There are two positions that I have found to be helpful in clearing the breast when the usual ones fail.  One is to have the mom lay the baby on his back;  mom then positions herself over the baby, on hands and knees, with breasts just hanging straight down.  This also helps sometimes with babies who are having problems latching.  The other position is kind of upside-down - mom lies down on her side with baby positioned with his body pointing in the opposite direction so that the lower jaw is positioned  under the upper quadrant rather than the lower quadrant of the breast, a position which theoretically will drain the upper portion of the breast better.  It worked for me and has worked for several moms who I recommended it to.

If willing, I have found that husbands can be helpful in clearing a congested breast (mine was more than willing, even eager perhaps, to help out in these situations).  Also, if you have a good pump, try repositioning the flange several times during a session (rather than keeping the nipple right in the center) - this can sometimes help to clear the breast more completely.

I would also have the mom cut way back on saturated and trans fats in the diet and add monosaturates and lecithin.


Warmly,
Sharon Knorr, BSMT, ASCP, IBCLC
Newark, NY (near Rochester on Lake Ontario)
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