When this study first was reported, I remember someone saying that
at hospital rounds, an LC asked a med student who was touting the
"new research" to carry a manual pump around and keep pumping it.
Every time he stopped, she would say "you won't get any milk that
way".  By the time rounds were over, the student acknowledged that
it would be easier to hold the flanges of an electric pump in place
that to keep squeezing the manual pump handle.  I think this makes a
valid point.  You can hitch a pump up to all kinds of fancy guages
that show on paper that they have the same strength, depth of
suction etc.  But it's how it is for a mom to use that counts.
Holding the flanges of an electric double pump against the breasts
is certainly more relaxing than repeatedly squeezing and relaxing
the hand (or hands-you could counter the time element by using 2 of
the "trigger" type pumps simultaneously).  Especially if we are
talking about pumping for a NICU baby when pumping is the only milk
removal that's happening at the monent, comfort and ease of use are
very important.  Mom will be pumping at least 8 times in 24 hours.
The more tiring the process is, the less likely it is that she will
keep up if she is not highly motivated to do so.
So while measurements etc are important in evaluating what pump will
work best, comfort and ease of use for mom and subsequently
motivation to keep going are, IMO, equally important.

Winnie

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