I am reading and following the threads of supply issues....pumping, nursing,
switching, stimulation, emptying, etc.

So, if I am understanding all the research and info....empty breasts
frequently to maintain adaquate milk supply, to increase milk supply the
pumping is not for stimulation (as previously thought) but is actually to be
sure to further empty the breast....which I would think would be better done
with massage, hand expression, and pumping...pumping alone on a fairly empty
breast does not exactly feel good....
The idea of "stimulation to let breast know it needs to make the milk" which
was previous reason for nipple stim and pumping is now outdated?  And this is
because we have now accepted Hartman's study as "the new truth" and it is
volume, emptying, etc. that determines production and stimulation is no
longer "the" issue?

  It seems that sooo much information still in print is no longer correct.  I
would think that is one reason the information is still being given.  Unless
I was following Lactnet threads and research that comes through here on a
regular basis, I would never have learned as fast as I have been able to.  I
find that we need to really be vigilant in keeping up with our own knowledge
and research.  And I get so frustrated with the numbers who do not and I am
always hearing from moms repeating "old information" and of course, I must be
wrong because after all her doctor said, her nurse said and the LC
said...that makes 3 against 1. <G>

I have to say this...lactation is on the list of fields of practice/knowledge
that change faster than the last information is being learned.  Just as we
finally get people to believe babies need to nurse more frequently in the
"growth spurt time" we now have to tell them...volume is fairly constant.
Now after all the time spent telling moms to pump after nursing and
"stimulate the breast" , we think it is emptying not stimulating that
increases milk.........Do you ever look back at moms you helped and
think......"Dang, if only we knew that then!!".

Pam MazzellaDiBosco, IBCLC  FL,USA   Who won't have to do crossword puzzles
to ward off memory loss.....there is always LACTNET.  <G>

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