Breast Compression

The sole purpose of breast compression is to continuethe flow of milk to the baby once the baby no longerdrinks on his own. Compression will also stimulatea let down reflex and often causes a natural letdown reflex to occur.

This technique may also beuseful for the following:

1. Poor weight gain in the baby.

2. Colic in the breast fed baby.

3. Frequent feedings or long feedings.

4. Sore nipples for the mother.

5. Recurrent blocked ducts

6. Feeding the baby who falls asleep quick.

If everything is going well, breast compression may not be necessary. When all is well, the mother shouldallow the baby to finish feeding on the first side,then if the baby wants more - offer the other side.

How to use breast compression

1. Hold the baby with one arm.

2. Hold the breast with the other arm, thumbon one side of your breast, your finger on the otherfar back from the nipple

3. Keep an eye out for the baby's drinking,although there is no need to be obsessive about catching every suck. The baby will get more milk whendrinking with an open pause type of suck.

4. When the baby is nibbling or no longerdrinking, compress the breast, not so hard that it hurts though. With the breast compression, the babyshould begin drinking again.

5. Keep up the pressure until the baby nolonger drinks with the compression, then release thepressure. If the baby doesn't stop sucking with therelease of compression, wait a bit before compressingagain.

6. The reason for releasing pressure is to allow your hand to rest, and allow the milk to beginflowing to the baby again. If the baby stops suckingwhen you release the pressure, he'll start again once he tastes milk.

7. When the baby starts to suck again, he may drink. If not, simply compress again.

8. Continue feeding on the first side untilthe baby no longer drinks with compression. You should allow him time to stay on that side until hestarts drinking again, on his own.

9. If the baby is no longer drinking, allowto come off the breast or take him off.

10. If the baby still wants more, offer theother side and repeat the process as above.

11. Unless you have sore nipples, you maywant to switch sides like this several times.

12. Always work to improve the baby's latch.


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Avoiding Foods While Breast Feeding

Many women find that they can eat whatever they maylike during breast feeding. Even though it's truethat some stongly favored foods can change the taste of your milk, many babies seem to enjoy thevarieties of breast milk flavors.

Occasionally,your baby may get cranky at the breast after youeat certain foods. If you notice this happening,simply avoid that particular food.
The most common offenders duing breast feeding include chocolate, spices, citrus fruits, garlic,chili, lime, gassy vegetables, and fruits withlaxative type effects, such as prunes and cherries.

You can have a cup or two of coffee a day, althoughtoo much caffeine can interfere with your baby's sleep and even make him or her cranky. Keep inmind, caffeine is found in many soda's, tea, and even over the counter type medicine as well.

It's okay to have an alcoholic beverage every nowand the, although having more than one drink canincrease your blood alcohol level, putting thealcohol into your breast milk.

If you are planning to have more than one drinkat a time, it's best to wait two hours or moreper drink before you resume any type of nursingor breast feeding. There is no need to pumpand dump unless your breasts are full and itstime to feed your baby. While breast feeding,any type of heavy drinking should be avoided.

Before you actually omit any foods from yourdiet, you should talk to your doctor. If youavoid certain foods and it causes a nutritionalimbalance, you may need to see a nutritionist for advice on taking other foods or getting nutritional supplements.

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