The Effect of Prenatal Hand Expression on the Rate of Exclusive Breastfeeding to Two Months

Status

UNKNOWN

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Observational

Source

ClinicalTrials.gov

Registry ID

NCT05066438

Enrollment

176

Registered

2021-10-04

Start date

2021-11-30

Completion date

2023-04-30

Last updated

2021-10-04

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Breastfeeding, Breastfeeding, Exclusive, Breast Milk Collection

Keywords

antenatal, colostrum, hand expression, prenatal

Brief summary

Despite recommendations by several health authorities, the rate of sustained exclusive breastfeeding for two months is less than fifty-five percent in Canada. The two most common reasons for early discontinuation are problems with milk supply and difficulty with technique. Antenatal hand expression (AHE) is a method used to assist with colostrum collection in low-risk pregnancies near term. This method has been shown to have several benefits, including increased milk supply at birth. This study aims to determine if the employment of antenatal hand expression in low-risk pregnancies near term affects the rate of sustained breastfeeding exclusively to two months.

Interventions

BEHAVIORALAntenatal hand expression

Standardized counselling and provision of information/resources on the practice of antenatal hand expression to encourage milk let down and colostrum production/collection.

Study design

Observational model

COHORT

Time perspective

PROSPECTIVE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

FEMALE

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Inclusion criteria

* inclusion to breastfeed * no contraindications to vaginal delivery * multiple gestation only if cleared for vaginal delivery

Exclusion criteria

* intention to formula feed * antenatal hand expression training provided by staff outside of study protocol * practiced antenatal hand expression prior to 36 weeks gestation * breech presentation * history of preterm labour, preterm birth or threatened preterm labour * history of (or current) cervical insufficiency * any contraindication to vaginal delivery (ie. placenta or vasa previa, classical uterine scar, etc.) * intrauterine growth restriction * antepartum hemorrhage * any contraindication to breastfeeding (eg. HIV) * multiple gestation requiring Cesarean delivery

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame	Description
Exclusive breastfeeding to two months	This metric measured by questionnaire at two months	Participant-reported data on newborn dietary intake, collected by telephone questionnaire

Contacts

Primary ContactNaida Hawkins, RN

nhawkins@moremilksooner.com3068437421

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026