In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, the host interviews Tricia Johnson, a professor at Rush University's Department of Health Systems Management. As a human milk economist, Tricia discusses her work in understanding the economic drivers of healthcare spending, particularly focusing on the cost-effectiveness of feeding mother's own milk (MOM) to premature infants. Tricia shares her journey into this niche field, her collaborations with other researchers, and the significant health and economic benefits of MOM for preterm infants in the NICU. The conversation touches upon the disparities in breastfeeding among different racial and socio-economic groups and the impact of policies and interventions like the "ReDiMOM" trial, which aims to reduce these discrepancies. Tricia also emphasizes the importance of long-term economic evaluations, discussing the broader implications of her work, including policy development and healthcare strategies. Finally, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities of balancing her professional research with her personal life as a parent.00:00 Introduction to Human Milk Economics03:28 Tricia Johnson's Journey into Human Milk Economics05:35 Economic Impact of Preterm Births and Human Milk07:34 Research on Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes10:27 Addressing Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding14:28 The "ReDiMOM" Trial: Reducing Disparities16:15 Economic Theories and Cash Transfers in Breastfeeding20:53 Challenges and Solutions in Breastfeeding Support25:32 Personal Insights and Optimism29:03 Conclusion and Future AspirationsMentioned in this episode:RUSH University Department of Health Systems Management Research Human Milk Institute National Institutes of HealthRush Mothers' Milk Club"ReDiMOM" Cohort Study"LOVEMOM" Cohort

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