Effect of pumping pressure on onset of lactation after caesarean section: A randomized controlled study.

Caesarean section is associated with weaker newborn suction pressure. This nonblinded, randomized trial explored the effect of suction pressures generating by a breast pump on mothers' onset of lactation and milk supply after caesarean section. A high pressure group (-150mmHg), a low pressure group (-100mmHg), and a control group (none) were generated under computer random assignment with concealed allocation in 2 tertiary hospitals. The breast pumping began within 2hr after caesarean operation (6 times a day and 30min per time) until onset of lactation. The primary outcomes were the timing of onset of lactation, milk supply, and mother's satisfaction in lactation, using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses. The secondary endpoints were the pumping-related pain, nipple injury, and maternal fatigue. All 164 women randomized were included in analysis. The breast pumping at -150mmHg optimally advanced the timing of the onset of lactation and increased daytime milk supply. The pumping also appeared to boost mothers' confidence in lactation. The results in the per-protocol population (n=148) were consistent with those of intention-to-treat population (n=164). However, the pumping aggravated maternal nipple pain and fatigue, though there was no statistical significance. The findings suggest that a higher pumping pressure within the range of normal vaginally born infant suction could promote onset of lactation and milk supply among mothers giving birth by caesarean section. The pumping could also enhance mothers' confidence in breastfeeding.