title: When the mother of a premature infant uses a breast pump: what every NICU nurse needs to know.
abstract: Although pumps may seem readily available in the community, their effectiveness, as measured by the amount of negative pressure they generate and their cycling pattern of pressure and release, must be considered when recommending a particular model to the breast feeding mother of a premature infant. The neonatal nurse needs to assist the mother as she selects a breast pump by helping her pick the one that works best for her and by instructing her in its appropriate use. Such use needs to be oriented to obtaining maximum milk volume with minimal expenditure of energy without incurring breast or nipple pain or trauma. Sound breast pump recommendations and pumping instructions based on a clear understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the breast and knowledge of the lactation process will enable many women to give their infants the best possible nutritional and emotional start in life even before direct breast feeding begins.
authors.forename: K G
authors.initials: KG
authors.lastname: Auerbach
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Walker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004864:Equipment and Supplies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007774:Lactation; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D009035:Mothers / Q000193:education; D011312:Pressure; D012944:Social Support