In a message dated 12/1/0 2:15:46 AM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< What precisely are we teaching the mother when we teach "expressing"?  >>

Jean, here is my usual spill when demonstrating/teaching hand expression, I
usually demo then the mom return demos:

"Place your thumb and forefinger about where the baby needs to compress for
breastfeeding, about one inch beyond the base of the nipple, press in , hold
that and squeeze".

When I say "press in", we are pressing inward toward the chest wall. If the
mom seems to need more detailed explaination I would say "press inward toward
your ribs, hold that and squeeze"

that seems pretty close to your version.

Also, I certainly agree with all the rationales you list for breast massage
before and during feeding. For most new moms in the hospital and with early
pp moms on the verge of needing to pump and/or supplement,  I use massage in
this way to increase & facilitate flow/output --> increased production/supply
and baby calorie intake/hydration --> less wt loss in the early days, more wt
gain subsequently.......  as a strategy/technique to help cope with/overcome
those labor/birth/pp practices & interventions that adversely effect breast,
lactation, and breastfeeding.

Debbie Tobin
RN BSN IBCLC LCCE
Springfield, Virginia USA
In the suburbs outside the Washington DC beltway
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