Effect of a traditional and of a new nipple shield on sucking patterns and milk flow.
The effect of a traditional (Mexican Hat) and of a new (Thin Latex) nipple shield on the sucking patterns and milk intake of 5-8-day-old babies was examined. Milk intake was determined accurately by test weighing using a Sartorius electronic balance with animal weighing keyboard, and sucking patterns by filming the mouth of the baby. The Mexican Hat reduced milk transfer by 58% (P is less than 0.01), and increased sucking rate (P is less than 0.05) and time spent resting (P is less than 0.01). The Thin Latex nipple shield reduced milk intake by a smaller amount (22%), and had no significant effect on sucking patterns.
D001942:Breast Feeding; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D009558:Nipples; D013391:Sucking Behavior