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Lactation Newsmakers - Helen Ball Research That Makes a Difference: Connecting Applied Anthropology, Infant Sleep,

Tanya M Cassidy1, Helen Ball2

  • 1Kathleen Lonsdale Human Health Research Institute, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland.

Journal of Human Lactation : Official Journal of International Lactation Consultant Association
|September 24, 2025
PubMed

Insights

This research explores infant sleep and parent-infant sleep dynamics from a biosocial viewpoint. It translates academic findings into practical advice for parents and healthcare professionals.

Area of Science:

  • Anthropology
  • Biosocial Science
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Professor Helen Ball directs the Durham Infancy & Sleep Centre.
  • Her research focuses on infant sleep and the parent-infant sleep relationship.
  • She translates academic research into evidence-based resources for parents and healthcare providers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate infant sleep patterns and the biosocial factors influencing them.
  • To bridge the gap between academic research and practical application in infant sleep.
  • To provide evidence-based information on infant sleep for parents and healthcare professionals.

Main Methods:

  • Biosocial perspective on infant sleep ecology.
  • Translation of academic research into accessible information.
  • Development of resources via Basis-the Baby Sleep Information Source website.

Main Results:

  • Pioneering the translation of infant sleep research into actionable evidence.
  • Significant contributions to understanding the parent-infant sleep relationship.
  • Development of widely accessible resources for infant sleep information.

Conclusions:

  • The importance of a biosocial approach to understanding infant sleep.
  • The critical role of translating research for practical parental and healthcare use.
  • Ongoing contributions to the field of infant sleep through research and outreach.

Keywords:
applied anthropological researchbreastfeedingembodimentevolutional anthropology

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