My friend works in a hospital  with a NICU that cares for about 30 new
patients every month. She is writing a research proposal for funding to
assess the impact on breastfeeding success and milk volumes, by
incorporating a milk expression program into early post partum care of
mothers with babies in the NICU-by the provision of hospital grade breast
pumps to take home for as long as necessary, support and information.

This is opposed to leaving mothers to manage with the standard NICU
lactation care, which is minimal and not highly skilled, and offers breast
pump availability on the ward only, for mothers visiting their baby/ies.

Is it possible for this question to be addressed in a randomized trial?
If randomization is not an option can anyone suggest another study design?

We are concerned that there are serious ethical implications in denying
pumps to mothers in the control group when there are in fact pumps
available.

Any suggestions greatly appreciated.
Meg Kingsley IBCLC
Dubai UAE


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