Search Results (150)

Background: Obesity in adults is a growing health concern. The principal interventions used in obesity management are lifestyle-change interventions such as diet, exercise, and behavioral therapy. Although they are effective, current treatment options have not succeeded in halting the global rise in the prevalence of obesity or achieving sustained long-term weight maintenance at the population level. E-health and m-health are both integral components of digital health that focus on the use of technology to improve healthcare delivery and outcomes. The use of eHealth/mHealth might improve the management of some of these treatments. Several digital health interventions to manage obesity are currently in clinical trials. Objective: The aim of our systematic review is to evaluate whether digital health interventions (e-Health and m-Health) have effects on changes in anthropometric measures, such as weight, BMI, and waist circumference and behaviors such as energy intake, eating behaviors, and physical activity. Methods: A search was conducted for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted through 4 October 2024 through three databases (Medline, Web of Science, and Scopus). Studies were included if they evaluated digital health interventions (e-Health and m-Health) compared to control groups in overweight or obese adults (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m²) and reported anthropometric or lifestyle behavioral outcomes. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2). Meta-analyses were performed using random-effects or fixed-effects models as appropriate, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Twenty-two RCTs involving diverse populations (obese adults, overweight individuals, postpartum women, patients with eating disorders) were included. Digital interventions included biofeedback devices, smartphone apps, e-coaching systems, web-based interventions, and mixed approaches. Only waist circumference showed a statistically significant reduction (WMD = −1.77 cm; 95% CI: −3.10 to −0.44; p = 0.009). No significant effects were observed for BMI (WMD = −0.43 kg/m²; p = 0.247), body weight (WMD = 0.42 kg; p = 0.341), or lifestyle behaviors, including physical activity (SMD = −0.01; p = 0.939) and eating behavior (SMD = −0.13; p = 0.341). Body-fat percentage showed a borderline-significant trend toward reduction (WMD = −0.79%; p = 0.068). High heterogeneity was observed across most outcomes (I² > 80%), indicating substantial variability between studies. Quality assessment revealed predominant judgments of “Some Concerns” and “High Risk” across the evaluated domains. Conclusions: Digital health interventions produce modest but significant benefits on waist circumference in overweight and obese adults, without significant effects on other anthropometric or behavioral parameters. The high heterogeneity observed underscores the need for more personalized approaches and future research focused on identifying the most effective components of digital interventions. Digital health interventions should be positioned as valuable adjuncts to, rather than replacements for, established obesity treatments. Their integration within comprehensive care models may enhance traditional interventions through continuous monitoring, real-time feedback, and improved accessibility, but interventions with proven efficacy such as behavioral counseling and clinical oversight should be maintained. Full article

Background/Objectives: Studies demonstrate better health outcomes for infants consuming milk with higher concentrations of ω3 (ALA and DHA) and negative health outcomes associated with higher ω6 (LA and AA) PUFAs. We studied the relationship between maternal BMI and PUFA levels in maternal plasma and breast milk. Methods: Women at 7–8 weeks postpartum were grouped according to normal BMI (18–24.9 kg/m²) and overweight/obese (OW/OB; ≥25 kg/m²). Maternal blood and continuous breast milk samples obtained from foremilk to hindmilk were analyzed for lipidomics. Results: The plasma levels of ω3 and ω6 PUFA were significantly lower in OW/OB subjects, with a total ω3 and ω6 FA level of 50% for women with normal BMI. Conversely, breastmilk levels of total ω3 and ω6, including their respective precursors of LCFAs (ALA and LA), were significantly increased in both foremilk and hindmilk samples of OW/OB. Despite this, DHA (ω3 PUFA) levels in OW/OB women were similar in foremilk and significantly decreased in hindmilk samples as compared to normal BMI women. Consequently, the ratio of DHA/Total ω3 significantly decreased in foremilk and hindmilk samples of OW/OB women. However, proinflammatory AA (ω6 PUFA) levels increased, resulting in an increased ratio of AA/DHA in OW/OB women. Breast milk DHA was positively correlated, whereas AA was negatively correlated with maternal plasma. Conclusions: Marked differences in maternal plasma and breast milk ω3 and ω6 FA concentrations among women with OW/OB indicate significant differences in nutritional exposures for their infants. Reduced milk DHA may be a consequence of reduced mammary peroxisomal conversion of ALA to DHA due to increased insulin/reactive species within the maternal obese environment. The imbalance of ω3 and ω6 FAs suggests that DHA supplementation and approaches to limit plasma to breast milk AA transfer in OW/OB subjects may be of value. Full article

