Modification of a breast pump suction pattern increases milk yield during the first 4 days postpartum

Area of Science:

• Lactation science
• Neonatal care
• Maternal health

Background:

• Early postpartum milk expression is crucial for neonatal nutrition.
• Standard expression protocols may not maximize milk removal in the initial postpartum days.
• Optimizing expression techniques can support breastfeeding initiation and duration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of adding 5 minutes of nutritive suction to a 15-minute non-nutritive suction protocol on milk yield.
• To determine if this modified protocol increases milk volume during expression sessions in the early postpartum period.
• To assess the potential benefits for early colostrum intake and long-term breastfeeding outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A prospective interventional study involving 90 breastfeeding patients in the Netherlands.
• Participants used a hospital-grade electric breast pump for a 20-minute assessment session.
• The session included 15 minutes of standard non-nutritive suction followed by 5 minutes of nutritive suction.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in milk volume was observed between 15- and 20-minute pumping sessions (1.39 vs. 2.83 mL, p < 0.001).
• Milk yield per minute was significantly higher during the additional 5 minutes of nutritive suction (0.09 vs. 0.29 mL/min, p < 0.001).
• These improvements were consistent across the first 4 postpartum days.

Conclusions:

• Implementing a 5-minute nutritive suction pattern significantly enhances milk removal during postpartum breast expression.
• This technique can improve early colostrum access for newborns.
• Findings suggest a potential role in supporting and improving long-term breastfeeding outcomes.