Early Breast Milk Pumping Intentions Among Postpartum Women
Yiska Loewenberg Weisband1, Sarah A Keim1,2, Lisa M Keder3
11 Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University , Columbus, Ohio.
Summary
Most postpartum women intend to use breast pumps early to maintain milk supply, highlighting a need for enhanced lactation support. This early pumping intention requires clinical awareness to assist new mothers effectively.
Area of Science:
- Lactation and Perinatal Health
- Infant Nutrition
- Maternal Health
Background:
- Breast milk feeding is common, but intentions and motivations for milk expression (pumping) are not well understood.
- Limited research exists on postpartum women's early intentions and reasons for using breast pumps.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess intentions for breast milk feeding and pumping among postpartum women.
- To identify reasons for intending to pump breast milk.
- To determine the timing of pumping initiation after delivery.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study was conducted with 100 postpartum women intending to breastfeed for at least 6 months.
- Data were collected before hospital discharge in 2015.
- Participants' intentions, reasons for pumping, and timing of initiation were surveyed.
Main Results:
- 98% of participants intended to use a breast pump, with 69% planning to start within weeks postpartum.
- 29% had already started pumping or intended to start within days of delivery.
- Primary reasons for pumping included maintaining and increasing milk supply, and overcoming latch difficulties.
Conclusions:
- The widespread intention for early breast pump use indicates a need for improved lactation support to address concerns about insufficient milk supply.
- Clinicians should be aware of the early timing of breast pump initiation among postpartum women to provide timely assistance.