Pre-eclampsia is a severe pregnancy complication affecting 5–8% of pregnancies worldwide, marked by high blood pressure and organ damage typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation. It is a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Though its exact cause is unknown, it involves placental abnormalities and improper blood vessel development. Risk factors include a history of pre-eclampsia, chronic hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune disorders. Symptoms include high blood pressure, proteinuria, headaches, vision changes, and abdominal pain. Untreated, it can lead to seizures, stroke, preterm birth, or death. Delivery is the definitive treatment, with management strategies such as monitoring and blood pressure control. Pre-eclampsia significantly increases long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, including hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke, linked to shared mechanisms like endothelial dysfunction and inflammation. Women with severe or recurrent pre-eclampsia have heightened risks, often developing chronic hypertension within a decade postpartum. It also impacts offspring, with daughters at elevated risk for pre-eclampsia and CVD. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia, induce changes like left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction, raising risks for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and coronary atherosclerosis. Overlapping with peripartum cardiomyopathy, pre-eclampsia underscores a spectrum of pregnancy-related cardiovascular disorders. Long-term monitoring and lifestyle interventions are crucial for managing risks, with research into genetic and biological mechanisms offering the potential for targeted prevention. Full article

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) leads to increased lifelong cardiometabolic risk in both mothers and their offspring. The identification of effective strategies to contain the future risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is of utmost importance to reduce the burden of the disease. Breastfeeding (BF) is effective in reducing short- and long-term child morbidity. In recent years, BF has emerged as a candidate low-cost intervention to prevent future cardiometabolic complications both in mothers and infants exposed to GDM. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the evidence about the possible metabolic benefits of BF for both mothers with a history of GDM and their offspring. Increasing evidence supports the positive effects of exclusive BF over formula feeding (FF) or mixed feeding on glucose homeostasis and the lipid profile in women with previous GDM in the early postpartum period. Studies with a longer observation suggest clear benefits of intensive and longer BF on the risk of diabetes and prediabetes in mothers after adjustment for confounders. In regards to infants, in most studies, the intensity and duration of BF are positively associated with slower infant growth curves compared with FF, indicating that the positive effect of BF on growth trends might contrast the increased risk of obesity and metabolic diseases observed in infants exposed to GDM. Considering these findings, a global effort should be made to support BF practice to possibly reduce cardiometabolic morbidity after GDM. Full article

Background/Objectives: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a condition characterized by hyperglycemia and is associated with increased risk of obesity and diabetes in exposed children. Differences in human milk composition between women with (GDM+) and without GDM (GDM-) suggest that GDM could impact milk production and composition, potentially influencing infant growth. However, this association remains poorly understood. The objective was to study the association between GDM and human milk composition and its influence on infant growth, focusing on metabolites and bioactive molecules involved in energy metabolism. Methods: Using a cross-sectional design, 24 metabolites were measured by GC-MS in human milk obtained at 2 months postpartum from 20 GDM+ women and 29 GDM- women. Anthropometric measures, as well as lipid and glycemic profiles, were collected. Infant weight and length data were obtained from health records. Results: Human milk metabolites significantly differ between GDM+ and GDM- mothers, with higher levels of myristic acid, glycerol, uracil, arachidonic acid, and cholesterol in GDM+ milk (p < 0.05). Specific human milk metabolites showed distinct correlations with maternal glycemic as well as infant growth, depending on GDM status. While maternal glycemia was associated with succinate and malate in all groups, maternal glycemia was specifically correlated with valine and glutamate in GDM+ mothers. Additionally, in GDM+ women, α-ketoglutarate and glycine were negatively correlated with infant growth. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that GDM can influence the mother’s health beyond delivery, impacting the mammary gland biology with effects on the human milk composition. Further, correlations with infant growth suggest that GDM-dependent variations in milk composition potentially influence infant growth and metabolism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Endocannabinoids are endogenous bioactive lipids that promote neurodevelopment and positive energy balance. Increased levels of endocannabinoids are associated with obesity, but the effect of maternal obesity on breast milk endocannabinoids across lactation is mostly unknown. Methods: Women from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) (n = 92) were followed from the third trimester of pregnancy to 119 days postpartum, and milk samples were analyzed in the postpartum days 2–8 (T1), 28–47 (T2), and 88–119 (T3). We assessed the endocannabinoids anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) by high-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, leptin and insulin by immunoassay, and macronutrients by colorimetric assays in milk samples. Results: Milk AEA concentration was higher in T2 compared with T1 or T3, while 2-AG levels were higher in T2 and T3 compared with T1. Milk endocannabinoids were directly correlated with pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), gestational weight gain (GWG), and milk triglycerides. Triglyceride and leptin levels were higher in mature milk (T2 and T3) of women with BMI > 25 or excessive GWG. Adjusted linear regression models showed a positive association between excessive GWG and milk 2-AG (β = 1629; 95% CI: 467–2792; p = 0.008). Conclusions: The endocannabinoid levels are higher in mature milk from women with obesity or excessive GWG, which may impact offspring development and metabolism. Full article

