Changes in R0/R∞ ratio and membrane capacitance are associated with milk removal from the breast.

Hazel Gardner,Ching Tat Lai,Leigh Ward,Donna Geddes,Juan J Loor

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0208650

Hazel Gardner, Ching Tat Lai + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0208650

Copy DOI

Abstract

Perceived low milk supply is a common reason for introducing supplementary feeds, which in turn serves to further diminish the milk supply. Current methods of measuring milk production and milk transfer from the breast to the infant are inaccessible to the mothers. There is a need for an inexpensive, portable device to enable mothers to measure milk transfer to either confirm their milk production is adequate or identify breastfeeding issues early. The aim of this study was to examine changes in bioimpedance spectroscopy associated with milk removal from the human lactating breast using an electric breast pump. Thirty lactating women participated in 2 research sessions performed in random order over 2 weeks. Milk flow rate and volume were measured during pumping. All mothers completed 24-hour milk profiles. Breasts were monitored using bioimpedance spectroscopy. Analysis was performed using linear mixed effects models to investigate the relationship between both proportional change in membrane capacitance (Cm) and R0/R∞ with milk removal. There was an inverse relationship between R0/R∞ and milk removed (p<0.001). A positive relationship was also observed between Cm and both volume of milk removed (P<0.001) and percentage of available milk removed (p<0.001). This study has shown that changes in bioimpedance are related to the volume of milk removed from the breast during pumping. This modality may hold promise for the measurement of the effectiveness of the breastfeeding infant in removing milk from the breast.

Highlights

One of the most common concerns for first time mothers is the adequacy of their milk supply in meeting the needs of the infant
Maternal stress associated with Perceived low milk supply (PLMS) may potentially have a negative impact on milk transfer, affecting both milk ejection and milk synthesis [2]
Changes in bioimpedance in the lactating breast are associated with milk removal

Summary

Introduction

One of the most common concerns for first time mothers is the adequacy of their milk supply in meeting the needs of the infant. Perceived low milk supply (PLMS) is the most common reason for introducing supplementary feeds, which in turn serve to further diminish the milk supply [1]. Maternal stress associated with PLMS may potentially have a negative impact on milk transfer, affecting both milk ejection and milk synthesis [2]. In order to provide sufficient breast milk, milk must be synthesised by the lactocytes and through milk ejection, be propelled towards the nipple for removal by the infant or breast. Changes in bioimpedance in the lactating breast are associated with milk removal

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion