PeachLabUGA

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.

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but readiness is more important than age alone. While many babies are developm...
04/21/2026

Starting solids is an exciting milestone, but readiness is more important than age alone. While many babies are developmentally ready around 6 months, it’s best to look for signs like sitting up with minimal support, good head and neck control, bringing objects to their mouth, and showing interest in food.At this stage, breast milk or formula is still the primary source of nutrition, and solids are meant to complement, not replace, those feeds. Begin with small amounts once a day and gradually increase as your baby shows interest. Iron is a key nutrient to focus on early. Babies’ natural iron stores begin to decrease around 6 months, making iron-rich foods like fortified cereals, pureed meats, beans, and lentils especially important. Pairing these foods with vitamin C sources (like fruits or vegetables) can help improve absorption.

It’s also normal for babies to need multiple exposures to accept new foods, so don’t be discouraged if something is refused at first. Creating a low-pressure, positive feeding environment can help support long-term healthy eating habits. Our research continues to highlight how clear, practical nutrition guidance can help caregivers feel more confident during these early feeding transitions.

Click the link below to check your elgability in the study:

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

Postpartum nutrition doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be effective. In reality, this stage is often about quick, ac...
04/17/2026

Postpartum nutrition doesn’t have to be picture-perfect to be effective. In reality, this stage is often about quick, accessible meals that provide steady energy, support healing, and fit into an unpredictable routine with a newborn. Prioritizing simple combinations of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats throughout the day can help with recovery, hormone regulation, and overall well-being, even when meals are eaten in between feedings or while multitasking.

Our research highlights how nutrition during the postpartum period plays a key role in maternal health outcomes, including energy levels, mood, and recovery. By focusing on realistic, nutrient-dense options like the ones in this example day, we can better support moms in meeting their needs without adding extra pressure. Small, consistent choices can make a meaningful difference in both maternal wellness and the early environment a baby is growing in.
Postpartum nutrition isn’t about “bouncing back”, it’s about giving your body what it needs to recover, heal, and keep up with a newborn. Small, consistent meals make a difference. Save this for later or send to a new mom who needs easy ideas!

Click the link below to check your eligability in the study!

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

ResearchInPractice

Caring for a baby comes with many questions, especially when it comes to meeting nutritional needs. Iron is an important...
04/14/2026

Caring for a baby comes with many questions, especially when it comes to meeting nutritional needs. Iron is an important nutrient to monitor as babies grow. It helps form hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body, and supports developing tissues, organs, and the rapidly growing brain. Babies are born with iron stores, but these naturally decline over the first few months of life. Premature infants often need iron supplementation earlier because they have less time before birth to build up these reserves, and some full-term, exclusively breastfed infants may also benefit from additional iron around four months when stores begin to drop.

Between four and six months, many infants begin showing readiness for solid foods, making this an important time to introduce iron-rich options such as meats, beans, and iron-fortified cereals. For infants who consume formula, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using iron-fortified formula throughout the first year to help meet needs. Because iron requirements can vary, working with a pediatrician can help determine whether dietary intake is sufficient or if supplementation may be appropriate.

Understanding when and how infants meet their iron needs is an important focus of our study. By examining feeding practices and sources of iron during early infancy, our research aims to better understand how babies achieve adequate iron intake and identify opportunities to support optimal growth and development.

Click the link below to learn more about the studyd!
https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

MaternalRights PublicHealth Research InfantDevelopment

Maternal health and rights play a critical role in shaping outcomes for both parents and babies around the world Access...
04/11/2026

Maternal health and rights play a critical role in shaping outcomes for both parents and babies around the world Access to nutrition, healthcare, education, and feeding support empowers families to make informed decisions during pregnancy and early infancy. These early experiences influence growth, development, and long-term health, including whether infants receive key nutrients like iron during the first year of life.

Our study explores early feeding practices and sources of iron in infancy to better understand how babies meet their nutritional needs. By supporting maternal health, informed feeding choices, and equitable access to resources, we can help promote healthy development from the very beginning.

Click the link below to learn more about the study!
https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

MaternalRights PublicHealth Research InfantDevelopment

Caring for a baby comes with many transitions, and weaning is one of the biggest. Weaning means gradually moving from br...
04/07/2026

Caring for a baby comes with many transitions, and weaning is one of the biggest. Weaning means gradually moving from breastfeeding to other foods and drinks as your child grows, and the “right” time looks different for every family. For babies under 12 months, if you decide to wean, breast milk should be replaced with infant formula. For children 12 months and older, plain, pasteurized whole cow’s milk or a fortified, unsweetened soy beverage can be offered instead. At this stage, infant formula and toddler milks are usually unnecessary.

