COTW SMNET Catch of the week 26/12/11

he got a good start anyway then, at least if his mother chose to stop after that it *was* a choice and not through being in pain etc. That's just about the best outcome you can get.

Loved this COTW thanks iolaus x

Loved this cotw, thanks!

Really enjoyed this cotw-so much info on bf. I wondered though about expressing-I've read/been told lots of conflicting things on the subject in terms of whether it helps increase supply or interferes. Since I had my own rocky start with breastfeeding due to baby getting a virus and being readmitted at 3 days I've read loads and come to the conclusion that expressing advice is quite varied in terms of what mums are told.

I've read in many places that it is not a good way of telling how much milk a baby is getting due to the way a pump works-ie nothing like a baby's suck and especially if a mum is full time breastfeeding. But I know I was told by all the scbu nurses I met plus the midwife who saw me at home that I had to express 20 mins after each bf feed to increase supply. I was also told that if I expressed when "full" (I use that term ad that is what I was told-my own reading suggests that a breast is never truly empty anyway) I ought to get at least 80ml per breast before I could stop topping up as then I would know I was making enough.

I was also told that I should express 5 minutes on one side then 5 on the other for 40 minutes which now in light of not being a new mum and hacnf dine my own research sounds like nonsense but I don't know if maybe I just don't really understand what it was meant to achieve?.

Is there any definitive guidance on how expressing should be carried out and when it is of most use to mum and baby?

X

Very interesting COTW and learnt loads thank you. Was really impressed by all the help that mum got as well, would be excellent if breastfeeding help that good was available everywhere.

Ah ok that makes sense thanks Iris. So much to learn-can't wait!

So the hindmilk DOESNT 'kick in' as it were at a certain point during a feed? So what causes the change then?

imagine turning on a hot tap, it doesnt start off boiling hot but gradually warms up - that's my favourite analogy of the fore/hind milk thing!... it gradually gets higher in fats as the feed goes on