Development of a WIC single-user electric breast pump protocol

OBJECTIVE:

This project describes the development of a protocol that compared issuing multi-user electric breast pumps to single-userbreast pumps for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) participants.

METHODS:

Forty breastfeeding mothers participating in WIC who were separated from their infants ≥30 hours a week, planned to offer breastmilk until their infants turned 1 year, and used a WIC-loaned electric breast pump for at least 1 month were enrolled in the project.

RESULTS:

Results of this project indicate that an appropriate protocol to administer single-user electric breast pumps was developed and may provide some benefits to both WIC and WIC mothers.

CONCLUSION:

Recommendations to successfully continue using the single-user breast pump protocol include strengthening policies, procedures, and future issuance criteria.