A slow, gradual approach often works best. Over several weeks or more, you can replace one breastfeeding session at a time, allowing your body to adjust while helping your child ease into the change. This method supports getting used to new tastes, learning to drink from a bottle or cup, and adapting to a new feeding routine without feeling rushed. As you continue replacing feedings, your milk supply will naturally decrease until your body stops producing breast milk. Since every child’s needs and every parent’s comfort level are different, checking in with your pediatrician can help guide a weaning plan that works best for your family.

In our study, we focus on maternal and infant nutrition during key transitions like pregnancy, postpartum, and early childhood feeding. Weaning is an important period because nutrient needs remain high for both parent and child, and dietary choices can influence growth, development, and overall health. Understanding how families navigate transitions like weaning helps us better support evidence-based nutrition recommendations and promote healthy outcomes during this critical stage.

Click the link below to learn more about the study!
https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC

You may have seen both “folate” and “folic acid” listed on nutrition labels, but they are not exactly the same. Folate i...
04/03/2026

You may have seen both “folate” and “folic acid” listed on nutrition labels, but they are not exactly the same. Folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 found in foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, citrus fruits, and avocados. Folic acid is the man-made form that is commonly added to supplements and fortified foods such as cereals and breads. Both forms help the body make new cells, support red blood cell production, and are important for healthy brain and spinal cord development during pregnancy. The main difference is how the body uses them. Folate from food is already in a form your body can use. Folic acid, however, needs to be converted into an active form first.

Getting enough folate is important not only before and during pregnancy, but also after delivery. Folate supports rapid cell growth, tissue repair, and overall recovery, which are especially important during the postpartum period. This is one reason folate is often included in multivitamin and mineral supplements being studied in postpartum women. Our research looks at how these nutrients may help support recovery and overall health after pregnancy, when nutrient needs can still be elevated.

Click the link below to learn more about the study:

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

Vitamin C is best known for supporting the immune system, but it also plays a major role during pregnancy and postpartum...
03/31/2026

Vitamin C is best known for supporting the immune system, but it also plays a major role during pregnancy and postpartum. This vitamin helps the body form collagen, which is important for skin, blood vessels, and tissue growth. During pregnancy, vitamin C also helps with iron absorption — something many moms need more of — and supports overall maternal health. You can find vitamin C in foods like oranges, strawberries, kiwi, bell peppers, broccoli, and tomatoes.
For fetal development, vitamin C helps build connective tissues and supports healthy growth of bones, skin, and blood vessels. It also acts as an antioxidant, helping protect developing cells from oxidative stress. Getting enough vitamin C during pregnancy may also support placental function, which is essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to the baby.
After delivery, vitamin C continues to matter. During lactation, it helps support tissue healing, immune function, and contributes to the vitamin C content of breast milk. This ensures that breastfeeding infants receive adequate amounts to support their own growth and immune health. It’s another example of how maternal nutrition directly influences both mom and baby.
By examining the effects of a multivitamin/mineral supplement in postpartum women, we aim to better understand how nutrients like vitamin C may help support recovery, overall health, and nutrient status during the postpartum period.

Click the link below to learn more about the study!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyRkNFUlR2NWh2Z3U3cThRbXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Z87zw2dbcGndgGtrimtnthQX3A1Y-o50zYe5WB09FR90Mj8_d4grbtDGe7Q_aem_wUF2BtZYEkTtR0Ore0lz2Q

Staying hydrated in the postpartum period is important for overall recovery, energy levels, and, for breastfeeding mothe...
03/27/2026

Staying hydrated in the postpartum period is important for overall recovery, energy levels, and, for breastfeeding mothers, supporting milk production. However, with the demands of caring for a newborn, it’s easy to forget to drink enough fluids throughout the day. Simple strategies like keeping a water bottle within reach, drinking a glass of water each time you feed your baby, and choosing hydrating foods like fruits, vegetables, and soups can help make hydration more manageable.

Quick hydration tips for new moms include setting gentle reminders on your phone and preparing a “hydration station” near your nursing or resting area. Sipping fluids consistently, rather than drinking large amounts at once, may also help maintain hydration levels. Small habits like these can support energy, reduce fatigue, and promote overall well-being during the postpartum transition.

At PeachLab, we recognize that hydration is just one component of postpartum nutrition. Our research examines how a multivitamin/mineral supplement may help support postpartum women by addressing potential nutrient gaps during a time when meeting nutritional needs — including fluids and micronutrients — can be challenging. Understanding these factors can help inform strategies to better support recovery and health after pregnancy.

