Integrating Lifespan Breast Health Awareness into the Practice of Lactation Support and Clinical Care

Author: Christine Staricka, B.Sc., IBCLC

Abstract

A detailed understanding of breast development is critical for anyone involved in the care of pregnant and postpartum individuals. However, until now, very little has been done to integrate the knowledge and insights of lactation specialists on lactational breast development, function, and health with the work of researchers and medical providers outside of the reproductive arena. Though research on breast cancer and its prevention and treatment is voluminous, there is far less research on all other aspects of breast development and health. A more thorough understanding of the lactational state of the breast will better inform the broader literature on the spectrum of breast health and development. The reader will find a wider perspective on lifetime breast health, integrated with expertise and understanding of lactational breast function and health.

Keywords: breast development, lactation, involution, breast injury, aging, menopause

How to cite: Staricka C: Integrating Lifespan Breast Health Awareness into the Practice of Lactation Support and Clinical Care. Lactation & Breastfeeding 2026;2:05.

Author Information and Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest

Christine StarickaChristine Staricka is an International Board-Certified Lactation Consultant (www.christinestaricka.com/), health writer, and trained childbirth educator. She is the author of the book “Evolving the Modern Breastfeeding Experience: Holistic Lactation Care in the First 100 Hours” (2024) . Christine has 25 years of experience providing clinical lactation care in a wide variety of settings, and she writes a blog and hosts a podcast, both under the name “Evolve Lactation”. Christine is a Fellow of the International Lactation Consultant Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix. Christine has been married for 32 years, lives in California, and is the proud mother of 3 amazing daughters.
The author declares that she has no conflicts of interest or financial relationships with commercial products.