In a message dated 97-04-10 22:36:00 EDT, you write:

<< Because the mechanics of a baby removing milk from the breast include jaw
 compression, and the mechanics of pumping rely solely on nipple stim to
 initiate letdown and then suction removal of milk, is it similar or not? My
guess is that the baby will always be more efficient at milk removal, but
pumping to stimulate and remove milk will maintain milk production>>

Mary Kay,
Breastpumps also provide compression.  Sit and watch a mother pump with a
good piston double electric pump.  Her nipples are pulled into the pump by
the suction, and the areolar sinuses are compressed in the flange.(If it fits
properly)  The pumps suction does provide an environment of negative pressure
as the baby's mouth does, and the breast is an area of positive pressure,
especially if she has had a milk ejection reflex occur (MER).  That aids the
milk flowing from the area of higher pressure to lower pressure, but without
the compression it would not work well.  This is one reason the cycling of a
breastpump is so important.  It mimics the jaw compressions of the baby.  The
slower drug store/toy store pumps that cycle 8 times / minute (small
semi-automatic electric pumps that sell for about $30 - $50)  Will someone
from more knowledgable please comment and correct me if I am wrong.  This is
my understanding from my 17 yrs of experience and helping mothers pump.

Nursing is of course a lot better than pumping, but I am having a hard time
saying that pumping is never as good or as effective.  I have worked with so
many mothers who pump for months; maintain AND increase their milk supply
while baby is hospitalized or unable to nurse.  I could find at least a dozen
moms who whould tell you pumping is BETTER, more effecient, less trouble, and
easier than nursing. Some that I work with choose this over nursing their
healthy baby.  I feel like they have missed a unique womanly experience,
 bonded with a machine, and missed a precious time with their infants in
favor of convenience, but who am I to judge?
Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC
Lynchburg, VA