Manual patient-specific breast-pumps for breast milk expression in conditions of perinatal centre

• Irina I. Ryumina
• Chekan L.V.
• Khramov M.V.
• Marina V. Narogan
• Irina V. Orlovskaya
• Victor V. Zubkov

Abstract

Aim of the study was to prove effectiveness and safety of patient-specific breast-pumps usage in conditions of perinatal center and to justify rules of breast milk expression with a breast-pump.

Material and methods. Experience of «Lactation Rooms» in newborn and premature infant pathology units (NPIPU) has been generalized. There breast milk expression was carried out with the help of patient-specific breast-pumps, for the sterilization of which authors used PHILIPS AVENT electric steam sterilizers manufactured by Philips Consumer Lifestyle BV (Philips Consumer Lifestyle B.V.), Tussendiepen 4, 9206 AD Drachten, The Netherlands (Tousendiyepen 4, 9206 AD, Drachten, The Netherlands). Sterilize action effectiveness of this electric steam sterilizer model was evaluated by Biosafety Laboratory of Federal Budget Institution of Science «State Research Center for Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology» (FBIS SRCAMB). Baby bottles were artificially seeded with twelve different microbial strains, after which they were sterilized. The number of microorganisms (log 10 CFU) was determined in sterilized baby bottles (10 minutes of exposure) immediately after sterilization and after 24 hours. And it was compared with number of viable microorganisms in unsterilized (control) baby bottles (at zero time).

Results. Most mothers of premature infants hospitalized in the newborn and premature infant pathology unit (NPIPU), carried out expression of breast milk. Milk expression was made in patient's room where mother and child were together, or in specially equipped room with the aid of patient-specific breast-pumps, the model of which was chosen by mother herself. Such organization ensured preservation of breast milk feeding of premature infants in NPIPU at a level of 85-90%. Effectiveness of disinfection of breast-pumps parts, bottles and accessories for newborns feeding was achieved with help of electric steam sterilizer. In bottles, which were sterilized using investigated electric steam sterilizer model, both immediately after sterilization and after 24 hours desired level of contamination (bioburden level) log 10 was achieved in all test cultures, and no testing culture microorganisms were isolated from either one treated sample.

Conclusions. Regular milk expression preserves and maintains lactation and makes possible breastfeeding preterm infants and sick children. Patient-specific breast-pumps usage provides essential frequency and speed of milk expression, as well as safety and convenience on the back of low cost of the method. Community-acquired sterilizer ensure destruction of microorganisms through high temperature and humidity exposure, which provides evidence of an effective breast-pumps and other breastfeeding accessories disinfection, both domiciliary and in hospital.

Keywords:sterilization, breast-pump, electric steam sterilizer, premature infants

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