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A Comparative Analysis of Macronutrient Composition in Breast Milk Expressed by Three Different Methods
Hülya Karataş1, Filiz Solmaz1, Kadriye Şahin1
1Department of Pediatric Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Harran University, Şanlıurfa, Türkiye.
Summary
Breast milk macronutrient content remains consistent across hand expression, manual pumps, and electric pumps. This study confirms all expression methods yield similar nutritional value for infant feeding.
Area of Science:
- Human Lactation Research
- Infant Nutrition Science
- Biochemistry of Breast Milk
Background:
- Breast milk composition is crucial for infant nutrition.
- Different methods exist for expressing breast milk.
- Understanding the impact of expression method on milk quality is important.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the macronutrient content (fat, protein, carbohydrate, energy) of mature breast milk.
- To evaluate differences based on expression method: hand, manual pump, and electric pump.
Main Methods:
- 31 mothers of term infants participated.
- Milk samples collected on three separate days using each method.
- Miris® Human Milk Analyzer (HMATM) used for macronutrient analysis.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in energy, lactose, fat, or true protein content were found among expression methods.
- Average energy content ranged from 71.7 to 74.5 kcal/100 mL.
- Lactose, fat, and protein levels showed minimal variation across all groups.
Conclusions:
- The method of breast milk expression does not significantly alter its macronutrient profile.
- Effective breast milk provision is achievable with any method, emphasizing correct technique.
- Mothers can use any expression method confidently, irrespective of economic status or equipment access.
