Milk production after preterm, late preterm and term delivery; effects of different breast pump suction patterns.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two different breast pump suction patterns (BPSP) during the initiation of lactation in mothers of term, late preterm and preterm infants.

Methods: Breast pump-dependent mothers (n=130) of term (n=19), late preterm (n=44) and preterm (n=67) infants were assigned to either a standard or irregular-BPSP after birth until the onset of secretory activation. Both groups used the same standard maintenance BPSP thereafter. Time to secretory activation, time to full milk production and daily milk output were compared between the standard and I-BPSP groups, and between the term, late preterm and preterm groups.

Results: Mothers using the irregular-BPSP demonstrated significantly greater daily milk output and established secretory activation significantly earlier. This effect was observed in mothers of term, late preterm and preterm infants.

Conclusion: The irregular-BPSP mimicking sucking of healthy newborns is more effective at achieving secretory activation and an earlier adequate milk supply than the standard-BPSP. The irregular-BPSP can be used successfully for mothers of preterm up to term infants who are breast pump dependent during the establishment of lactation.