Human Milk Expression Practices, Experiences and Perceptions among Mothers: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Human milk expression is commonly practiced among breastfeeding mothers. Their practices, experiences, and perceptions varies due to many underlying environments and issues. This review describes practices, experiences, and perceptions of mothers in expressing milk. Literature search was conducted for peer-reviewed articles on milk expression using Scopus, Krisalis Discovery, CINAHL, and PubMed from 2010 to 2020 for qualitative and mixed studies. This review and reporting was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Screening and selection of articles were conducted using Distiller Systematic Review (DSR). Twenty-two qualitative studies were identified focusing on the milk expression practices, experiences, and perceptions of mothers. Their practices indicated time, duration and method of milk expression. The experiences found were on the reasons, challenges, coping strategies and motivations. The perceptions on milk expression were found to influence the experience and practices of milk expression. Human milk expression practices, experiences and perceptions have been highlighted in many studies; however, there is no clear association between practices, experiences and perception.