Background/Objectives: Maternal vaccination and breastfeeding are important aspects of public health that should be recommended by medical staff caring for pregnant and postpartum women. We aimed to analyze factors affecting women’s likelihood of dual vaccination during pregnancy and their infant feeding strategies. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 953 Polish mothers. An online questionnaire was used and included questions on sociodemographic and obstetric variables, women’s attitudes towards COVID-19 and influenza vaccination, and breastfeeding practices. Results: COVID-19 vaccination was reported by 66.0%, influenza vaccination by 18.2%, and dual vaccination by 15.6% of Polish mothers. Increasing willingness to receive vaccines was significantly associated with older maternal age, lower BMI, living in urban areas with >100,000 residents, and high levels of knowledge regarding vaccination. No significant association between dual vaccination and neonatal feeding strategy was detected. The group of exclusively breastfeeding mothers, in comparison to formula- and mixed-feeding women, was characterized by having lower pre-pregnancy BMI and previous maternal experience. Conclusions: Rates of vaccination against seasonal influenza and dual (influenza and COVID-19) vaccination remain low among Polish mothers. The promotion of antenatal vaccination and reliable information about short- and long-term advantages related to breastfeeding are crucial to perinatal health care for the mother–infant dyad. Young, primiparous women who are overweight or obese should be targets of preventive programs focused on the health of the mother–infant dyad. Full article

