Supporting Breast Milk Expression During Mother-Infant Separation: A Scoping Review of Interventions, Technologies, and Service Delivery Models.

BACKGROUND/

OBJECTIVES

Mother-infant separation can interrupt direct breastfeeding while lactation is being established. We mapped recent evaluations of strategies supporting milk expression during actual or anticipated separation.

METHODS

Following JBI guidance and PRISMA-ScR, we searched four databases for English-, Portuguese- or Spanish-language reports published in 2021-2026. Eligible sources evaluated a deliberately implemented technique, technology, equipment-access strategy, professional-education initiative or service change. One reviewer screened and charted the studies; a second reviewer verified decisions and charting, with disagreements resolved by consensus.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine reports representing 27 operational study families were included: 12 randomised, three non-randomised controlled and 12 uncontrolled, historical-comparison or descriptive studies. Digital and sensory approaches often improved anxiety, connection or acceptability, whereas effects on milk volume varied. Technique and equipment comparisons were inconsistent. Service changes were repeatedly associated with improved process outcomes, but all five studies in this domain used uncontrolled designs.

CONCLUSIONS

No expression method was consistently superior. Early practical assistance, appropriate equipment access, individualised support and continuity across maternity and neonatal services appear important, but heterogeneous designs, short-term outcomes and uncontrolled evaluations limit conclusions about effectiveness.