Since the breeding habits of the platypus, a very elusive creature, weren't
generally known long ago when the laid-back position was first used, it is
unlikely that it was a factor. Some Australans would have known, if they
were interested in biology, that the platypus young licked the mother's milk
off her skin as there were no nipples to latch onto. I doubt if they'd have
known the finer points of the position used.
I first encountered the term, "the Australian position", used somewhat
pejoratively, in the mid-1980s. The position (but not this name) had been in
use, for specific indications such as over-active MER, for many years before
that. It wasn't used very much, just as a temporary measure at some feeds,
and not necessarily for the whole feed. So Jean is right is picking up on
the word "frequently" in Kellymom's caution. The term used in Australia was
"posture feeding". I've noticed that Australians now use the term "laid-
back feeding', which takes in a wider range of positions since Sysanne
Colson's contribution.
Virginia
in Brisbane, QLD, Australia
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Lisa,
I have capitalized for emphasis:
<Avoid using this positioning FREQUENTLY, as it may lead to plugged ducts.>
Notice the placement of that word in Kellymom's directions. (Her website is
one of my favorite "go-to" sources for parents and caregivers alike.)
If that sentence were misinterpreted/misremembered, with the word occurring
just a few words further in the sentence (after "may") it would have a whole
different meaning, and that would be what would cause my eyebrows to raise.
I have been waiting to hear someone from "down under" comment on the name
"Australian position" as I once heard that there were some/many there who
felt somehow "uneasy" with the term (to say the least).
I have at long last begun to respond to the need to "cull" my papers and
books (most on lactation) collected over the years. The other day, I came
across an article I submitted in 1997 in response to a call for papers (from
nurses, for nurses) for a new journal (which shall remain unidentified). I
never received even so much as a word to confirm that it was received.
Its title was "Teaching New Breastfeeding Mothers the Australian Position".
The first paragraph read:
"The descriptive name 'Australian Position' may have originated from
observation of the duckbill platypus, a small mammal found in eastern
Australia and Tasmania. The mother platypus lies on her back to feed, oozing
out milk for the young, who climb up on her abdomen. Despite their bills,
they"nurse" by lapping it up much as fowls drink water."
I don't know now where I got my "facts". I admit to having a vivid
imagination;-) But the point of the whole article was aimed at OB nurses
working in the OB recovery rooms (the closest a mom could get to nursing
shortly after birth at the time. I was long out of the hospital into public
health by this time, so even my memories of mothers having to lie flat for x
amount of time after a spinal etc. may have (or be) way off.) But that was
the gist of the article, the many benefits of the position for some mothers,
SOME of the time.
Fortunately, we now have the brilliant work of Suzanne Colson and further
progress in the BFHI recommendations, so the "hieroglyphics" of my own
manuscript just mark a place in my own history;-) Brought me a smile for the
day.
K. Jean Cotterman RNC-E, IBCLC
WIC Volunteer LC Dayton OH
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