Ruth A. Lawrence, M.D.

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Ruth A. Lawrence's focus in neonatal care has been nutrition. Recently that interest has been predominantly in human milk and breastfeeding. Since human lactation has suffered from considerable neglect, a textbook, "Breastfeeding: A Guide for the Medical Profession" now in its 6th Edition (2005) has consumed considerable time in researching the current literature and creating a computerized database and developing consensus. Specific research projects have been done in collaboration with Cynthia Howard at RGH. The current funded study involves Vitamin D and its levels in human milk. Breastfeeding mother-infant pairs are recruited to test the impact of high dose Vitamin D (4000 units daily) for the mother on Vitamin D levels in her milk and her baby. They are also followed with densometry.

Dr. Lawrence has also been involved in efforts to provide human milk for prematures. A product has been produced exclusively from human milk to be used to supplement a mother's own milk who is feeding a premature. The product was developed in consultation with Dr. Lawrence by Prolacta Bioscience, a human milk bank. The study will be funded by Prolacta. A blinded, randomized study of the supplement will test its impact on the growth of the prematures as well as the incidence of infections compared to breastfeeding prematures who are supplemented with a bovine product.

Other work based on clinical toxicology issues and prevention education is funded by HHS grants through Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and carried out at the Poison Center.

Specialty

Neonatology

Current Appointments

• Professor - Department of Pediatrics (SMD)
• Professor - Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (SMD)