Evidence Summary Outlines Lactation Support for Preterm Mothers

A systematic review published in BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth has synthesized the best available evidence regarding lactation promotion strategies for mothers of preterm infants who experience separation from their newborns. By consolidating fragmented evidence from various sources, the research aims to provide a clinically relevant overview for healthcare providers supporting these families.

The research team conducted a systematic search guided by the 6 S evidence model to identify relevant literature. The search spanned major international and Chinese databases as well as relevant professional websites, covering publications from inception through February 17, 2026. The included literature types were comprehensive, encompassing systematic reviews, clinical guidelines, expert consensus statements, evidence summaries, and clinical decision support resources.

To ensure rigor, the researchers utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Evidence Pre-grading and Recommendation System to extract, appraise, and synthesize the data.

The synthesis resulted in a total of 32 evidence items, which were organized into 11 distinct domains. These domains cover a wide array of clinical and supportive interventions, including professional lactation support, health education and skills, lactation assessment, and lactation initiation. Other key areas identified in the summary include lactation monitoring, implementation considerations, the use of breast pumps, general lactation promotion, the administration of galactagogues, herbal galactagogues, and human milk management.

Despite the comprehensive nature of the synthesis, the authors noted that uncertainty remains regarding several specific clinical parameters and adjunctive interventions. The available evidence supports a comprehensive approach to lactation care, but the level of certainty varies significantly across different interventions and specific clinical details.

The study concludes that the evidence summary provides a valuable tool for informing clinical practice. However, the authors emphasize that these findings should be interpreted in the context of individual maternal and infant circumstances as well as local healthcare resources.

Further research is identified as necessary to strengthen population-specific evidence and clarify areas of continuing uncertainty.

Subject of Research: Lactation promotion strategies for mothers of preterm infants during mother-infant separation

Article Title: Lactation promotion strategies among mothers of preterm infants experiencing mother-infant separation: a best evidence summary

Article References: Xu, H., Yang, K., Ling, F., & Hou, J. (2026). Lactation promotion strategies among mothers of preterm infants experiencing mother-infant separation: a best evidence summary. BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12884-026-10181-6

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1186/s12884-026-10181-6

Keywords: lactation, preterm infants, mother-infant separation, systematic review, neonatal care, evidence summary, breastfeeding, clinical practice, promotion, strategies, mothers, preterm