Mindfulness and Meditation Based Lactation Education on Maternal Breastmilk in the Neonatal ICU

The Impact of Mindfulness and Meditation Based Lactation Education on Maternal Breastmilk in the Neonatal ICU: Intervention Study

The purpose of this research is to investigate associations between mindfulness and meditation techniques and changes in maternal breastmilk in the mother pumping for her NICU infant.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Maternal age > 20 years of age
• Read, write and understand English
• Infant NICU admit
• Infant birthplace of Rochester, MN (Mayo Clinic)
• Maternal adherence to pumping ≥ 8 times in 24 hours
• Mother enrolled within 72 hours of birth
• Gestational age of neonate at birth of < 34 0/7 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Maternal extensive existing mindfulness practice
• Maternal breast/chest surgery
• Maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• Maternal current illicit substance abuse
• Diagnosis of maternal current severe mental health concerns
• Maternal multiple gestation (twins or higher order) pregnancy and delivery