Dear all: First, please note that my email address has changed from: [log in to unmask] to [log in to unmask] Second, since our practice unfortunately deals with a lot of iatrogenically induced low supply, some physiologic low supply, a fair proportion of premie twins, and moms that wouldn't breastfeed at all if they didn't have the baby nurse take over during the night, we have to deal with the realities of pump use and the trauma that can sometimes induce. I'm thinking of doing a blindFOLDED study on breast shields for pumping. Pick a group of women who are currently using pumps. No exclusive breastfeeders whose babies have never received bottles since I think the disruption would be unethical. Have one interviewer interview them about their reasons for pumping and any difficulties they may have encountered. Particularly looking at women who do not release well to the pump, women who have experienced numerous bouts of plugged ducts, blebs or mastitis, and women who have low supply whether iatrogenic (probably the most prevalent) or due to insufficient glandular tissue. Have another person work set them up with the pump in our support group room for the following: a) blindfold them b) measure nipple size with one of those devices with holes that tells you the diameter c) have random assigment of their breasts to their regular breast shield versus another shield type &/or administration of olive oil by picking an envelop with "treatments (shield type/olive oil) for each breast" d) set them up with the pump shields using a hands free device e) turn on some soothing music f) digitally photograph each breast at the entry point to the shield at 5 min. into the pumping. After pumping, another interviewer who was not in the room during pumping will ask various questions about pumping comfort. They would then be given a lunch break. After a 3-hour break they would then be blindfolded again and the treatments would be switched. Soooooo, an ethics question for all of you. If two different companies donated the shields for testing under those circumstances ----- would you find ethical problems with this? What other sources of $$$ could be used for purchasing the necessary equipment and possible incentives for women volunteering for the study that might take away any perceived cooptation from the companies that make the breast shields? I was thinking of providing a nice catered lunch - and free attendance for several sessions at the breastfeeding support group. Any comments on this rudimentary study design are most welcome. So far, its the simplest, quickest study I have imagined doing. The first that I have actually thought I would have the wherewithall to actually implement given my lack of free time. Best regards, Susan E. Burger, MHS, PhD, IBCLC *********************************************** To temporarily stop your subscription: set lactnet nomail To start it again: set lactnet mail (or digest) To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet All commands go to [log in to unmask] The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(R) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html