Natalie writes

< I think of
the tea cup hold as more of a tissue gathering together technique that
makes
a nipple out of one that isn't prominent.>

"Gathering in" is precisely the label we used on our picture on our
initial charts 28 years ago when our little group ("Vis-u-lac", now
defunct) was one of the first to make visual aids to sell for childbirth
and breastfeeding educators, and brochures for mothers.

While it often works nicely when the nipple is not prominent, it also
works very nicely when the nipple is very prominent. The extra tactile
stimulation to the areola often seems to help trigger the MER. It's nice
to have it "primed" so the milk is right there, waiting
for the clueless babe.

The main idea is to try to present the sinuses to the tongue by extending
the nipple far enough into the baby's mouth to stimulate the "S" spot
about 2/3 of the way back. It seldom takes more than 2 or 3 rewarding
experiences for the baby to catch on to the clues.

I think this may have some special value if a preshaped rubber nipple has
previously given him "instant gratification". Two (kinds of nipples) can
play at that game!

Jean
*********
K. Jean Cotterman RNC, IBCLC
Dayton, Ohio USA

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