Background: Breastfeeding is widely regarded as the optimal method of infant nutrition. A notable benefit of breastfeeding is its potential to avert the development of childhood overweight and obesity. This assertion holds particular significance in the context of infants whose mothers have exhibited gestational diabetes, a condition that has been demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of carbohydrate and/or fat disorders in offspring, potentially leading to the onset of overweight and obesity in later life. Objective: The objective of the present study was to examine the variations in the anthropometric dimensions of infants across three distinct time points during the initial year of life, with a particular focus on the correlation between infant feeding practices and the prevalence of gestational diabetes in maternal subjects. Additionally, this study encompassed an analysis of the disparities in anthropometric dimensions between infant males and females. Methods: The study population included 42 infants whose mothers had been diagnosed with gestational diabetes between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, as well as 28 infants of women without gestational diabetes. The infants’ dietary habits, including breastfeeding, mixed feeding, and formula feeding, were assessed, and their anthropometric measurements were obtained at three time points: 7 ± 1 weeks postpartum, 6 months ± 1 week postpartum, and 12 months ± 1 week postpartum. The infants were measured for weight, length, head circumference, and thickness of the subscapular skin fold. We also calculated their BMI and Ponderal Index, and the measurements were referenced to WHO centile grids. Results: At 7 ± 1 weeks postpartum, exclusively breastfed infants exhibited higher weight compared to those who were mixed-fed or formula-fed (p = 0.03). However, at 1 year of age, breastfed infants demonstrated significantly lower weight compared to formula-fed infants (p = 0.019). Furthermore, at 12 months, breastfed boys exhibited lower weight, length, BMI, and lower subscapular skinfold thickness compared to formula-fed infants. Conclusions: Breastfeeding has been shown to play a pivotal role in preventing obesity in children. In the initial postnatal period, infants who are fed breast milk exhibit a higher weight compared to those who are fed formula. However, by the age of 12 months, the weight of breastfed infants typically falls below that of formula-fed infants. Diabetes during pregnancy has been observed to have no impact on the anthropometric dimensions of infants up to the age of one. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to comprehensively assess the long-term implications of maternal GDM in their offspring. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to analyze and compare three different methods of estimated blood loss (EBL) assessment in conjunction with the exploration of risk factors associated with early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) among women undergoing a cesarean section (CS). Methods: Women with a singleton pregnancy who underwent an elective/emergency CS were recruited for this prospective cross-sectional study. Early PPH was defined as a cumulative blood loss ≥1000 mL within the 24 h period following the delivery. Methods of EBL assessment included the following: (1) visual estimation by the surgeon (sEBL), (2) the evaluation of blood-soaked dressings (dEBL), and (3) implementation of a mathematical formula (fEBL). Results: In the study period, 21 cases of early PPH were identified and compared with 452 controls. Among the patients with a PPH, a significant increase in the surgery time (60 min. vs. 46 min., p = 0.001), fetal birthweight (3780 g vs. 3417.5 g, p < 0.01), the occurrence of uterine atony (61.9% vs. 2.2%, p < 0.001), and myomas (9.5% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.05) was noted. In both groups, dEBL and sEBL provided the highest and the lowest EBL values, respectively (PPH dEBL: 1230 mL vs. fEBL: 1173.3 mL vs. sEBL 1000 mL, p < 0.001; control dEBL: 652 mL vs. fEBL 604 mL vs. sEBL 600 mL, p < 0.001). A patient age of 31–34 years (OR 1.71; 95%CI: 1.19–2.44), overweight (OR 2.65; 95%CI: 1.87–3.76), obesity (OR 2.68; 95%CI: 1.71–4.21), emergency mode of CS (OR 4.06; 95%CI: 2.94–5.62), surgeon experience (resident OR 1.86; 95%CI: 1.27–2.7; assistant specialist OR 3.13; 95%CI: 2.15–4.55) and fetal macrosomia (OR 3.19; 95%CI: 2.14–4.74) were selected as significant risk factors of the PPH. Conclusions: In women with early PPH following a CS, both dEBL and fEBL provide comparable estimations of blood loss. An emergency-mode CS and fetal macrosomia are the strongest contributors to PPH among women undergoing a CS. A combination of different methods of EBL with the proper identification of risk factors of a PPH can lead to improvement in the clinical management of obstetric hemorrhage following the CS. Full article

Background: Rapid weight gain in early infancy increases the risk of childhood obesity, while exclusive breastfeeding can protect against it, depending on breastmilk composition, maternal diet, and infant gut microbiota. Objective: The objective of this study was to analyze the association between maternal diet, breastmilk components, infant gut microbiota, and weight gain in the first year of life of Mexican breastfed infants. Methods: This longitudinal study included 27 mothers with exclusively breastfed infants (≥5 months of age). We evaluated maternal diet and breastmilk composition at 5 months postpartum (pp), the infant fecal microbiota at 5 and 12 months pp using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and weight gain as normal, rapid or slow weight gain (NWG, RWG or SWG) in periods 1 (0–5.5 months) and 2 (5.5–12 months). Results: Infants with NWG in periods 1 and 2 made up 51% and 56%, respectively. In period 1, ingested breastmilk protein content was higher for NWG infants than for infants with SWG (p = 0.01), and the protein content was negatively correlated with maternal BMI (r = −0.42, p = 0.02). The genera Veillonella (19.5%), Bifidobacterium (19.5%), and Escherichia-Shigella (16.8%) dominated the microbiota at 5 months. At 12 months, Bacteroides predominated, and the first two genera remained. Breastmilk fat correlated with Veillonella abundance (r = −0.50, p = 0.02) and oligosaccharides with Lachnospiraceae (r = 0.73, p = 0.03) at 5 months. There was a trend of a higher abundance of Bifidobacterium in NWG infants than in other infants in period 1, while infants with RWG and SWG had a higher abundance of Ruminococcus gnavus (p = 0.03) in period 1 and Alistipes in period 2 (p = 0.01), respectively. Conclusions: Breastfeeding shaped the gut microbiota of exclusively breastfed infants, and its structure was associated with infant weight gain trajectories. Full article

