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Background: Whilst it is inconvenient and time-intensive, predominantly (PP) and exclusively pumping (EP) mothers rely on breast expression to provide milk for their infants and to ensure continued milk supply, yet these populations are poorly understood. Methods: We assessed and characterised Western Australian PP mothers (n = 93) regarding 24 h milk production (MP) and infant milk intake and demographics, perinatal complications and breastfeeding difficulties, the frequencies of which were compared with published general population frequencies. Pumping efficacy and milk flow parameters during a pumping session in PP mothers (n = 32) were compared with those that pump occasionally (reference group, n = 60). Results: PP mothers had a higher frequency of pregnancy complications and breastfeeding difficulties than the general population. Exclusive pumping did not impact the 24 h MP and the amount of milk available to the infant. PP mothers had more milk ejections, longer active flow duration and lower milk removal efficacy ratios; however, responsiveness to pump (time to first milk ejection), total flow duration, time to stop pumping, percentage of available milk removed and comfort parameters were not different to the reference group. Conclusions: Despite the reported challenges, when an effective pump is used, predominant or exclusive pumping does not negatively affect the 24 h MP and the amount of milk available to the infant. Increasing awareness of the impacts of perinatal and breastfeeding complications on women may assist health professionals in early identification of mothers at high risk for early cessation of breastfeeding, escalating early postpartum intervention and targeted breastfeeding support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human milk (HM) composition, including metabolic hormones and lipids, is influenced by various factors, including lactation stage and, potentially, infant sex, which may affect infant body composition (BC) development. We aimed to: (a) characterize the longitudinal concentration and intake profiles of HM leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and total lipids; (b) determine if their concentrations and intakes differ by infant sex; and (c) explore the intakes relationships with the development of infant BC. Milk samples (n = 501) were collected from 82 mother–infant dyads during the first 6 months postpartum. Infant 24 h HM intake was measured, and the average cumulative HM component intakes were calculated. The statistical analysis used linear mixed modeling. Intakes of HM leptin, adiponectin, insulin, and total lipids increased to 1 month postpartum and then remained stable. HM intake and total lipids intake but not hormone intakes were positively associated with infant BC (fat-free mass, fat-free mass index, fat mass, fat mass index, percentage fat mass, and fat mass to fat-free mass ratio). HM component concentrations and intakes did not differ by sex. These findings advance our understanding of the temporal nature of HM components, emphasizing the role of infant 24 h HM and total lipids intake in development of infant lean and adipose tissue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document discusses a study comparing the efficacy and comfort of traditional breast pumping methods with a new hands-free, in-bra breastmilk collection pump set. The study found that the new pump set resulted in efficient and effective breast emptying without compromising comfort. Participants rated the new pump set as more comfortable and liked the hands-free aspect. These findings suggest that wearable pumps may help breastfeeding women support lactation while balancing personal and career goals. The study was conducted in accordance with ethical guidelines and informed consent was obtained from all participants. [Extracted from the article]

This document evaluates the mobility and comfort perception of a hands-free, in-bra breastmilk collection pump set. The study involved 23 lactating mothers who used the pump set for a 15-minute pumping session. The results showed that the pump set was efficient and effective in emptying the breasts, with good comfort ratings. The mothers found the pump set easy to use and liked the hands-free aspect and mobility. Overall, the study supports the use of wearable pumps to allow for flexibility in combining lactation and career goals. [Extracted from the article]