Hello all--
        I've been on NoMail for months, but have a break from grad school and am
enjoying catching up with LactNet. My question is:

We are working on revising or developing policies regarding breastfeeding at
the hospital at which I am LC. The question has come up as to when a mom
should begin pumping if she has not put the baby to breast. The resources I
consulted spoke of stimulating the breasts within 6 hours so as not to
suppress the prolactin receptors. Several comments I received included:
     "how am I going to tell a fresh c-sec that she has to pump within 6
hours?" (assuming that the baby is unable to breastfeed for some medical
reason)
     "why should we tell mothers to pump or nurse within 6 hours when the
Hispanic moms we see do not nurse until the milk comes in and they do just
fine?? (I question this last statement as no one is following up on these
moms after discharge).

Does anyone have any research that I can quote or other info on advising moms
as to when to begin to nurse or pump???

Thanks, KathyRubin RN"C" (as of 12/96!) IBCLC grad student on the 5-year
plan!