PeachLabUGA

Our research aims to improve health through nutrition during the critical periods of development, from pregnancy to childhood.

We have a particular interest in micronutrients including vitamin D.

08/11/2026

This past May, PEACH Lab undergraduate research assistant Olivia Luke had the opportunity to study food, nutrition, and health in Italy and Greece through a University of Georgia study abroad program. Throughout her travels, Olivia explored local markets, participated in local and traditional cooking classes, learned about traditional Mediterranean dietary patterns, visted the Food and Agriculture Museum and Network, and experienced firsthand how culture, food access, and lifestyle influence health across the lifespan. The experience reinforced an important concept that is central to nutrition research: healthy eating is shaped by more than individual food choices, it is also influenced by culture, environment, and community.

These insights directly connect to the work being done in the PEACH Lab. By studying maternal nutrition during the postpartum period, the PEACH Lab aims to better understand how nutritional status affects maternal and infant health while recognizing the diverse backgrounds and dietary patterns that families bring to the table.

Olivia’s study abroad experience provided a broader perspective on the many factors that influence nutrition and health, strengthening her passion for research and her commitment to improving maternal and child health through evidence-based science.

Interested in our research? Click the link below to learn more!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

08/07/2026

Connecting with the best in nutrition science at National Harbor, MD!

Our very own Dr. Dulce Minaya represented our PEACH Lab at the ASN Nutrition 2026 conference. At ASN26 an inspiring 4 days of catching up on the latest breakthroughs in nutrition.

Dr. Minaya’s favorite part was networking with other brilliant peers from across the field, and getting the chance to build new connections.

Research Nutrition WomensHealth

08/06/2026

Breastfeeding doesn’t come with a manual, and it doesn’t have to be a journey you navigate on your own. Whether you’re learning to latch, returning to work, managing milk supply concerns, or simply looking for encouragement, there are resources available to help support you and your baby.

Here are a few trusted places to start:
🤱 International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs)
👩‍👩‍👧 Local or virtual breastfeeding support groups
🌎 Evidence-based organizations like the CDC, La Leche League International, the Office on Women’s Health, and the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine
🏥 Your healthcare team, including your OB-GYN, pediatrician, registered dietitian, and primary care provider. Every breastfeeding experience is different, and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Building a support network can make a meaningful difference in your feeding journey.

💬 What resource has been the most helpful for you? Share it in the comments to help support other parents in our community. Click the link below to learn more about our research!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

08/05/2026

Knowing your rights can make returning to work while breastfeeding a little less stressful. 🤱💼
Balancing work and breastfeeding can feel overwhelming, but many employees are protected by federal law. The Providing Urgent Maternal Protections (PUMP) for Nursing Mothers Act requires many employers to provide reasonable break time and a private, non-bathroom space for employees to express breast milk during the workday.

Planning ahead by talking with your employer before returning to work, creating a pumping schedule, and knowing your rights can help make the transition smoother.

Every workplace is different, and some jobs may have different requirements or exceptions. If you have questions about your specific situation, don’t hesitate to reach out to your employer, a lactation consultant, or review guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Supporting breastfeeding employees helps families, workplaces, and communities thrive. 💙 Click the link below to learn more about our current study!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

08/04/2026

Myth or fact? Breastfeeding comes with a lot of advice, but not all of it is accurate.

Misinformation can make feeding feel even more overwhelming, especially for new parents. Understanding what’s true can help families feel more confident and supported throughout their breastfeeding journey.
In this post, we’re debunking a few common breastfeeding myths, including:

🤍 Breast size and milk production
🤍 Breastfeeding while sick
🤍 Dairy intake and milk supply

Every parent and baby are different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all feeding journey. If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your healthcare provider or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC) for personalized guidance.

💛 At the PEACH Lab, we’re committed to sharing evidence-based information to support families during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Click the link below to check your eligibility in our current study!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

08/03/2026

Finding the Right Breastfeeding Position & Latch
Breastfeeding looks different for every parent and baby, and finding a comfortable position can make feeding easier for both of you. There isn’t one “right” way, it’s all about what works best for you!

