A pilot study of maternal and term infant outcomes associated with ultrathin nipple shield use.
OBJECTIVE
To examine maternal satisfaction with nipple shield use and maternal and infant physiological outcomes of breastfeeding with and without nipple shields.


METHODS
A descriptive study using a structured telephone survey to examine maternal satisfaction of nipple shield use and a within-subject design to compare maternal and infant physiological outcomes for a subset of mother-infant dyads.


METHODS
Breastfeeding sessions were conducted in Pacific Northwest hospitals.


METHODS
32 lactating women with experience using nipple shields; a subset of 5 maternal-infant dyads participated in the physiological part of the study.


METHODS
Maternal response to survey explored maternal satisfaction with nipple shield use. To examine maternal and infant physiological outcomes, two measures were used: infant test weighing to evaluate breast milk intake and maternal prolactin and cortisol levels to evaluate breast milk production.


RESULTS
Maternal survey response indicated that use of nipple shields may prevent premature breastfeeding termination. Physiological results demonstrated no significant difference in maternal hormonal levels and infant breast milk intake for breastfeeding sessions with and without nipple shields.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of nipple shields may be considered in face of potential abandonment of breastfeeding.
Chertok
Ilana R
IR
Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Recanati School of Health Professions, Beersheva, Israel. chertoki@uic.edu
Schneider
Jeanne
J
Blackburn
Susan
S
D000328:Adult; D001942:Breast Feeding / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000523:psychology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000502:physiology; D007227:Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000254:growth & development; D007774:Lactation / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D009035:Mothers / Q000523:psychology*; D009558:Nipples / Q000293:injuries*; D015205:Northwestern United States; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research; D015404:Nursing Methodology Research; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011181:Postnatal Care / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D011388:Prolactin / Q000097:blood; D011482:Protective Devices / Q000592:standards*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015430:Weight Gain; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control
D011388:Prolactin; D006854:Hydrocortisone