The Merit Study (Manual Expression pRemature InfanTs) (MERIT)
Breast Milk Expression

About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Breast Milk Expression focused on measuring breastfeeding, premature infants, manual expression
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Participant delivered premature infant (23-34 weeks gestation)
- Intention to breastfeed
- Infant admitted to NICU
Exclusion Criteria:
- Premature infant <23 or > 34 weeks gestation
- Non-English speaking
- Mother critically ill
- History of breast augmentation surgery
- Time lapse of > 24 hours since delivery to first expression of breast milk
Sites / Locations
- Barnes Jewish Hospital
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
3 day group
7 day group
Manual expression for 3 days after delivery Breastfeeding log for 14 days after delivery Video of manual expression for teaching and reinforcement Complete breastfeeding self-efficacy scale at 1 day and 14 days after delivery
The 7 day group will manually express for 7 days after delivery. Breastfeeding log for 14 days after delivery Video of manual expression for teaching and reinforcement Complete breastfeeding self-efficacy scale at 1 day and 14 days after delivery follow up phone call at 5 days to encourage continued manual expression