Comparative studies of milk removal in lactating women using the Lactopuls breast pump with vacuum and compressive components and the Medela Symphony breast pump

Hypothesis/aims of study. To date, in the world, including in the Russian Federation, the number of women who use breast pumps (BPs) in the process of breastfeeding has significantly increased. Many mothers of premature and full-term babies are partially or completely breast pump-dependent for weeks or months and need a BP that should be effective and convenient. In this regard, it is of great practical interest to compare the characteristics and, above all, the efficiency of milk pumping using two types of BP — one with vacuum component and another with vacuum and compressive components. The aim of this study was to conduct a comparative assessment of the efficiency of milk removal using the Medela Symphony BP and the Lactopuls BP. Study design, materials and methods. 14 lactating women of 19–38 years of age who volunteered to be included in this study were examined. Women had been lactating and breastfeeding normally for 5–8 days. The Lactopuls BP with vacuum and compressive components and the Medela Symphony breast pump with a vacuum component were used in the main program mode. Results and conclusion. It was found that the Lactopuls BP is more effective for milk removal. In particular, the amount of milk expressed using it was on average 14% more than that using the Medela Symphony BP. The Laktopuls BP with vacuum and compression components has shown its higher efficacy compared to the vacuum Medela Symphony BP.