Maternal Satisfaction with Breastfeeding Using a Wearable versus Traditional Breast Pump

Abstract: Traditional corded breast pumps have been the only electric breast pump options for women who wanted to breastfeed and use a pump. A traditional breast pump is typically a large, visible device with a motorized pump and is powered by an electrical cord that allows a woman to express breast milk. However, in recent years, a wearable rechargeable breast pump has become available. This wireless pump allows women to express breastmilk via a discrete wearable device with a chargeable unit and collection cup. It is powered by a built-in rechargeable battery that plugs into the wall between pumping sessions. With wireless breast pumps becoming more available, it is unknown how the type of breast pump may impact women’s overall experiences of lactation and breastfeeding success.

Research Aim: To query women 18 years or older who are currently breastfeeding/pumping or who breastfed/pumped milk.

Methods: A modified Maternal Breastfeeding Evaluation Scale was used to measure women’s perception of breastfeeding success in women who used various types of breast pumps.

Results: Data collection was completed in August 2022, with a total of 164 participants. While there was a difference in the mean scores of the areas of breastfeeding success based on pump type usage, the differences were not statistically significant. Many women used multiple types of pumps during their breastfeeding experience. There was a small number of women who only used a wireless pump (n=3).

Conclusion: Technology has greatly changed the breastfeeding experience for many women. They is a lack of research on how this technology, especially related to breast pump type, has contributed or not contributed to breastfeeding success. The authors found that the type of breast pump used did not statistically impact a woman's breastfeeding success however this research had many limitations including a fairly homogenous population and a small number of women who pumped exclusively with a wireless pump (n=3). More research is needed in this area.

Publication: Not applicable 

Diversity and Inclusion: Authors will follow equity, inclusion, and belongingness embedded in all presentation aspects.