Background and Objectives: Cesarean hysterectomy is a critical intervention often required to manage life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) due to complications such as uterine atony, abnormal placental implantation, or traumatic rupture. Although lifesaving, the procedure is associated with significant risks and complications. This study investigates the causes and outcomes of cesarean hysterectomy, focusing on complications arising from the procedure. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 82 women who underwent cesarean hysterectomy at Afzali Pour Hospital between 2018 and 2022. All patients were followed for 42 days post-surgery to evaluate outcomes and complications. Data were extracted from electronic medical records, encompassing demographic, obstetric, and clinical details, including age, body mass index, previous cesarean sections, indications for cesarean deliveries, causes of hysterectomy, and complications. The primary outcome was to determine the causes of cesarean hysterectomy, while the secondary outcome assessed the complications associated with the procedure. Stepwise logistic regression analysis was utilized to identify significant predictors of complications. Results: The study included 82 women who underwent cesarean hysterectomy. The mean age of the participants was 35.2 years (SD = 5.4), with a range from 24 to 48 years. The average BMI was 29.1 kg/m² (SD = 4.3), with 45% of the women classified as overweight or obese (BMI ≥ 25). The majority of the patients (70%) had a history of two or more previous cesarean sections, and the most common indication for cesarean hysterectomy was abnormal placentation, including placenta accreta (58%). Uterine rupture was reported in 13% of the cases. In terms of complications, bladder injury was the most common, occurring in 33.33% of women, followed by fever (20%), ureteral injury (13.33%), and hematoma (8.89%). Stepwise logistic regression analysis revealed that higher BMI significantly increased the odds of the outcome (OR = 4.18, 95% CI: 1.66–10.51, p = 0.002), and the number of previous cesarean sections was also a significant predictor (OR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.17–4.53, p = 0.016). Conclusions: Placenta accreta and previa were the most frequent causes of cesarean hysterectomy, with bladder injury and fever being the most common complications. A higher number of previous cesareans and higher BMI significantly increase the likelihood of complications. Understanding these risk factors can improve patient management and surgical outcomes, highlighting the importance of careful monitoring and preoperative planning in women with a history of cesarean deliveries. Full article

Background/Objectives: No previous study has provided a comprehensive evaluation of all biventricular and biatrial myocardial strain parameters in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus (pGDM). Accordingly, we aimed at investigating the structural and myocardial deformation properties of all cardiac chambers in a cohort of pGDM women at 4 years postpartum. Methods: A consecutive cohort of pGDM women was compared to a control group of healthy women with previous uncomplicated pregnancy, matched by age, ethnicity and gestational week, at 4 years postpartum. Both groups of women underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) implemented with speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) and subsequent carotid ultrasonography. The primary endpoint was subclinical myocardial dysfunction, defined as left-ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) < 20%, whereas the secondary endpoint was early carotid atherosclerosis, defined as common carotid artery (CCA) intima-media thickness (IMT) ≥ 0.7 mm. Results: A total of 32 pGDM women (39.1 ± 6.5 yrs) and 30 matched healthy controls (40.8 ± 5.0 yrs) were analyzed. Despite normal and similar systolic function on conventional TTE, all biventricular and biatrial strain parameters were significantly lower in pGDM women than controls. Mean follow-up period was 4.0 ± 1.9 yrs. During follow-up, 62.5% of pGDM women developed subclinical myocardial dysfunction, and 78.1% of them were diagnosed with early carotid atherosclerosis. Third-trimester BMI (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.19–2.98) and third-trimester glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (OR 2.34, 95% CI 1.08–5.04) were independently associated with the primary endpoint. Third-trimester BMI and HbA1C also independently predicted the secondary endpoint. Third-trimester BMI > 27 kg/m² and HbA1C > 33 mmol/mol showed the best sensitivity and specificity for predicting both endpoints. Conclusions: Women with a previous history of GDM complicated by overweight/obesity and uncontrolled diabetes have a significantly increased risk of subclinical myocardial dysfunction and early carotid atherosclerosis at 4 years postpartum. Full article

