Nikki writes,

<<  In these cases, relief can come from a combination of gravity and warm
 water. Mom leans forward, immersing her swollen breasts in comfortably warm
 water. This can be in a bathtub, or in a washbasin that is large enough top
 fit her comfortably and which can be placed on a table. After a few minutes
of
 immersion, the milk will let go and begin to jet into the water. Then she can
 hand express and nurse. The leaning forward part is as important as the
 immersion part. >>

Nikki -- is this anecdotal/clinical experience (I have nothing against this,
just am concerned about using heat on the breasts) or is there documentation
in the literature to demonstrate the efficacy of this?  And why gravity?
Logic tells me that to decrease the swelling the part needs to be elevated
which is what we do with edematous extremities.  A good fitting, supportive
bra with mom lying on her back so her breasts are above her heart ought to
help.  Seems to me that leaning over a warm basin, besides giving her a
backache, would increase the swelling.

Any other thoughts on this?

Jan B