I realize it isn't ideal, but if mom and baby are in close proximity, there is still an exchange of germs (as with other family members) that helps create the immunological properties. The supply is driven by the baby's needs, of course not in the same way, but mom increases pumping if baby's need start to out run what she is producing. Of course pumping some or all feeds isn't a first choice, but in some circumstances it's the only choice. The site receptors in the breast respond to the removal of the milk and an inhibiting factor, whether or not the milk is nursed out or expressed out. Of course bio-chem isn't my field, but I just can't help but feel that quality and quantity are basically unchanged if breast is stimulated and emptied. Sincerely, Pat in SNJ *********************************************** The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM) mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to: http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html