With limited existing research on the effects of medications and exposures on lactation, Christina D. Chambers, University of California San Diego, shares work underway to better assess risks and benefits for mom and baby. Co-hosts Anne Chappelle and David Faulkner also discuss with Dr. Chambers the tricky roles of epidemiology and observational studies.

About the Guest
Christina D. Chambers, PhD, MPH, is a Professor in the Department of Pediatrics and the Department of Family and Preventative Medicine at the University of California San Diego (UC San Diego) and Co-director of the Center for Better Beginnings. She also is a Clinical Professor in the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC San Diego, Vice Chair of Clinical Research in the UC San Diego Department of Pediatrics, Director of the UC San Diego CTRI Center for Life Course Research, and Director of Clinical Research at Rady Children’s Hospital–San Diego.

Dr. Chambers is a perinatal epidemiologist specializing in environmental causes of adverse pregnancy outcomes, birth defects, and childhood disabilities, with a special focus on human teratogens (environmental agents that cause birth defects or other adverse prenatal outcomes). She is currently conducting research on the prevention of alcohol-related birth defects, the safety in pregnancy of several new medications used for the treatment of maternal health conditions, and the safety of vaccines during pregnancy. Dr. Chambers serves as an advisor to national and international organizations such as the National Institutes of Health, the US Food and Drug Administration, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the World Health Organization (WHO).