Breast Compressions

I found the help I received from Claire at mymidwife.co.uk invaluable while I was pregnant. So when Jack was born Claire reminded me that the breastfeeding advisor, Toni would be able to help with any breastfeeding problems, relieved doesn’t even begin to explain how I felt.

Jack is a wonderful baby and I want to give him the best start in life, as any mum would. Toni had explained all the health benefits during a chat session when I was pregnant, so I already knew it was right for us both.

When Jack was a few days old, he was feeding for a few minutes, then going to sleep, and nothing I did ,undressing him, changing his nappy ,talking to him, would wake him up. He was feeding every hour or so day and night, it became too much, I hadn’t recovered from his birth yet!!!!

Toni suggested trying ‘breast compressions’, it is a way of making the milk flow through the breast. Just by making a ‘C’ shape with my hand & gently squeezing and drawing my breast inwards , halfway up the outside side of my breast, it made my milk flow down and Jack started drinking again!

Then, when he stopped again, I released the ‘hold’ and bingo, he drank again. By keeping these gentle movements going through the feed, Jack took a whole feed, then, well, slept like a baby!

Oh the relief! I actually slept that night & the funny thing is, now he is a little bigger, I don’t even need to use the compressions very often any more.

It made the world of difference to me. I don’t think I would have been able to keep on breastfeeding the way we were. Everyone needs some sleep & now thank goodness I am getting my fair share!

Case provided by Toni Townsend October 2006