An Exploration of Antenatal Hand Expression Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploration of antenatal hand expression and its effects upon breastfeeding continuation and maternal emotional health.
IRAS ID
249857
Contact name
Vicky Fallon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Liverpool
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 10 months, 2 days
Research summary
This research aims to explore mother’s experiences of antenatal hand expression and its impact upon breastfeeding continuation in the postpartum, and on maternal emotional health. Antenatal hand expression was initially used with diabetic women during the final weeks of pregnancy to collect colostrum prior to their baby’s birth. Babies of diabetic mothers sometimes require supplementary feeds during the first few days after birth to maintain blood sugar levels. To reduce the need to rely on formula for these supplementary feeds this practice was developed. Hand expressed colostrum is collected in a syringe and stored in a freezer in anticipation of its use. Due to its efficacy, this intervention was extended at Liverpool Women’s Hospital to include all pregnant women. During antenatal classes, women are taught how to hand express and are given syringes to express and store their colostrum during the late stages of pregnancy. Health care professionals have anecdotally found this practice to be reassuring to women at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, however there has been no research examining the experiences of the women themselves. It is thought that antenatal hand expression increases confidence with breastfeeding and supports women to establish breastfeeding. This study will help identify the effects of antenatal hand expression on breastfeeding continuation and on maternal emotional health. The aim is to recruit 12 women over the age of 18 through Liverpool Women’s Hospital (via our established links with the infant feeding coordinator), who have recent experience of this practice. The study will involve interviewing the women in a semi-structured interview which will assess their views and experiences of antenatal hand expression. It is anticipated that the views and experiences of these women will aid future planning of maternity care services to women at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, and if beneficial, the intervention may be extended to other trusts.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/LO/1933
Date of REC Opinion
29 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion