Human milk pumping rates of mothers of singletons and mothers of multiples

J Hum Lact. 2005 Nov;21(4):413-20. doi: 10.1177/0890334405280798.

Abstract

Rates of breastfeeding are increasing, but the methods by which human milk is fed to infants is not well described. Using a retrospective survey design, the authors collected information about infant feeding from mothers of term, preterm, singleton, and multiple-gestation infants (n=346). Human milk feeding methods were characterized as solely at the breast, pumped only, or a combination. Sixty-eight percent of mothers in the study fed their infants at least some human milk; 77% of these mothers reported pumping milk. There was no difference in the percentage of pumping based on multiple gestation or length of pregnancy. Feeding human milk solely at the breast at early postpartum time points was associated with longer durations of human milk feeding overall. More research is needed to better understand why mothers choose pumping over direct human milk feedings and to evaluate the health outcomes associated with this practice.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Breast Feeding / statistics & numerical data*
  • Feeding Methods / instrumentation
  • Feeding Methods / statistics & numerical data*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature*
  • Lactation / physiology*
  • Male
  • Milk, Human
  • Multiple Birth Offspring*
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Time Factors