✨ Popular breastfeeding positions include:
• Cradle Hold
• Cross-Cradle Hold
• Football Hold
• Side-Lying Position
• Laid-Back (Biological Nurturing) Position

💛 Tips for a good latch:
✔️ Bring your baby to your breast, not your breast to your baby.
✔️ Aim your ni**le toward your baby’s nose and wait for a wide-open mouth before latching.
✔️ Make sure your baby takes in not just the ni**le, but a large portion of the ar**la.
✔️ Listen and watch for rhythmic sucking and swallowing.
✔️ Breastfeeding shouldn’t be painful. If it hurts, gently break the suction with a clean finger and try again.

Remember, both you and your baby are learning together. It can take time, patience, and practice to find a position and latch that feel comfortable. If you’re experiencing pain or having difficulty, don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant or your healthcare provider for support.

This , we’re celebrating every breastfeeding journey and reminding families that support can make all the difference. 💙 Click the link below to learn more about the research we are conducting in Peach Lab!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

NewParents

08/02/2026

What’s inside breast milk?

Breast milk is more than nutrition. It’s a living, dynamic fluid designed to support a baby’s growth and development. From healthy fats that fuel brain development to antibodies that help protect against illness, every feeding provides a unique combination of nutrients and bioactive compounds.

One of the most fascinating aspects of breast milk is that it changes over time. Its composition adapts throughout a feeding, across different stages of infancy, and even when a baby is sick to help meet changing needs.

✨ During World Breastfeeding Week, we celebrate breastfeeding while recognizing that every family’s feeding journey looks different. Supporting parents with evidence-based information and compassionate care helps every baby thrive. For more information about the study, click the link below!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

08/01/2026

Happy World Breastfeeding Week! This week, we’re celebrating the incredible benefits of breastfeeding while recognizing that every family’s feeding journey is unique. Breastfeeding provides important nutrients and antibodies that help support an infant’s growth, immune system, and development. It also offers health benefits for mothers, including supporting postpartum recovery and contributing to long-term health.

At the PEACH Lab, we’re passionate about advancing research that supports maternal and infant health. Through research, education, and community engagement, we hope to empower families with evidence-based information to make informed decisions that are best for them. Whether you’re breastfeeding, pumping, combination feeding, or formula feeding, every parent deserves support, compassion, and access to reliable resources.

Join us all week as we share research, practical tips, and information in celebration of World Breastfeeding Week! Click the link below to learn more about our research!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

07/30/2026

Helping prevent choking starts with knowing the risks.As babies transition to solid foods, their chewing and swallowing skills are still developing, making it important to recognize common choking hazards and practice safe feeding habits.This guide covers several key areas to help keep mealtimes safe:

🍇 Foods to Avoid: Certain foods, such as whole grapes, popcorn, whole nuts, hot dogs, and raw carrots, can easily block a young child’s airway. These foods should be avoided or prepared in a way that reduces choking risk based on your child’s age and developmental stage.
🧸 Dangerous Objects: Small household items like coins, button batteries, marbles, balloons, and small toy parts are common choking hazards. Keeping these objects out of reach is an important part of creating a safe environment for infants and toddlers.
👶 Safe Feeding Tips: Encourage children to sit upright during meals, always supervise them while eating, offer foods in appropriate sizes and textures, and allow them to eat at their own pace. These simple habits can significantly reduce the risk of choking.
⚠️ Warning Signs: Choking isn’t always loud. Difficulty breathing, an inability to cough or cry, bluish lips or skin, and silent choking are all signs that require immediate attention.
🚑 Emergency Action: If a child is choking, call emergency services immediately and begin age-appropriate first aid if you are trained to do so. Avoid performing a blind finger sweep, as it can push an object farther into the airway.

Every child develops at their own pace, so introducing foods that match their feeding skills is one of the best ways to support safe and enjoyable mealtimes. 💛

This post is intended for educational purposes and should not replace guidance from your healthcare provider or certified infant first aid training.

If you are interested in our research, please click the link below to learn more!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

Address

305 Sanford Drive, Dawson Hall Suite 307
Athens, GA
30602

Website

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC, https://www.fcs.uga.edu/fdn/research-peach-lab, https://www.fcs

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when PeachLabUGA posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Want your school to be the top-listed School/college in Athens?