Mothers Performing In-Home Measurement of Milk Intake During Breastfeeding of their Preterm Infants: Maternal Reactions and Feeding Outcomes

Abstract

This study compares feeding outcomes and perceptions of mothers using in-home test weights and those who did not use test weights to manage breastfeeding of their preterm infants during the first month after hospital discharge. There were no significant differences in daily weight gain between the 2 groups during the study period. Maternal concerns cited in both groups were similar, namely, knowing how much milk infant is taking, infant gaining adequate weight, and infant getting enough milk. All women in the experimental group and two-thirds in the control group reported that in-home measurement of milk intake by test-weighing had been or would have been helpful. This prospective randomized study demonstrated that mothers of premature infants who performed in-home test-weighing procedures found the technique to be helpful and experienced no increased stress or lower achievement of breastfeeding goals when compared to mothers not performing test weighs.