I am a CLE in SC (waiting for IBLCE results) who works primarily with
WIC.  One of the two hospitals in our area does recommend binding for
breasts.  They have breast binders (they look like giant elastic waists
from underwear--like mens jockeys) that hang in the closet of each
postpartum room.  Some of the nurses are *great* there, very
pro-breasttfeeding and have tried to get the policy changed.
Unfortunately, we could not find any documentation to support it.  What
the <Breastfeedomg Answer Book> says is typical of what we found:
"Caution:  Binding the breasts is an outdated practice that can intensify
a mother's discomfort and cause plugged ducts."  No references provided.

When I requested a search of our state Health Department library,
they came back with <Williams Obstetrics> reccommendations for binding
the breasts.  Thanks a lot!!!

My peer counselor called the Lactation
Study Center (this was before I was hooked up with you gals & guys) and
they said they'd have to get back to her. They called back saying they
couldn't find *any* references.

I have heard through conferences that breast-binding actually does work
(to some degree anyway).  We
just like to recommend gradual weaning to keep the baby on the breast a
little longer, maybe get the mom to change her mind...?

My question is, does anyone have any actual research references on the
dangers of binding??  If not, anyone interested in doing some research
(which would, admittedly, be hard to ethically do)?  How about some help
on this.  If I can supply some good references, I'm sure I can change the
practices at at least one small rural hospital.

Robyn Dettmar, CLE  (who uses her patient husband's e-mail address)