Jean wrote:
>It seems so difficult for some moms to hold their fingers in the shape of a reverse "C" with the second and third fingers curved so the tips end up along the 6 o'clock hand on the clock. On top of that, I have to repeat and repeat "You aren't made like a farm animal. There's no "forward pull"! Keep your fingers bent, and pressing inward against your chest wall, while you roll your thumb as if making a thumb print, so that it is pressing against the TIPS of the two fingers on the bottom." That's where the analogy comes in about pressing "behind the tiny toothpaste tubes under the circle".<

I have seen two problems that many mothers have with hand - or finger!
- expression.

 - They keep their hands too stiff.
Their hands are almost rigid, probably due to tension and anxiety.
Encouraging them to shake their hands around in the air before
attempting to express milk seems to help dissipate the tension,
especially if you can get them to laugh about it too.

 - They do not understand to concept of rolling their fingertips, as
opposed to pushing/sliding them.
This is a tricky one! The most effective way I have found to teach
*rolling* is to place my fingers over the mother's and modeling the
motions.

warmly, norma



Norma Ritter, IBCLC, RLC
Breastfeeding Matters in the Capital Region
www.NormaRitter.com

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