Pumps: A Possible Tool to Promote More Equitable Lactation Outcomes

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Maternal and Child Health
• Health Equity

Background:

• US maternal and infant morbidity and mortality rates are increasing.
• Breastfeeding reduces risks of cardiometabolic disease and sudden infant death.
• Racial/ethnic disparities in mortality correlate with lower breastfeeding rates, linked to socioeconomic marginalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the role of breast pumps in mitigating lactation barriers for marginalized populations.
• To highlight the need for research on optimal breast pump use for equitable lactation outcomes.
• To inform policy, scholarship, and education regarding breast pump utilization.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on breastfeeding barriers and breast pump access.
• Analysis of the impact of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) on breast pump provision.
• Identification of research gaps concerning appropriate breast pump usage for optimizing outcomes.

Main Results:

• Breast pumps, made widely accessible by the ACA, have the potential to address systemic barriers to breastfeeding.
• Despite near-universal access, research on effective breast pump use is limited.
• Current breast pump provision does not guarantee equitable or personalized lactation success.

Conclusions:

• Breast pumps can be a vital tool for promoting health equity in infant and maternal care.
• Further research and targeted education are crucial for maximizing the benefits of breast pumps.
• Policy and systemic changes are needed to support families facing the greatest barriers to achieving their breastfeeding goals.