New Breast Pumps

Four hospital-grade breast pumps have been funded to support breastfeeding on the Postnatal Ward and Transitional Care Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

The specialist pumps are designed for medical settings, so are highly efficient as well as being hygienic for multiple users. They help mothers establish and maintain milk supply, and are particularly valuable for supporting preterm or poorly babies who may need additional care.

The pumps were funded by local charities SSNAP and Silver Star Maternity Fund, which is part of Oxford Hospitals Charity. Staff have enthusiastically welcomed the new pumps, which are already making a meaningful difference to families.

The charities plan to work together to raise funds for further pumps for the department.

Amber Clark, the Maternity Infant Feeding Lead at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), said:

“We can’t thank the charities enough for purchasing these breast pumps. As soon as they arrived they were put to great use and in the very first week alone over 150 pumping sessions took place with the new equipment.

“Our families and staff on the wards are delighted as these make such a difference. Mother’s milk is so important, especially for poorly babies – where it can have a long and lasting effect on their development.

“Knowing we can provide breast pumps to use as frequently as needed with minimal waiting is so important. So we are delighted to have these new pumps and are so pleased that hopefully more will be provided, to ultimately avoid any waiting time at all.”

Emily Byrne, Charity lead for SSNAP, said: “For babies in the neonatal unit or needing extra care, reliable access to expressing equipment can make a real difference by supporting feeding, bonding, and confidence when families need it most. SSNAP is delighted to fund two breast pumps for mothers in transitional care, and we look forward to raising funds to provide more in the future.”

Maggie Findlay, Manager of the Silver Star Maternity Fund, part of Oxford Hospitals Charity, added: “The two new breast pumps funded by the Silver Star Maternity Fund are already having a hugely positive impact for our patients. They are helping mums during a critical time when trying to establish their breast-feeding journey and we have received fantastic feedback from our staff about how much easier it is to provide timely, compassionate support.”

Sharon Andrews, Head of Midwifery at OUH, said: “These new breast pumps are already making a big impact for the women under our care.

“Ensuring families have timely access to the right equipment and support is central to the improvements we are delivering. We are very grateful to our charity partners for helping us enhance the experience of women, babies and families during their time with us.”