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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2012 Feb;32(2):103-10.
doi: 10.1038/jp.2011.64. Epub 2011 Aug 4.

Breast pump suction patterns that mimic the human infant during breastfeeding: greater milk output in less time spent pumping for breast pump-dependent mothers with premature infants

P P Meier  1 , J L Engstrom, J E Janes, B J Jegier, F Loera
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Breast pump suction patterns that mimic the human infant during breastfeeding: greater milk output in less time spent pumping for breast pump-dependent mothers with premature infants

P P Meier et al. J Perinatol. 2012 Feb.

Erratum in

  • J Perinatol. 2012 Feb;32(2):160

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness, efficiency, comfort and convenience of newly designed breast pump suction patterns (BPSPs) that mimic sucking patterns of the breastfeeding human infant during the initiation and maintenance of lactation.

Study design: In total, 105 mothers of premature infants ≤34 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups within 24 h post-birth. Each group tested two BPSPs; an initiation BPSP was used until the onset of lactogenesis II (OOL-II) and a maintenance BPSP was used thereafter.

Result: Mothers who used the experimental initiation and the standard 2.0 maintenance BPSPs (EXP-STD group) demonstrated significantly greater daily and cumulative milk output, and greater milk output per minute spent pumping.

Conclusion: BPSPs that mimic the unique sucking patterns used by healthy-term breastfeeding infants during the initiation and maintenance of lactation are more effective, efficient, comfortable and convenient than other BPSPs.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: Dr. Meier and Dr. Engstrom have received research funding and honoraria for projects from Medela, Inc. Ms. Janes, Ms. Jegier, and Ms. Loera declare no potential conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Study Design and Randomization Plan (Available in Supplementary Information)
Figure 2
Figure 2. Measures of the Onset of Lactogenesis II
Figure 3
Figure 3. Daily Measures of Effectiveness and Efficiency
Figure 4
Figure 4. Cumulative Measures of Effectiveness and Efficiency
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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