Aim: To test the feasibility of our ultrasound protocol in evaluating the physiological changes during breast milk expression, and the impact of breast massage on temperature, blood flow and tension.Method: Breast massage was used for the right breast, and the left breast had no massage. Temperature was measured at baseline, post massage (for right breast), and post pump. The ultrasound scans were performed using a Toshiba Aplio 500 system (Toshiba Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan). B-mode, doppler ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) were used. Blood flow of the IMA and LTA were measured at baseline, post massage (for right breast), 10 minutes into pump (relaxation and tension phase), and post pump. SWE was used to measure breast tension during the tension and relaxation phase of breast pump, after the breast milk was completely drained.Results: There was a slight decrease in breast temperature post massage, and further decreased post pump. With breast massage, the SWE values were higher at relaxation phase compared to no massage (left breast). However, with massage, the tension phase also showed less increase of SWE values compared to no massage, and appeared to be lower than no massage. Blood flow of IMA did not appear to follow a particular trend, with and without massage. Conclusion: Breast massage prior to pumping breast milk helped to reduce the temperature of the breast, showing that it has an effect in relieving breast engorgement. Massage also reduced the tension of the breast during the pump tension (suction) phase. There was no observable trend of massage on blood flow in both the IMQ and LTA.
BACKGROUND Electric breast pump could be more effective than manual pumps or hand expression of milk. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current electric breast pumps, which have additional functions such as massage and ability to vary the rate and pressure. The study will also evaluate the impact of electric pump on breast engorgement, which is a common postpartum complication. METHODS A three-group randomised controlled trial (RCT) will be conducted on Mothers who are breastfeeding and using breast pumps. Adult Mothers who are 21-39 years old will be included. We propose a medium effect size of 0.40 for the study. Taking into account of about 20% dropout rate, 180 participants will be recruited (60 in each group). In addition, 120 control participants who are not using breast pump or not breastfeeding will be recruited. Data collection will include baseline maternal data and clinical data, quantity of expressed milk and duration taken, complications of breast pumping/feeding, and psychosocial data. Quantitative outcomes will be analysed using STATA, using univariate analyses, Pearson’s correlations, generalised estimating equation and two-way ANOVA repeated measures. RESULTS Na CONCLUSIONS Na CLINICALTRIAL Not required
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