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A randomised controlled trial to compare methods of milk expression after preterm delivery
E Jones1, P W Dimmock, S A Spencer
1Neonatal Unit, North Staffordshire Hospital, Newcastle Rd, Stoke on Trent ST4 6QG, UK. elizabethajones@yahoo.com
Archives of Disease in Childhood. Fetal and Neonatal Edition
|August 23, 2001
Summary
Simultaneous breast pumping significantly increases milk volume compared to sequential pumping. Breast massage further enhances milk production, proving beneficial for mothers expressing milk for preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive medicine
- Neonatal care
- Lactation physiology
Background:
- Effective milk expression is crucial for neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) infants.
- Optimizing milk yield and composition supports infant growth and development.
- Understanding the impact of different pumping techniques and adjunctive therapies is essential for lactation support.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of simultaneous versus sequential breast pumping on milk volume and fat content.
- To evaluate the effect of breast massage on milk yield and fat content.
- To provide evidence-based recommendations for lactation management in mothers of preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- A sequential randomized controlled trial was conducted in a neonatal intensive care unit.
- Thirty-six mothers were randomized to either simultaneous or sequential breast pumping.
- A crossover design was employed to assess the effect of breast massage, with participants serving as their own controls.
Main Results:
- Simultaneous pumping yielded significantly more milk (125.08 g with massage) than sequential pumping (78.71 g with massage).
- Breast massage demonstrated an additive effect, increasing milk volume in both simultaneous and sequential pumping groups.
- Milk fat concentration remained unaffected by pumping technique or breast massage.
Conclusions:
- Simultaneous breast pumping is demonstrably more effective for milk production than sequential pumping.
- Breast massage provides a significant, additive benefit to milk yield, enhancing the effectiveness of both pumping methods.
- These findings underscore the importance of teaching mothers of preterm infants efficient milk expression techniques, including simultaneous pumping and breast massage, to ensure adequate milk supply.