Nikki pointed us to a piece by Chris Mulford to help answer this question. 

Chirs comments on how research has been conducted and how much of the 
research on infant feeding has gone on artificial feeding.  She also 
comments on the Ramsay et al study which updated our understanding of the 
mammary duct system. 

What she didn't mention is the troubling fact that the work of the Ramsay, 
Kent, Mitulas, Cregan, Hartmann team -- much of which is invaluable and has 
undoubtedly furthered our understanding of breastfeeding -- is part funded 
by industry.  I know, I know, breast pumps are culturally normal in North 
America, and I accept that they have a place.  However, doesn't it trouble 
you that the way these studies have been framed, the questions asked, and 
the questions not asked, may have in some way been shaped by the interests 
of milk expression? 

It troubles me, and it makes me sad.  I really like this work, a lot.  But I 
don't feel 100% comfortable about it.  And I deeply regret that this is the 
best we (a collective interantional we) can do in supporting scientists to 
conduct primary research on lactation. 

Magda Sachs, PhD
Breastfeeding Supporter, The Breastfeeding Network, UK

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