Using Breast Compressions to Initiate Feeding

Author: Tomira L. Rosser

Many mothers may feel like a failure when their baby is showing signs of not eating well. Yet, many of them are not aware that doing simple breast compressions can help change that outcome. What are breast compressions? The idea behind breast compressions is to apply pressure down on the breast to encourage a let down reflex that will hopefully lead to a natural let down reflex. The purpose behind the technique is to be sure the baby is getting the milk flow that it must need if he or she shows those signs of not getting it him or herself.

Mothers (and fathers) can utilize this method if the baby is showing these six signs:

1. - Weight gain is poor;
2. - Baby is colicky;
3. - Feedings are too frequent or too long;
4. - Mother’s nipples are sore;
5. - Continuous blocked ducts and
6. - Sleepy baby while eating

Breast compression will not be necessary for those who feel it is going good. Mothers should allow their baby to feed on both sides of her breasts should the baby want more.

Using compressions is necessary only when a mother sees their baby not sucking. There are 11 steps to utilize the breast compression method.

1. Hold your baby in one arm
2. Hold the breast in the other arm with your thumb on one side and a finger on the far back away from the nipple.
3. Watch the baby’s feeding habit. There is no reason to become compulsive about watching every single suck. When there is an open pause suck, babies tend to get more milk.
4. Conduct the breast compression if the baby stops sucking. Women should not do this so hard because it can hurt. Rather gently do this so the baby will begin to drink again.
5. Leave some pressure on the breast until the baby quits drinking with it. If the baby continues not to suck, wait a few minutes before trying the breast compression again
6. By letting go on the pressure allows time for your hand to relax. It should let milk to flow to the baby once again. If it seems the baby stops eating when you stop putting pressure on the breast, he or she will start once the milk can be tasted.
7. The baby may eat if he begins to suck. If he or she doesn’t, just compress the breast once more to get the milk flowing again.
8. Babies do get full and if he or she stops drinking even with the breast compression, take them off.
9. Should the child still want to eat, switch breasts and repeat the above steps if needed.
10. Depending if you have sore nipples or not, mothers may want to switch sides often.
11. Mothers should not give up breastfeeding unless it becomes necessary. Sometimes it’s the way the baby has latched on to the breast. Determine if this is the problem and correct it.

Using the above suggestions will help you to feed your baby if he or she is having a problem with the initial latch on. If it doesn't work the first time, do not despair! Start over and try it again.

About the Author:

This article was written by Tomira L. Rosser. She is a freelance writer who specializes in web articles, web content, informational reports, blog articles, website reviews, and more! Visit her website for valuable Internet marketing tips and Tutorials.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Using Breast Compressions to Initiate Feeding