Objective This study compared the effectiveness, efficiency, comfort and convenience of newly designed breast pump suction patterns (BPSPs) that mimic sucking of the breastfeeding human infant during the initiation and maintenance of lactation. Methods 105 mothers of premature infants ≤ 34 weeks of gestation were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 groups within 24 hours post-birth. Each group tested 2 BPSPs; an initiation BPSP was used until the onset of lactogenesis II (OOL-II) and a maintenance BPSP was used thereafter. Results Mothers who used the experimental initiation and the standard 2.0 maintenance BPSPs (EXP-STD group) demonstrated significantly greater daily and cumulative milk output, and greater milk output per minute spent pumping. Conclusions BPSPs that mimic the unique sucking patterns used by healthy term breastfeeding infants during the initiation and maintenance of lactation are more effective, efficient, comfortable and convenient than other BPSPs.

Objective To compare the trajectories and determine the predictors of maternal distress, defined as a continuous spectrum of symptomatology and elevated symptomatology, of depression, anxiety and perinatal-specific post-traumatic stress (PPTS), in mothers of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants throughout the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) hospitalization. Method 69 mothers completed psychological questionnaires within the first month of their infant’s NICU hospitalization and again two weeks prior to NICU discharge. Multiple regression models determined maternal psychological, reproductive, sociodemographic, and infant medical predictors of maternal distress. Results PPTS remained stable throughout the NICU hospitalization while other aspects of distress declined. Previous psychological history and infant medical variables predicted higher PPTS but no other aspects of distress. Reproductive variables predicted anxiety and PPTS; history of fetal loss initially predicted lower PPTS, but throughout hospitalization primipara status emerged as a predictor of higher anxiety and PPTS. Sociodemographic variables predicated initial, but not later, depressive distress. Conclusion Psychological screening is important in the NICU. The PPTS profile suggests it may require distinct treatment. Primiparas should be targeted for intervention.

Secretory activation is delayed in mothers who deliver prematurely and is closely tied to CTV, MOM volume, and pumping frequency. MOM biomarkers hold promise as objective research outcome measures and for point-of-care testing to identify and proactively manage mothers at risk for compromised lactation.

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Background Pasteurized donor human milk (DHM), rather than preterm infant formula, is recommended for premature infants when mother’s milk is not available. Objective This study explored the maternal decision-making process in providing consent for DHM feedings. Methods In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with 20 mothers of premature (mean gestational age = 27 weeks, birth weight = 942 grams) infants hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in this qualitative, descriptive study. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Although only 1 mother had any previous knowledge of DHM, all mothers provided consent for DHM because they “wanted what is best for my baby.” Mothers trusted that DHM was better than formula when their infant’s feeding requirements exceeded their own milk supply. However, most mothers described a tension between wanting their infants to receive only “their” milk and DHM being “somebody else’s milk.” This desire to be the only provider of human milk was more common than concerns about the quality and safety of DHM. The mothers’ tension was mediated by trusting the NICU clinicians’ recommendations, having adequate time to make an informed decision, observing the positive outcomes of DHM, and feeling empowered that they made the best decision for their infant. Conclusion The experiences of these mothers reflect the importance of approaching mothers for consent only when DHM is needed, respecting mothers’ beliefs and values about DHM, and providing help in mediating any tension with regard to their infants receiving “somebody else’s milk.”