All About Breast Compression
If a mother chooses to breast-feed her child, it is likely that, at one point or another, the child may have some difficulty extracting the milk that they need. To help with this occurrence, there is a technique that may be used to help stimulate the flow of milk. It is known as breast compression.
Breast compression is used to create and maintain a natural flow of milk in the event that a baby is no longer drinking on his or her own. This technique stimulates a natural letdown reflex, which releases a mother’s milk supply. For more information on the exact definition of breast compression, the following websites may be found beneficial:
Breast compression is used for frequent or long feedings, when there is poor weight gain in the baby, when the mother has sore nipples, in the event of recurring blocked ducts or mastitis, or in the case that a baby who falls asleep quickly needs encouragement to continue drinking. Breast compression should be used during the first few days of feeding in order to afford the infant a more plentiful supply of colostrum. It really is not necessary when everything is going along smoothly at feedings. A mother should typically allow her baby to finish nursing on one breast, and offer the other if the baby wants more.
Colostrum is a nutrient produced by a mother’s breasts, beginning during pregnancy and continuing through the early days of breastfeeding. This milk ranges from yellow to orange in color, and tends to be thick and sticky. It contains a high amount of protein, antibodies, and carbohydrates while containing very little fat. It is also a key source for living cells, which help to protect the baby, and for immune factors. Colostrum is an integral part of a child’s intestinal tract development, as it “seals” the baby’s intestines and strengthens them against foreign substances. The following sites contain more information as to the benefits of colostrums for an infant’s development:
To execute breast compression is a relatively simple technique. The first step is to nurse the baby as one would normally, supporting the head and child with one arm and keeping one arm free to hold the breast. The thumb of the breast-hand should be on one side and the fingers on the other, at a distance far enough away from the nipple that the infant’s sucking will not be interrupted upon a squeeze. When the baby ceases nursing, or is nibbling, gently compress the breast. The baby should resume nursing. Continue compression until the infant no longer nurses, and then release the pressure. When the breast is released, a reflex action will occur, and milk will flow naturally. The baby should continue to nurse upon tasting milk. Repeat the process on the first breast until the baby does not drink, regardless of compression. If the infant wants more, switch to the second breast and repeat the process. Otherwise, the baby may be finished, and should be gently moved from the breast.
When nursing infants anywhere from three to six weeks old, it is common for them to fall asleep while nursing, and may not necessarily mean that they have had enough, in which case breast compression may be applied. If a baby is latching poorly, meaning that their sucking is not as strong as it could be, it may be advisable to focus on improving the baby’s latch instead of or in addition to breast compression.
There are many more facets to breast feeding, not all of which may be adequately covered here. For more information, the following links have been provided. May the experience be a wonderful time to bond, for both mother and child.
Disclaimer: The information provided within this site is not meant to be a substitute for a medical doctor's opinion. This site is for informational purposes ONLY. Please check with your medical practitioner before any type of treatment or prevention method is started.
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