Breast compression is a technique which I have developed after I
observed women in South Africa and some of the women from breastfeeding
cultures who have come to the clinic.  I suppose it is somewhat like
alternate breast massage.

I teach the mother how to know the baby is getting milk
(open-pause-close type of suck).  When the mother no longer observes the
baby nursing like that, I suggest she take a good handful of breast
(thumb on one side, other fingers on the other), and simply squeeze.  If
it works (more open-pause-close type of sucks), she keeps the pressure
up until the baby is back to nibbling.  She then releases the pressure.
If the baby stops sucking she waits until he starts again.  If he
*drinks*, fine.  If not, she starts the compression again.  That's all.

I have a handout on its use.  If any one wants one, email me privately
with your address and I will mail out all our handouts to you.

Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC