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Subject:
From:
Gillian Rapley <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Fri, 13 Feb 1998 18:25:43 UT
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I have found the following explanations helpful when explaining how to hand
express (with other stuff about encouraging letdown reflex etc. etc. of
course):

1.  Need to press back into the breast to "reach" the milk.

2.  Imagine trying to push a golf ball along inside a hosepipe - no good
pressing in front of the ball or over it - you have to get behind it,
squeeze/pinch the hosepipe (gently!) and push forwards.  The "bubble" of milk
you are trying to move is like the golf ball.

3.  Lactiferous sinuses/nipple ducts are a bit like little whoopie cushions -
sucking on the end won't get the air (milk) out, but press in the fight place
and Whoosh!

4.  Think of the breast like the corner of a duvet in its cover:  Just moving
your fingers up and down, or dragging skin, is like just having hold of the
cover.  You need to stretch the cover just slightly between your fingers and
thumb and then feel for the duvet itself.  (Note:  Stretching (perhaps
"spreading out" is better) the skin over the breast tissue is also a useful
tip for large, soft-breasted mums who find a pump doesn't seem to do more than
pull skin in and out.)

5.  Feel for the "gristly" bit under the skin behind/beside the nipple.


Hope this helps.


STARTING SOLIDS:

Great discussion, eh?

By the way, I never meant to suggest that a baby reaches out only because he
is hungry.  Quite the reverse:  As several lactnetters pointed out, babies
reach out for all sorts of things.  My point was:  Why do so many parents
PREVENT them from grabbing food (but allow them to grab toys etc.)? - Even to
the point of pinning their arms down while they poke a spoon in their mouths!!
 Lots of parents say they feel GUILTY when their 3-4 month-old watches them
eating and that's why they start spoon feeding.  I say:  He doesn't know that
you're eating - his experience of eating so far is quite different - he's
interested in what you're DOING and wants to join in the ACTIVITY - so let
him!  Playing with food seems to be frowned on - not good manners??  Adults
don't play with their food - oh no?  Apart from sculpting with mashed potato,
what about food preparation?  If rolling pastry, kneading dough etc. aren't
playing with food, I don't know what is!  Squishing banana and painting with
yoghurt is not so very different . . .

Best wishes,

Gill

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