Hi, Jean:  Of course I totally agree with your impressions of hand
expression of colostrum (and later milk).  I think everyone knows by now
that I am a firm believer in hand expression, having hand expressed milk
for all 3 of my babies when I returned to work full-time.  I rate the baby
1st as the most efficient pump, followed closely by hand expression, then
the hospital-grade pumps.  I think moms are more reassured that they indeed
do have milk in those 1st days in the hospital when they see milk hand-
expressed than expressed with a pump.  After all, the amount is much more
impressive when viewed in a teaspoon or running down her nipple and breast,
than smeared on the inside of a flange.  Again, it is empowering the mother
to teach her hand expression so that she can help herself and her baby,
rather than keeping her dependent on equipment and outside help, such as
the LC and hospital staff.

Pam Hirsch, RN,BSN,CLC
Clinical Lead, Lactation Consultant
Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
Barrington, IL  USA

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