Project Title:Development of Two Systematic Reviews for the World Health Organization (WHO)
Project Objectives:
1. A systematic review to examine the impact of feeding expressed mother’s own milk using varying expression practices or treatments on health and growth outcomes of recipient infants
2. A systematic review to examine the impact of feeding milk from donors with varying lactation stages, health concerns, varying expression practices/techniques, or with various treatment or testing methods on health and growth outcomes of infants fed donor milk
The project was implemented by the Human Milk Bank Foundation, with the Human Milk and Lactation Research Laboratory of the Medical University of Warsaw serving as a project partner.
Principal Investigator:
Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Members from the Laboratory:
Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Magdalena Babiszewska-Aksamit, PhD
Funding Source: The project was funded by the WHO Department of Food Safety.
Project Title: Supporting and Promoting Exclusive Breastfeeding and Appropriate Feeding Practices for Infants and Young Children of Ukrainian and Polish Mothers in Poland in Crisis
Project Objective: The project aimed to support mothers experiencing severe lactation crises caused by war-related trauma or other emergency situations. Particular emphasis was placed on improving the quality of care provided to women facing perinatal crises and expanding the scope of services available in hospitals.
The project was implemented by the Human Milk Bank Foundation. The Human Milk and Lactation Research Laboratory of the Medical University of Warsaw served as one of the project partners and supported the organization of webinars for healthcare professionals.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Members from the Laboratory:
- Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
- Magdalena Babiszewska-Aksamit, PhD
Funding Source: Funded by the UNICEF Refugee Response Office in Poland.
Project Title: The Health Benefits of Human Milk Sharing
Project Objective: The project investigated the impact of selected environmental factors on the composition and biological functions of donor human milk collected from three European populations: Poland, Italy, and the Netherlands. The findings contributed to updating eligibility criteria for Human Milk Donors based on current environmental conditions and factors affecting maternal health during lactation.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Members from the Laboratory:
- Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
- Aleksandra Mołas, MSc
- Mariusz Radkiewicz, MSc
Funding Source: Funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the Academic International Partnerships Programme.
Project Partners: The project was conducted in collaboration with the University of Turin, the Human Milk Bank at Emma Children's Hospital in Amsterdam, the Institute of Health Sciences at Maynooth University (Ireland), and the School of Nursing and Health Sciences in Dublin. The project was additionally supported by the Human Milk Bank Foundation, the European Milk Bank Association (EMBA), and the Italian Association of Human Milk Banks.
Project Title:Analysis of Factors Influencing Human Milk Microbiota Composition, with Particular Emphasis on Maternal Nutritional Status and Dietary Patterns during Lactation
Project Objective:
The aim of the project is to identify factors affecting the composition of human milk microbiota and to evaluate the influence of maternal diet and nutritional status on the quantity and diversity of bacteria present in human milk.
The findings will help determine whether and to what extent maternal nutrition during pregnancy and lactation influences the microbiological quality of human milk. The results may contribute to the development of evidence-based standards of care for pregnant and breastfeeding women, including nutritional assessment and dietary recommendations
Research Team Members:
- Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
- Anna Koryszewska-Bagińska, PhD, Eng.
Funding Source: Young Researcher Grant funded by the Medical University of Warsaw.
Project Title:Assessment of the Impact of Changes in Perinatal Care during the COVID-19 Pandemic on Infant Feeding Practices and Lactation Support for Mothers and Infants in Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection or Diagnostic Evaluation at Delivery
Project Objective:
The project evaluated the impact of modifications to perinatal care introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal and infant well-being, with particular emphasis on breastfeeding-supportive practices. A nationwide survey assessed breastfeeding rates and duration, socio-economic determinants of infant feeding decisions, and the effects of adherence to perinatal care standards on breastfeeding outcomes in Poland.
The results provided evidence on the effectiveness of breastfeeding protection measures during public health emergencies and informed recommendations for maternal and infant care in crisis situations.
Principal Investigators:
- Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences (Medical University of Warsaw)
- Bartłomiej Walczak, PhD, DSc (University of Warsaw)
Research Team Members from the Laboratory:
- Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
- Aleksandra Mołas, MSc
- Kinga Kalita-Kurzyńska, MSc
Funding Source: Funded through the Excellence Initiative – Research University Programme and co-funded by WHO Europe.
Project Partners: Institute of Sociology, University of Warsaw; project endorsed by the Ministry of Family and Social Policy and the Human Milk Bank Foundation.
Project Title:Assessment of the Risk of Mother-to-Infant SARS-CoV-2 Transmission during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Project Objective:
The project assessed the risk of perinatal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to infant and investigated the potential role of human milk as a transmission route. Biological samples from infected mothers and their newborns were collected and analyzed for the presence of viral genetic material.
The results demonstrated that mother-to-child transmission is extremely rare and that human milk is not a significant route of infection. These findings contributed to changes in perinatal care recommendations for women with COVID-19 in Polish hospitals.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Member from the Laboratory: Aleksandra Mołas, MSc
Funding Source: Supported by internal funding from the Vice-Rector for Science and Technology Transfer of the Medical University of Warsaw and by PetraMedica and DanLab.
Project Partners: Sixteen hospitals dedicated to the care of women infected with SARS-CoV-2 at the time of delivery.
Project Title:Development of a Tool for Assessing the Safety of Pharmacotherapy during Breastfeeding and Analysis of the Impact of Adverse Events on Lactation Following COVID-19 Vaccination in the Perinatal Period
Project Objective:
The project aimed to improve pharmacovigilance during lactation by developing standardized definitions of adverse events associated with medication use in breastfeeding women. Activities included a modified Delphi process involving an international panel of experts and analysis of data concerning the impact of COVID-19 vaccination on lactation initiation and maintenance in Poland.
