Renate wrote:
>This advice of 'going to the toilet' (every Three hours during the
day!!!)
and washing hands before feeds is common practice in The Netherlands!
Parents are taught this in hospital and and at home in the early days
after
delivery.
The 'reason' behind it is that the released oxytocin during the feed
makes
the uterus contract. With the bladder positioned in front of the uterus a
full bladder prevents the uteri bloodvessels from contracting and
increases
the risk of haemorrhaging.

Renate, what an interesting explaination! I learn something new every day
on Lactnet!

It has been a while since I had a baby - my youngest is now 19 years old
- but  I do remember very clearly that I had the urge to urinate quite
frequently in the early postpartum weeks. I certainly didn't need to be
reminded to do so! In fact, I am sure that waiting for three hours would
have been pretty darned difficult!

I am uncomfortable with the numbers game, whether it applies to urinating
or breastfeeding or whatever. Yes, I agree that we need some GUIDELINES,
e.g.:  * Look for at least x number of poops and pees on day y*,
but there is a danger in being too specific. I think that it is more
appropriate and effective to encourage mothers to listen to their bodies
and to read their babies' cues.

warmly, Norma


Norma Ritter, IBCLC
private practice in Big Flats, NY
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