Principles for Maintaining or Increasing Breast Milk Production.

Source: JOGNN: Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing, 2012, 41 (1), p.114-21.

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Date of publication: January, 2012.

Publication type: Journal article.

In a nutshell: This article examines common issues surrounding self-perceived or actual insufficient milk production when breastfeeding. It provides information related to the physiology of milk production and ways in which it can be enhanced.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Effect of Warm Breastshields on Breast Milk Pumping.

Source: Journal of Human Lactation, 2011, 27 (4) p.331-338.

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Date of publication: November, 2011.

Publication type: Research.

In a nutshell: A paper investigating the comfort, efficiency and effectiveness of expressing milk using a warmed breast shield and a standard breast shield.  The study found that using a warmed breast shield when expressing with an electric pump was comfortable for mothers and improved the efficiency of milk removal.

Length of publication: 8 pages.

Some important notes: Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article. Follow this link to find your local NHS Library.

Does opening a milk bank in a neonatal unit change infant feeding practices? A before and after study

Source: International Breastfeeding Journal

International Breastfeeding Journal, 2010, Volume 5, issue 4

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Date of publication: March 2010

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This study examines whether opening a donor human milk bank in a neonatal unit has an effect on the proportion of infants who are exclusively fed breast milk.  It found that opening of a donor human milk bank did not reduce the proportion of infants exclusively breast fed on discharge but it did reduce the proportion of infants that received infant formula during the first four weeks of life.

Length of publication: 18 pages

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New NICE guideline aim to promote consistent safety standards for donor breast milk

Source: Baby Friendly Initiative, Unicef UK

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Click here for clinical guidelines.

Date of publication: February 2010

Publication type: News story

In a nutshell: NICE recommendations to reinforce safety and maintain high standards in donor breast milk banks. The recommendations cover subjects such as screening, pasteurising and preventing bacteria, inspecting equipment and tracking procedures.

Length of publication: 1 page

Latest NICE guidelines on donor breast milk banks

Source: NICE

NICE Guidance on donor milk banks

Click here for summary and links to full guidance.

Date of publication: February 2010

Publication type: Practice guidelines

In a nutshell: The latest NICE guidance on donor breast milk banking.

Length of publication: 1 page

Breast-milk banking: evidence of benefit

Source: Science Direct – Paediatrics & Child Health

Paediatrics and Child Health, Sept 2009, 19 (9), pp.395-399

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Date of publication: Sept 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: This article suggests an increased interest in breast milk banking in the UK, with NICE developing a working group and expected publish Guideline on ‘The use of donated human breast milk in preterm babies’ in February 2010.  The authors examine whether donor breast milk would be more beneficial to babies when mothers are limited in their ability to breastfeed for any length of time, rather than using formula feeding.  The authors suggest that donor breast milk is better tolerated and there is less risk of damaging the infants’ bowel, and that viral transmission can be prevented by pasteurizing the donor milk. Breast milk banking is more expensive but the authors suggest that the health benefits may be cost effective overall, and suggest that more data and research is needed in the UK.

Length of publication: 5 pages

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The knowns and unknowns of human milk banking: An Australian perspective

Source: Science Direct  -  Early Human Development

Early Human Development – in press; volume & issue to be announced

doi:10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2009.08.054

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Date of publication: Sept 2009

Publication type: Journal article

In a nutshell: After 3 years of human milk banking this paper re-assesses what is known and unknown about the process and its effects.  The authors note that human milk banking has been embraced by the community and media in Australia with “both donations and demand… exceeding expectations”. Pasteurized Donor Human Milk (PDHM) is supported by the WHO and UNICEF when a mother’s milk is unavailable.  Although  randomised control trial (RCT) evidence is limited, systematic reviews suggest using PDHM involves a lower risk of damaging the infants’ colon them with formula feeding . The authors therefore advocate the ongoing use of PDHM in neonatal care.

Length of publication: 4 pages

Please contact your local NHS Library for the full text of the article.

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