Dear all,
I, too, can change my stance.  Elisheva's post was enlightening, as was Jean
Cotterman's.  I would hesitate to base BF technique on renaissance
paintings, though, as some of them seem to be figments of the artist's
imagination as far as position, placement of breast on woman, and contour of
breast go.
I am mainly concerned with how the breast is presented/supported for the
very first BF sessions.  The experienced BF couple belong to a different
species altogether, anatomically and behaviorally.  Scissors, C-hold, en
face or over your shoulder... once you get the hang of it BF is possible in
most any position.

The experience I had was with pictures illustrating the Right and the Wrong
Way to hold a breast to achieve a good, effective latch in the early
postpartum period.  I observe 100% correlation between the most common kind
of soreness with scabs and bleeding at the tips of nipples after a few days,
and a mother demonstrating to me a certain pincer-like grasp of the skin
about 3 cm back from the tip of the nipple, followed by lifting the skin
toward the baby while leaving the ampules/ducts/delicious filling behind
(pillowcase with no pillow phenomenon).  While Nobody in practice uses this
technique, women continue to show it to me when I ask 'How was your baby
helped to the breast?'.  Kinesthetic memory is very strong so I don't doubt
that the mothers have experienced this.  Pincer grasp often evolves to
scissor hold, and C-hold never happens, nor does good latch, without
intervention.  If I can give mothers one thing to make their lives easier
and their BF experience more enticing, it will be directed at this area.
This kind of soreness is endemic where I live.  It is a testimonial to the
strength of culture that BF persists despite pain with each feeding, long
term.  Likewise, I consider every case of premature weaning for this type of
soreness to be a preventable case, and I hope to make a difference.  I don't
correct technique when BF is obviously well established to the enjoyment and
benefits of mother and child, I have my hands full helping sort out the
messes early on.
Sorry for rambling.
Rachel Myr
Kristiansand

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