In a message dated 4/13/01 10:23:33 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:


> Is the recommendation to feed on one side for twelve hours?
> I am working with a mother with a week-old baby who has been told to
> pump (not hand-express) first, every feed, and then feed on one side for
> twelve hours because of suspected foremilk / hindmilk imbalance and
> overactive letdown. Weight is o.k. Her baby is, as you might expect,
> colicky and not sleeping a lot, and she is getting tired. I would have
> said hand-expression and then four or five hours per side so as not to
> endanger supply. Any thoughts? Is a pump really necessary?
> Jo-Anne
>

In all my years I've seen three hours on a side straighten out true
hindmilk/foremilk imbalance typically within 24 - 48 hrs.......often closer
to 24.  Keeping a Mom to 12 hrs. on a side has the potential of dramatically
limiting supply.  Even with using a pump on the other side it would not be
adequate stimulation like the suckling babe.  With overactive letdown in the
picture I "might" consider a pump, but prefer letting the baby get the
letdown and having Mom leak initially or assist slightly with hand expression
into a cloth diaper and then relatch baby when it slows a bit.  That alone
may be enough to balance out the hindmilk/foremilk.....which I consider to be
almost overdiagnosed.  Adding a pump into the mix this early and along with
everything else could create as many problems as it might potentially help.

Cheryl Taylor White

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