Click the link below to learn more about the study!

https://redcap.ovpr.uga.edu/surveys/?s=DFDHM3PLHNA9AHJC&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBEyRkNFUlR2NWh2Z3U3cThRbXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Z87zw2dbcGndgGtrimtnthQX3A1Y-o50zYe5WB09FR90Mj8_d4grbtDGe7Q_aem_wUF2BtZYEkTtR0Ore0lz2Q

Vitamin D plays an important role in maternal health by supporting calcium regulation, bone health, immune function, and...
03/24/2026

Vitamin D plays an important role in maternal health by supporting calcium regulation, bone health, immune function, and cellular growth. During pregnancy, adequate vitamin D is linked to a lower risk of complications such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, while also supporting fetal bone and neurological development.

Low vitamin D levels are common, particularly for individuals with limited sun exposure or low dietary intake. Food sources of vitamin D include fatty fish like salmon and sardines, fortified dairy products, and egg yolks. Getting enough vitamin D through a combination of diet, safe sun exposure, and supplementation when needed can help support overall health during pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Because nutrient needs remain elevated after delivery, vitamin D continues to be important in the postpartum period. Our study is exploring whether a multivitamin/mineral supplement can help support postpartum women in meeting key nutrient needs, including vitamin D, to promote recovery and overall maternal health during this critical stage.

Click the link below to learn more about the study!

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

During lactation, a woman’s body requires additional energy and nutrients to support breast milk production and overall ...
03/20/2026

During lactation, a woman’s body requires additional energy and nutrients to support breast milk production and overall health. Breastfeeding mothers generally need an extra 330–400 kilocalories per day, though individual needs vary depending on activity level and whether they are exclusively breastfeeding. Because the nutrients a mother consumes can directly influence the composition of her breast milk, maintaining a varied, nutrient-dense diet is essential for both maternal wellbeing and infant growth and development. Key micronutrients such as iodine, choline, and vitamin D play important roles in infant brain development, with foods like eggs, dairy products, lean meats, seafood, and legumes serving as valuable sources.

In addition to overall energy needs, macronutrient intake is especially important during this stage. Protein and carbohydrate needs increase to maintain energy levels and support lactose synthesis in breast milk. Healthy fats are also critical, particularly omega-3 fatty acids like DHA, which contribute to infant brain and eye development. Fluid needs rise as well, with nursing mothers requiring around 16 cups of water per day to replace fluids lost through milk production and to stay adequately hydrated.

Despite increased awareness of these needs, many postpartum women may struggle to consistently meet nutrient recommendations through diet alone due to time constraints, appetite changes, or the demands of caring for a newborn. This is where targeted nutrition support may play an important role. Our study aims to assess whether a multivitamin-mineral supplement can help support nutrient intake and overall health in postpartum women, helping to bridge potential gaps and promote optimal outcomes for both mother and baby during lactation.

Click the link to check your eligibility in the study!

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

Selective eating habits and digestive discomfort can often influence one another, creating a two-way relationship. When ...
03/17/2026

Selective eating habits and digestive discomfort can often influence one another, creating a two-way relationship. When children accept only a limited variety of foods, they may miss out on key sources of fiber and fluids that support regular digestion. In turn, constipation can cause discomfort, lower appetite, and make children even less willing to try new foods.

Signs of constipation in children can include bowel movements every 3–4 days or less, hard or lumpy stool, and painful or difficult bowel movements. Supporting regular digestion can include gradually increasing fiber from fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while encouraging hydration throughout the day.

This connection between diet quality and digestive health highlights a broader theme we see across the lifespan. In our current research, we are exploring how a multivitamin–mineral supplement may help support nutrient intake in postpartum women, a time when nutritional needs are high and meeting them consistently can be challenging. Ensuring adequate nutrients during this stage may play an important role in supporting overall health for both mothers and their families.

Click the link to learn more about the study!

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

Sensory play involves activities that engage one or more of the five senses. When used with food, it allows children to ...
03/13/2026

Sensory play involves activities that engage one or more of the five senses. When used with food, it allows children to explore new or previously disliked foods without the expectation of eating them. The goal is to support children in developing a positive, safe relationship with food in a low-pressure environment. This approach can help reduce food neophobia, or hesitation and avoidance of unfamiliar foods. Encouraging curiosity rather than pressure helps children build confidence around food while supporting exposure to nutrient-rich options that contribute to long-term health. Small moments of exploration—like squishing yogurt, dipping fruit, or sorting colorful vegetables—can be meaningful steps toward expanding a child’s diet and improving nutrient intake over time.

Sensory play can also support children who may be hesitant to try nutrient-dense foods that are important for growth and development. In our study, we are exploring ways to improve access to key nutrients such as iron, calcium, vitamin D, and magnesium—nutrients that play an important role in health during early life. By allowing children to interact with foods through touching, smelling, and observing before tasting, sensory play can make these foods feel more familiar and less intimidating.

Click the link below to learn more about the study!

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

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