A Feasibility Study to Assess Sleep and Subsequent Breast Milk Volume Among Mothers With Hospitalized Preterm Infants

DOI

10.1097/JPN.0000000000000657

Authors

Kelley Baumgartel, University of South Florida College of Nursing, Tampa (Dr Baumgartel); University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, Health Promotion and Development, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Ms Caplan); University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Ms Glover); College of Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, COPH Dean's Office, University of South Florida, Tampa (Dr Louis); and Duquesne University School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Dr Schreiber).
Erin Caplan
Carly Glover
Judette Louis
James Schreiber

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

10-1-2023

Publication Title

The Journal of perinatal & neonatal nursing

Volume

37

Issue

4

First Page

295

Last Page

302

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Sleep is essential for optimal health, and disturbed postpartum sleep is associated with compromised infant attachment. The postpartum experience of mothers with preterm infants is unlike the biological norm, as they are separated from their infants and often express breast milk. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of conducting a clinical research study among women with hospitalized preterm infants. We also explored for associations between maternal sleep patterns and sleep-related psychological states and subsequent breast milk volume. METHODS: Participants were recruited from Magee-Womens Hospital, located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania New mothers completed daily sleep and pumping logs and scales to measure stress, trauma, depression, fatigue, and sleep quality. RESULTS: A total of 78 women were screened, 18 women consented, and a total of 8 participants completed the study. Screening from the postpartum unit increased recruitment. The participants experience worsening sleep quality over time, moderate stress, and fatigue. Stress, postnatal depression, and fatigue are negatively associated with milk volume. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH: Postpartum recruitment with frequent follow-ups improved recruitment and retention. We present a preliminary association between maternal stress, fatigue, and depression, and subsequent breast milk volume. Sleep-related psychological states may negatively influence milk volume.

Open Access

37878514 (pubmed); NIHMS1789272 (mid); PMC10605565 (pmc); 10.1097/JPN.0000000000000657 (doi); 00005237-202310000-00009 (pii)

Preprint

Link to Free Full Text

Repository Citation

Baumgartel, K., Caplan, E., Glover, C., Louis, J., & Schreiber, J. (2023). A Feasibility Study to Assess Sleep and Subsequent Breast Milk Volume Among Mothers With Hospitalized Preterm Infants. The Journal of perinatal & neonatal nursing, 37 (4), 295-302. https://doi.org/10.1097/JPN.0000000000000657