In a message dated 97-04-10 22:36:00 EDT, you write: << Because the mechanics of a baby removing milk from the breast include jaw compression, and the mechanics of pumping rely solely on nipple stim to initiate letdown and then suction removal of milk, is it similar or not? My guess is that the baby will always be more efficient at milk removal, but pumping to stimulate and remove milk will maintain milk production>> Mary Kay, Breastpumps also provide compression. Sit and watch a mother pump with a good piston double electric pump. Her nipples are pulled into the pump by the suction, and the areolar sinuses are compressed in the flange.(If it fits properly) The pumps suction does provide an environment of negative pressure as the baby's mouth does, and the breast is an area of positive pressure, especially if she has had a milk ejection reflex occur (MER). That aids the milk flowing from the area of higher pressure to lower pressure, but without the compression it would not work well. This is one reason the cycling of a breastpump is so important. It mimics the jaw compressions of the baby. The slower drug store/toy store pumps that cycle 8 times / minute (small semi-automatic electric pumps that sell for about $30 - $50) Will someone from more knowledgable please comment and correct me if I am wrong. This is my understanding from my 17 yrs of experience and helping mothers pump. Nursing is of course a lot better than pumping, but I am having a hard time saying that pumping is never as good or as effective. I have worked with so many mothers who pump for months; maintain AND increase their milk supply while baby is hospitalized or unable to nurse. I could find at least a dozen moms who whould tell you pumping is BETTER, more effecient, less trouble, and easier than nursing. Some that I work with choose this over nursing their healthy baby. I feel like they have missed a unique womanly experience, bonded with a machine, and missed a precious time with their infants in favor of convenience, but who am I to judge? Jane Bradshaw RN, BSN, IBCLC Lynchburg, VA