An evaluation of patient comfort levels during expression with a modified pumping program: a prospective proof of concept study.

Introduction: This study aimed to assess if the implementation of a gentle transition of vacuum mode into a breast pump suction pattern commonly used to initiate milk production would improve user comfort while expressing during the first four days postpartum.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted at OLVG hospital in the Netherlands in two sequential phases. Breastfeeding patients delivering >36 weeks gestation with an infant aged ≤96 h old and a clinical indication to express milk with a breast pump were recruited.