The second edition of Breastfeeding and Human Lactation (397) refers to
initiating stimulation within 6 hours. The importance is in relation to
stimulating the prolactin receptors. I was always under the assumption that
prolactin levels are at their peak somewhere between 2-4 hours after birth.
If so...then if a baby is unable to nurse or nuzzle at the breast then
stimulation is important to establish a reasonable supply in order to avoid
future supply problems.
Sharon Lemon, RN, IBCLC
***********************************************
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