In a message dated 5/24/0 10:54:43 PM, [log in to unmask] writes:

<< Elisheva, though I come from a country which definitely DOES have pumps
(Australia), in my experience they are not a tool we use until AFTER
lactogenesis II.  Up until then it is all hand expressing.  Our experience
is that we obtain milk at every expression (unlike with a pump where
previous posts suggest it can take up to 6 or so sessions to obtain
anything) and give that milk to the baby (who would otherwise have had to
have 'the other').  It's gentle and introduces pumping to a new mother who
may have to do it for many weeks in a non-threatening way.
 >>
I wish it was the case here that mothers find it less threatening to learn
hand expression. It is, IMO, much easier to express colostrum with hand
expression than w/ a pump, but many mothers are extremely unwilling to do
this. Most mothers assume they will use a breastpump at some point and are
much more comfortable with a machine than with their own hands. Two weeks
ago, when I suggested a mother hand express milk, she said, "You want me to
use my hands?!". She was truly shocked and did not get over it even with good
explanation. I certainly believe all mothers should have this skill, but
clearly they do not all agree w/ me.
Jennifer Tow, IBCLC, CT, USA

             ***********************************************
The LACTNET mailing list is powered by L-Soft's renowned
LISTSERV(R) list management software together with L-Soft's LSMTP(TM)
mailer for lightning fast mail delivery. For more information, go to:
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html