Efficacy and maternal experience with manual breast pump versus electric breast pump in mothers of preterm infants: a prospective observational study
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/2349-3291.ijcp20262968Keywords:
Mother's own milk, Manual breast pumps, Electric breast pumps, Preterm infantsAbstract
Background: Mother's own milk is the optimal nutrition for preterm infants admitted in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Effective breast milk expression is essential to establish and maintain lactation. Although manual and electric breast pumps are widely used, evidence comparing their efficacy and maternal experience.
Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted over six months at Setu Newborn Care Centre, Ahmedabad. 100 mothers of preterm infants (<34 weeks' gestation) were enrolled and allocated into two groups based on the type of breast pump used: manual (n=50) and electric (n=50). Outcomes assessed included expressed milk volume on days 3, 7, 14, and 21, nipple injury, nipple pain (Numerical rating scale), maternal satisfaction, expression time, and neonatal outcomes.
Results: Baseline maternal and neonatal characteristics were comparable between groups. Milk volume increased significantly over time in both groups (p<0.001), with consistently higher mean volumes in the electric pump (EP) group; however, between-group differences were not statistically significant. Nipple injury was significantly less frequent in the EP group (12% vs. 34%; p=0.009). Mothers using EPs also reported better ease of use and lower pain scores, while galactagogue use was similar between groups.
Conclusions: Both manual and electric breast pumps effectively support milk expression in preterm infants’ mother. While milk yield was comparable, electric breast pumps were associated with significantly lower nipple injury and greater maternal comfort, suggesting they may be the preferred option for improving maternal experience and sustaining lactation in the NICU setting.
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