Thank you, Sharon, for your clarification as to Hartmann's research and the
foremilk/hindmilk vs switch nursing issue.  It is not only the moms who are
getting uptight about the foremilk/hindmilk, but also pediatricians (and even
some LCs) who work with these moms.  I am in private practice, and my clients
often tell me that their doctors have told them to keep the baby at the
breast for at least 10 minutes in order to get the hindmilk.  Some tell me
they have already consulted another LC who has told them the same.  With all
of this advice, it is even more amazing to me that rarely have any of these
moms been taught to listen for or recognize swallowing.  Because so much
emphasis has been put on this issue, without explaining why, the moms then
jump to the conclusion that there are actually two different milks in the
breast.  Many of them say to me, "I want my baby to get the good milk."  I
spend a great deal of my time teaching moms that it is all good milk and why
there is really no reason for them to worry about it (or even know about it)
as long as there are no problems going on.  As you say, it is just one more
thing for them to worry about--and they do worry!
Because I started my career as a La Leche League Leader, I learned about
switch nursing many years ago.  I have continued to find it one of the most
successful "tools" in my bag.  It has been interesting to me to find out how
many LC's misunderstand this concept.  It should not be based on the clock
(i.e., switching every 5 minutes).  Instead, moms should be listening for
swallowing.  If the baby is swallowing, there is no reason to switch.  When
swallowing stops, try breast compressions.  When breast compressions no
longer produce swallowing, THEN it is time to switch.  This technique can
make feedings far more efficient for a large percentage of new moms in
addition to helping pick up the wet diapers/stools/weight gain/milk supply.
Cher Sealy, RN, BSN, IBCLC
The Breastfeeding Encounter
Montgomery, AL

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html