The Immunology of Human Milk

 


Michal Ann Young, MD, FAAP

 
Michal A. Young, M.D., F.A.A.P. is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and Child Health at Howard University College of Medicine. She is the Director of the NICU and Newborn Services at Howard University Hospital.  She also serves as the Medical Director of the B.L.E.S.S. (Breastfeeding Lactation Education Support Services) Initiative at Howard University Hospital. She is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine, Class of 1979.  Dr. Young completed a rotating internship in Medicine and Pediatrics at Grady Memorial and Emory Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, followed by a Pediatric residency at Howard University Hospital, and a fellowship in Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital. Eighteen years of her clinical and academic practice was at D. C. General Hospital, where she was the Director of the NICU for the last five years, prior to the closure of that Hospital in July 2001. Dr. Young has several publications and presentations over a range of topics governing infant care.  Her research interests are in developmental outcomes of the ELBW infant, HIV perinatal transmission, and breastfeeding education for professionals and parents.
 
Dr. Young had just completed her fellowship in Neonatology at the time of the birth of her first child.  She recalls how poorly educated she was about breastfeeding and the benefits of human milk.  This experience placed her on a life-long quest to improve breastfeeding education for medical professionals, and patients’ families.  Dr. Young speaks locally and nationally about the benefits of breast milk and breastfeeding for the human infant.  She is a member of the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine Protocol Committee, the Baby Friendly USA NICU Task Force, the Section on Breastfeeding in the American Academy of Pediatrics, one of the Breastfeeding Coordinators for the D.C. Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics,  on the Board of Directors for the D.C. Breastfeeding Coalition, on the Advisory Board of Health Connect 1 and on the Board of Directors for ROSE: Reaching Our Sisters Everywhere, Inc.
 
Presentation Objectives:
  1. List at least 5 immunologic components of human milk and their roles in immune protection.
  2. Express the reasons for the policy of the AAP regarding breastfeeding and preterm infants weighing less than 1250g.
  3. Recognize illnesses that can be ameliorated by breastfeeding.
  4. Identify absolute contraindications to breastfeeding.
  5. Explain general nutritional and immunological benefits of breastfeeding to the health of the infant.
Upon viewing of the complete webinar lecture, please complete the post-test and application for CME credits below. CME credits will be awarded quarterly and are available until June 30, 2019.