Okay...I haven't seen this posted yet, so at the risk of sounding incredibly
obvious, I'm going to post it.  I have found the absolute BEST way to
stimulate let-down and increase pumped amount of milk is to latch baby onto
one side in the football hold, preferably in the sling, and PUMP off the
other side.  Even in babies who aren't terribly good nursers, they assist
the pumping process immensely.  If baby is in a sling, mom's hands are free
and she can then increase output even further by doing active breast
compression on the pumping side.  The fat content of the milk changes quite
obviously when massage/breast compression is used.

If a mom is having a tough time eliciting MER, I recommend using Bach's
Rescue Rememdy (alcohol base) or NSP's Distress Remedy (veg glycerine base
and may be given directly to babies as well).  I give it differently than
was recently mentioned (although I posted this several years ago, I'll
repeat it):  give 5 drops of Rescue Remedy or 10 drops Distress Remedy to
mom 30 min before latch or pumping; then repeat 15 min before and again
immediately before latch.  This has remarkable effects.  I use Distress
Remedy on nipple confused babies and babies who seem to sleep so deeply that
they awaken in  sheer panic mode wanting immediate milk pronto.  It calms
them enough to allow MER and it is not addictive.  There are many uses for
these homeopathics--including for bumps on the playground, hyperventilating,
panic attacks, and most recently when one of my raft mates fell out while we
were white water rafting down the McKenzie.

I hope this helps.  I also have a detailed plan for how to use NSP and other
homeopathics if anyone wants/needs it.
Sending Warmest Sunny Thoughts,
--Chris Hafner-Eaton, PhD, MPH, CHES, IBCLC    [log in to unmask]
INFANT CUISINE AND MOTHER CARE: Lactation Consulting, Perinatal Health
Education and Attachment Parenting Classes for parents and practitioners

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