I haven't seen research support for this, but was told to have mom do it
while bending over and letting the breasts (if they're big enough) fall away
from her body.  Mom then slides her hands under the breasts and shakes (my
kids are hysterical every time I talk over the phone to a mom about doing it
- I have to do it myself while I describe it...).  The reason I was given
for it was to allow gravity to help the milk to move down.

For what it's worth...

Happy Holidays, everyone!

Morgan Kennedy Henderson, IBCLC
Snowy Wellesley, MA  USA


On 12/26/02 6:23 PM, "Automatic digest processor"
<[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I can't remember who asked about shaking the breasts
> before expressing milk, but here are my thoughts.
> When the breasts are shaken a little, blood goes
> towards the nipples, at the very least, stretch
> receptors are stimulated, and the milk is *more
> likely* to let down.  Not guaranteed, but IME, there
> are no guarantees while expressing.

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