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Subject:
From:
Catherine Fetherston <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Lactation Information and Discussion <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 17 May 2001 10:58:05 +0800
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> However there is also the theory that the degree of emptiness of the breast
>is related to the rate of synthesis of milk. I find that many bf experts
>recommend to let the baby drain one side, to leave baby on for as long as
>he/she wants ( sometimes 45 mins) and to only offer the second side if it is
>wanted, regardless of storage capacity.
>From what I have read this would be the correct advice to give to a women
>with large storage capacity, but not to give to a woman with low capacity.
>ie I believe it would be best for her to give short frequent feeds. Am I
>correct?

 
Hi Gerri,  You have summarised very well what we know at the moment and you
make a very good point. I know many midwives who still tell mums that they
should leave their baby on the one side each feed (or for most of the feed)
in order "to finish it" or alternately many mums who INTERPRET finishing the
first side as leaving them there for a long period (even if emptied after a
few minutes).

I recommend to Mums to feed off the first breast until well softened and
feeling emptied and if the baby is still giving  sucking/hunger cues then to
go to the other side. It is certainly counter productive to keep a baby at
the first breast after the baby has pretty well emptied it (for the reasons
you outlined) - and certainly for a strong vigorous baby and a mum with a
smaller storage capacity the breast may be emptied in 10 minutes (for eg.)

I always encourage mums to feed using their instincts or common sense and
feed as they see fit for their baby. I always talk about differing storage
capacities to mothers and explain that this in one reason why some babies
will demand differently to others. I never give specific prescriptive
directions (unless trying to address a particular problem). Although this
has problems in itself as I find so many mums want to quantify everything.
They always want to know which side for how long and insist on writing on
the feeding chart which side they fed from and for exactly how many minutes.
They actually panic if they donšt have their watch with them when they start
a feed, or forgot to look at it at the precise minute they commenced. SIGH!
I know none of our midwives encourage this, yet mums persist in their need
to record these items instead of learning to check with their body instead
of the clock.

Regards
Cathy Fetherston RM MSc IBCLC
Perth Western Australia 

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