As far as I could find out, there is only one study about breast binding:
Swift K, Janke J., Breast binding... is it all that it's wrapped up to be?
J Obstet Gynecol Neonatal Nurs. 2003 May-Jun;32(3):332-9.
and the author's conclusion is that breast binding should be discouraged
and snug supportive bra use encouraged.

I have found a meta-analysis about lactation suppression
Oladapo OT, Fawole B., Treatments for suppression of lactation. Cochrane
Database Syst Rev. 2012 Sep 12;9:CD005937.
but it does make no reference to breast binding in the abstract. Its older
version (2009, apps.who.int/rhl/reviews/) reports only Swift's article on
breast binding.

Therefore, as far as evidence goes, breast binding is not supported by
evidence.

However, I also know that the increased intra-mammal pressure due to
engorgement can lead to the involution of lactocytes, or at least there
should be some such theory that links increased mammary pressure to
involution of lactation. This makes me wonder if, after all, there may be
some effect of breast binding on involution of lactation (by increasing
internal pressure by applying external pressure). I could not find
references.

Has anyone references about breast binding effectiveness besides what I got?

The sentence in the book puzzles me because it refers to "compression" and
not binding, so it makes me think about relieving engorgement by expressing
a little of milk, but adds "to accelerate involution" that makes me think
about binding, not expressing. Further puzzles me again by adding "and
decrease pain" which can hardly refer to binding!
I know, I am indeed confused, no wonder I can hardly explain myself...

So, I suppose "compression" must be meant as expressing or something
similar (according to my findings about evidences and my judgment), but to
be sure, I will contact the authors, as suggested!

Thanks!
Micaela,
Italy







On Mon, Jan 6, 2014 at 5:15 PM, Laurie Wheeler <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> I believe they are talking about wearing a snug supportive bra and not
> breast compression that we use to increase milk flow/milk transfer. I know
> the concept of breast binding is controversial, however if I am not
> mistaken there have been some (or one) more recent study showing it
> works.??? Most postpartum nurses will tell you it really works and it is
> often done with a velcro binder not ace wraps and it is fitted snug but not
> really tight. Does any one know of evidence-based info? I wonder if the
> lack of contact between mother and infant due to that thick fabric and then
> clothing over it, has anything to do with the involution?
> Laurie Wheeler RN MN IBCLC
> Mississippi USA
>

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