Breast Compression
The sole purpose of breast compression is to continue the flow of milk to the baby once the baby no longer drinks on his own. Compression will also stimulate a let down reflex and often causes a natural let down reflex to occur.
This technique may also be useful for the following:
1. Poor weight gain in the baby.
2. Colic in the breast fed child.
3. Frequent feedings or large feedings.
4. Sore nipples for the mum.
5. Recurrent blocked ducts
6. Feeding the baby who falls asleep rapdily.
If everything is going nicely, breast compression may not be necessary. When all is well, the mother should allow the baby to finish feeding on the primary side, then if the baby wants more - offer the other side.
How To Use Breast Compression
1. Clasp the baby with one arm.
2. Hold the breast with the other arm, thumb on one edge of your breast, your finger on the other far back from the nipple
3. Keep an eye out for the neonate’s drinking, although there is no need to be obsessive about catching every suck. The baby will get extra milk when drinking with an open pause type of suck.
4. When the newborn is nibbling or no longer drinking, compress the breast, not so firmly that it hurts though. With the breast compression, the baby should begin drinking again.
5. Keep up the pressure until the baby no longer drinks with the compression, before release the compression. If the baby doesn’t stop sucking with the release of power, hold on a bit before compressing again.
6. The reason for releasing pressure is to allow your hand to relax, and allow the milk to begin flowing to the infant again. If the toddler stops sucking when 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, just compress again.
8. Continue feeding on the prime side till the baby no longer drinks with compression. You ought allow him time to stay on that side until he starts drinking again, on his own.
9. If the baby is no longer drinking, allow to move off the breast or take him off.
10. If the newborn still wants more, offer the additional side and repeat the operation as above.
11. Unless you possess sore nipples, you may want to switch sides like this several times.
12. Always work to improve the newborn’s clasp.
