Randomized Study Comparing the Efficacy of a Novel Manual Breast Pump With a Mini-Electric Breast Pump in Mothers of Term Infants

Abstract

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy of a mini-electric pump (MEP) and a novel manual breast pump (MP) designed to operate more physiologically. Sixty term breastfeeding mothers used the MP and MEP in randomized order 8 weeks postpartum, expressing for 10 minutes from each breast. Milk volume, fat content, and pattern of milk flowwere measured. Mothers rated pump characteristics by questionnaire. There was no significant difference in the milk volume or fat content when mothers used the pumps in randomized order. The MP was rated significantly better overall and more comfortable and pleasant to use. Significantly more mothers kept theMPthan theMEP. Despite the greater complexity and expense of the MEP, the pumps showed similar efficacy. The MP was preferred by mothers. The novel, more physiological operation of theMPrepresents an advance in milk expression technology.

Keywords

breast milk expression breast pumps manual electric

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References

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