Low adherence to healthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy and lactation is strongly associated with a higher risk of childhood obesity. This narrative review aims to elucidate and summarize the pivotal role played by physical activity (PA) during pregnancy and breastfeeding, highlighting the potential mechanisms linking PA in these periods to the prevention of childhood obesity. Maternal exercise during pregnancy and breastfeeding significantly reduces the risk of childhood obesity by enhancing fetal metabolism, supporting healthy maternal weight management, and promoting improved breastfeeding practices. Pregnancy and the postpartum period represent critical windows for implementing preventive strategies that benefit both the mother and child. Encouraging an active lifestyle during pregnancy and breastfeeding is a vital public health strategy with extensive benefits. Healthcare professionals play a crucial role in creating supportive environments and providing tailored guidance to empower mothers to engage in regular PA. This approach not only enhances individual health outcomes but also contributes to the broader goal of fostering healthier communities. Full article

Background/Objectives: A balanced nutritious diet is vital during pregnancy for both the mother and the baby. The aims of this longitudinal study were to (1) determine any differences in macro- and micronutrient intakes in a group of UK women during pregnancy (and in the post-partum period) who were overweight or obese (BMI mean (SD) 31.1 (2.9)) at antenatal booking appointment compared with women who were within the ideal BMI range (BMI mean (SD) 22.1 (1.9)) and (2) determine the proportion of women who met the Harmonized Average Requirements (H-AR) during pregnancy. Methods: Forty-two participants attended four clinic visits: three during pregnancy, one in each trimester (V1, V2, and V3), and one 12 weeks post-partum (V4). Dietary intake was assessed by 24 h diet recall and analysed using DietPlan6. Results: There were no differences in energy and macronutrient intakes between overweight/obese and lean women. During pregnancy, the overweight/obese women consumed a mean (SD) of 3238 (941) sodium (mg per day), which was approximately 10% higher compared to 2934 (732) sodium (mg per day) in the lean group (p = 0.015). Dietary and supplemental intakes of the sodium to potassium ratio was 21% higher in overweight/obese women compared to the lean women, p = 0.0031 (mean (SD) of 1.17 (0.35) versus 0.93 (0.28), respectively). Virtually all women did not meet the H-AR for niacin, folate, and vitamin D through dietary intake alone. Conclusions: The ‘eat better and not more’ message during pregnancy is supported. Full article

Background: Maternal obesity may contribute to childhood obesity in a myriad of ways, including through alterations of the infant gut microbiome. For example, maternal obesity may contribute both directly by introducing a dysbiotic microbiome to the infant and indirectly through the altered composition of human milk that fuels the infant gut microbiome. In particular, indigestible human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are known to shape the composition of the infant gut microbiome. The goal of this study was to characterize the HMO profiles of normal-weight and overweight mothers and to quantitatively link HMO concentrations to the taxonomic composition and functional potential of the infant gut microbiome. Methods: Normal-weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9; n = 9) and overweight/obese (OW/OB; BMI > 25; n = 11) breastfeeding mothers and their infants were enrolled in this single-center, cross-sectional pilot study. Human milk from the mothers and rectal stool swabs from the infants were collected 7–9 weeks postpartum. The HMO composition, microbiome composition, and microbial functions were assessed using HPLC, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and metagenomic sequencing, respectively. Results: Neither the HMO profiles nor the infant microbiome composition varied according to maternal BMI status. Taxonomically, the gut microbiota of infants were dominated by typical gut lineages including Bifidobacterium. Significant correlations between individual HMOs and bacterial genera were identified, including for Prevotella, a genus of the Bacteroidota phylum that was positively correlated with the concentrations of lacto-N-neotetraose (LNnT) and lacto-N-hexaose (LNH). Using metagenomic assembled genomes, we were also able to identify the broad HMO-degradative capacity across the Bifidobacterium and Prevotella genera. Conclusions: These results suggest that the maternal BMI status does not impact the HMO profiles of human milk. However, select HMOs were correlated with specific bacterial taxa, suggesting that the milk composition influences both the taxonomic composition and the functional capacity of the infant gut microbiome. Full article