The project addressed a significant medical and social challenge related to the lack of evidence supporting informed decision-making about medication use during breastfeeding.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Member from the Laboratory: Kinga Kalita-Kurzyńska, MSc
Funding Source: Funded by the Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange (NAWA) under the Intervention Grants Programme.
Project Partners: EGA Institute for Women's Health, University College London; University of Pennsylvania and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
Project Title:COVID-19 Screening among Healthy Pregnant Women Admitted for Delivery during the Peak of the Epidemic in Poland and Assessment of Immune Response and Passive Immunity Transfer through Human Milk
Project Objective:
The project evaluated the epidemiological status of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthy pregnant women admitted for delivery in Poland and assessed seroprevalence in this population. The study also investigated maternal immune responses and the potential transfer of passive immunity to infants through human milk.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Member from the Laboratory: Aleksandra Mołas, MSc
Funding Source: Funded through the reserve fund of the Vice-Rector for Science and Technology Transfer of the Medical University of Warsaw.
Project Partners: University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Holy Family Hospital in Warsaw, and St. Adalbert Hospital (Copernicus) in Gdańsk.
Project Title: Lactotechnology as a Response to the Nutritional Needs of Preterm Infants
Project Objective:
The project“Lactotechnology as a Response to the Nutritional Needs of Preterm Infants” (Grant No. IS-2/81/NCBR/2015) was a pioneering research initiative implemented by the Human Milk Bank Foundation in collaboration with the Human Milk and Lactation Research Laboratory of the Medical University of Warsaw.
The primary objective of the project was to develop and implement innovative technological solutions in human milk banking, including the introduction of a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) system and the evaluation of novel milk preservation methods. The project aimed to improve the safety, quality, and availability of donor human milk for preterm infants and other vulnerable newborns requiring specialized nutritional support.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Members from the Laboratory and Department of Medical Biology:
- Gabriela Olędzka, PhD, DSc in Health Sciences
- Kamila Strom, PhD in Medical and Health Sciences
- Olga Barbarska, PhD, MD
Funding Source: Funded by the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) under the Social Innovations Programme, 2nd Call (Grant No. IS-2/81/NCBR/2015).
Project Partners: The project was implemented by a consortium consisting of the Human Milk Bank Foundation (Project Leader), the Institute of High Pressure Physics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW), the SOS Food Bank in Warsaw, and the Medical University of Warsaw.
Project Title: Assessment of the Biological Activity of Freeze-Dried Human Milk Preserved Using High-Pressure Processing
Project Objective:
The aim of this project was to evaluate the biological activity of freeze-dried human milk preparations preserved using high-pressure processing technology. The study focused on determining whether this innovative preservation method allows key bioactive components of human milk to be retained while ensuring microbiological safety and extending shelf life.
The findings contributed to the development of advanced technologies for processing donor human milk and supported efforts to improve nutritional care for preterm and critically ill infants.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Members from the Laboratory and Department of Medical Biology:
- Gabriela Olędzka, PhD, DSc in Health Sciences
- Kamila Strom, PhD in Medical and Health Sciences
- Sylwia Jarzynka, PhD, MD
Funding Source: Funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education under the Innovation Incubator+ Programme, Operational Programme Smart Growth 2014–2020, Measure 4.4: Increasing Human Resources Potential (Grant No. MNISW/2017/DIR/71/11+).
Project Title: Assessment of the Microbiological Purity of a Human Milk Fortifier for Neonatal Nutrition
Project Objective:
The aim of this project was to evaluate the microbiological purity and safety of a human milk fortifier intended for neonatal nutrition. Particular attention was given to assessing the microbiological quality of the product and its suitability for use in the nutritional management of preterm and low-birth-weight infants.
The project contributed to the development and validation of safe nutritional products designed to support optimal growth and development in vulnerable newborn populations.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Members from the Laboratory and Department of Medical Biology:
- Gabriela Olędzka, PhD, DSc in Health Sciences
- Kamila Strom, PhD in Medical and Health Sciences
- Sylwia Jarzynka, PhD, MD
Funding Source: Funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education under the Innovation Incubator+ Programme, Operational Programme Smart Growth 2014–2020, Measure 4.4: Increasing Human Resources Potential (Grant No. MNISW/2017/DIR/71/11+).
Project Title:The Relationship between Human Milk Composition, Maternal Diet, and Body Composition during Lactation
Project Objective:
The aim of this project was to investigate the relationship between human milk composition and maternal dietary habits and body composition during lactation. The study examined how nutritional intake and maternal physiological characteristics influence the concentration of nutrients and bioactive compounds in human milk.
The findings contributed to a better understanding of factors affecting milk composition and provided evidence to support nutritional recommendations for breastfeeding women, with the ultimate goal of improving maternal and infant health outcomes.
Principal Investigator: Prof. Aleksandra Wesołowska, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Research Team Member from the Laboratory:
- Agnieszka Bzikowska-Jura, PhD, DSc in Medical and Health Sciences
Funding Source: Funded by the Polish Society for Clinical Nutrition of Children through its Research Grant Programme in Paediatric Clinical Nutrition (Grant No. MVI 735/2015).
Project Partners: The project was carried out through collaboration between the Department of Medical Biology and the Department of Clinical Dietetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Medical University of Warsaw.