In a message dated 9/29/98 9:34:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

<<
 From my observations beginning in childhood watching farm animals and pets,
 baby mammals bunt their mother's dugs.  Bunt and dug are words you hardly
ever
 hear now, beautiful old-fashioned words used by countryfolk.  Lambs are
 fantastic bunters, it always makes me wince because they thud their mother's
 dugs/udders in such a forceful manner.  It must be to elicit/stimulate more
 milk.
  >>
Helen,
I agree.  Everyone should find an opportunity to watch puppies, kittens or
other mammals nurse sometime.  Watching a calf, foal, or lamb is even more
fun.  They do bunt and tug.  Also the puppies and kittens put their little
paws up and push & knead the mother.  They learn quickly that this gives them
another mouthful of milk.
Mothers worry and often feel rejected when their baby exhibits some of these
behaviors.  We need to help them interpret the baby's behavior and not be
frightened by it.  Of course the mothers need help, confidence and the
information to increase their supply.  Lots of babies massage their mother's
breasts while nursing,.  Breast compression!! Right Dr. Jack?  Stimulates the
breast, promotes better milk removal and Voila--in a few days more milk.
Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA
Wife of a veterinarian, assistant midwife and lactation consultant to dogs,
cats, cows and horses.