IMHO the test is useful only when it's already clear - from the usual clinical indicators - that the baby is NOT getting enough to thrive.  Then it can be helpful in working out whether to focus primarily on milk production or primarily on milk transfer, or both.  

As far as why do the test, for most dyads it's not appropriate.  It would never be appropriate for determining whether the baby is getting enough because it says nothing about intake.  But take the case where a baby is not gaining, and the pediatrician is telling the mom it has nothing to do with the baby's tongue tie, and must be a milk supply problem.  And the mom is making herself nuts with pumping, supplements etc., with no results.  In a situation like this, doing the pump test is not adding stress (she's already pumping like mad and stressed out about the lack of gain), and the result can help persuade both the parents and the pediatrician that the mother's breasts are doing their part - the problem is that the baby can't effectively drain the breast because his tongue is so restricted.  I've seen this more than once, and been glad to have the pump test as one assessment tool among many.  

Jessica


Jessica Lang Kosa, PhD, IBCLC
[log in to unmask]
www.motherfeeding.com

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