Primary and secondary mediators' influence on milk output in lactating mothers of preterm and term infants

Pamela D. Hill*, Jean C. Aldag, Robert T. Chatterton, Michael Zinaman

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

51 Scopus citations

Abstract

This study examined potential primary mediators, such as intended length to breastfeed, maternal education, income, and infant gestation, and secondary mediators, such as early frequency of breast stimulation, early milk output, and supplementation with artificial milks that may influence milk output in mothers of preterm and term infants the first 6 weeks postpartum. Analysis suggested that for mothers of a preterm infant (n = 95), the primary mediators, income and infant gestation, and the secondary mediators, early milk output/d and early frequency/d, accounted for 53.5% of the variance in milk output/d at week 6. For mothers of a term infant (n = 98), the primary mediator, income, and secondary mediators, early milk output/d and supplementation, accounted for 48.4% of the variance in milk output/d at week 6. Further research is needed to determine what early interventions may improve milk output in mothers at risk for lactation failure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)138-150
Number of pages13
JournalJournal of Human Lactation
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - May 2005

Keywords

  • Lactation
  • Milk output
  • Preterm infant

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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