 Image credit: Human-Milk.com THRiVE Director Dr. Meghan Azad sat down with Claire Tchaikoski of Human-Milk to discuss groundbreaking research that is reshaping how we understand human milk. Emerging science shows that breastmilk is not static nutrition — it’s a living, adaptive substance that changes over time, responding to a baby’s age, environment, and even illness. Dr. Azad explains how breastmilk can adjust its composition to meet a baby’s evolving needs, delivering tailored immune protection, supporting microbiome development, and helping shape lifelong health. It’s a reminder that breastfeeding is not just feeding — it’s a complex biological conversation between mother and child. The discussion also highlighted why supporting mothers who choose to breastfeed is critical. From workplace policies to community and healthcare support, ensuring families have the resources they need benefits not only babies, but society as a whole. View the full interview here.
 Image credit: (left) Frontiers in Public Health, (right) THRiVE Lab. A new paper published in Frontiers in Public Health explores the question: can breastfeeding help buffer children against early-life socioeconomic disadvantage? Led by former THRiVE Lab PhD student Dr. Sarah E. Turner, along with THRiVE Lab Director Dr. Meghan Azad and collaborators, the team used data from the CHILD Cohort Study to show that breastfeeding may help reduce childhood behaviour problems, especially in families of lower socioeconomic status. Read more on LinkedIn.
 Photo credit: THRiVE lab. (left to right) THRiVE team members Alie Johnston, Larisa Lotoski, Rowan Shwaluk and Shayna Giesbrecht THRiVE team members took part in two International Day for Women and Girls in Science events that brought together students, educators, and professionals to celebrate and empower the next generation of STEM leaders in Manitoba. At Holy Cross School, approximately 300 girls gathered to explore opportunities in science. The event provided these students with valuable exposure to potential career paths in science and the chance to hear directly from women working various STEM fields. Later, the Manitoba Legislative Building hosted an inspiring evening that united a diverse group of participants from industry, academia, and female students of all ages. The event showcased contributions women are making in the sciences, while also creating space for networking and learning. Together, these celebrations highlighted the importance of inclusion, representation, and continued support to empower future generations of women in STEM.
THRiVE Director Featured in UMToday for Role in Return of Lactation Consultants in Manitoba2/11/2026
 Image credit: UMToday. MILC Laboratory Manager Shayna Giesbrecht (back) and THRiVE Director Dr. Meghan Azad (front) analyze macronutrient composition of breast milk. THRiVE Director Dr. Meghan Azad was featured in a recent UMToday article highlighting her role in helping to reinstate public funding for lactation consultants in Manitoba. The service, which was cut in 2018, has now been permanently restored following widespread advocacy supported by evidence-based research. UM Researchers demonstrated that eliminating publicly funded lactation consultant services was associated with lower breastfeeding rates and increased formula use, particularly in remote and First Nations communities. This research and advocacy contributed to a province-wide effort that led the Manitoba government to reverse its decision and secure funding for lactation consultant positions once again. The reinstatement will help support stronger starts for infants, mothers, and families across the province, aligning with THRiVE Discovery Lab’s mission to advance maternal–child health research and impact.
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