History and Overview of Breast Pumps and Expressed Breastmilk

Abstract

Objective:Breast pumps have been seen since antiquity and have become a ubiquitous part of breastfeeding. Breast pumps are used for numerous reasons and have become incorporated into law and regulations in the United States. Breast pumps have allowed breastfeeding and lactation to proceed both under normal conditions and with significant challenges. However, the rapid proliferation of breast pumps and their heavy promotion have prompted social criticism regarding whether pumps have displaced the promotion of direct breastfeeding and deflected addressing more pressing social issues such as greater investment in breastfeeding promotion and care and the creation of a national paid family leave policy.Methods:This survey of the history of breast pumps and accompanying concerns utilized historical and current references, U.S. patents, and perusal of government laws and regulations.Results:This history of breast pumps and accompanying concerns highlights the progression of breast pump technology, exposes social criticism of breast pumps, discusses alterations in expressed milk composition, and raises the possibility of altered infant health outcomes from consuming pumped breastmilk.Conclusions:Breast pump use is a necessity for many families and should be balanced against the potential of interfering with the breastfeeding relationship.