with the achievement of secretory activation within the first week postpartum and pumped milk volume at two weeks in the NICU population.

The deliverables from this research initiative are expected to advance understanding of lactation initiation and maintenance in at-risk maternal populations, with the ultimate goal of increasing the number of NICU infants who can be fed using mothers' own milk. By identifying the molecular pathways that inhibit lactation initiation in mothers of premature and ill infants, the research addresses a critical gap in current scientific knowledge and supports efforts to reduce costly comorbidities associated with formula feeding in vulnerable neonatal populations. All study participants will receive standardized, evidence-based lactation support as part of the parent clinical trial protocol.