The relative efficacy of four methods of human milk expression

Abstract

In view of the current trend toward increased breast-feeding, both of normal term infants as well as sick or premature infants, a successful means for milk expression in order to establish and maintain lactation is of major importance to the mother. The present study was designed to evaluate four methods of milk expression, measuring the amount as well s the fat content of milk expressed by each method during a 10-min period. The four methods included the Egnell electric pump, the Loyd B pump, the Evenflo system, and manual expression. The electric pump enabled mothers to express significantly more milk with adequate fat content during the expression period than any of the other methods tested. No significant differences were found between the other three methods. The Egnell or similar electric pump may be a preferred method for milk expression for some mothers, particularly those anticipating a prolonged need for pumping.