Breast compression during pregnancy is becoming more and more popular. Some women feel that it helps them feel more comfortable while others believe that it can help them avoid morning sickness. However, many people are still unsure of the benefits and risks of breast compression during pregnancy. In this article, we will explore the benefits and risks of breast compression during pregnancy, as well as provide a complete guide on how to do it safely.
Console 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:
- Poor weight gain in the baby.
- Colic in the breast fed baby.
- Frequent feedings or long feedings.
- Sore nipples for the mother.
- Recurrent blocked ducts
- Feeding the baby who falls asleep quick.
If everything is going well, breast compression may not be necessary. When all is well, the mother should allow the baby to finish feeding on the first side, then if the baby wants more – offer the other side.
How to use breast compression
- Hold the baby with one arm.
- Hold the breast with the other arm, thumb on one side of your breast, your finger on the other far back from the nipple
- 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 when drinking with an open pause type of suck.
- When the baby is nibbling or no longer drinking, compress the breast, not so hard that it hurts though. With the breast compression, the baby should begin drinking again.
- Keep up the pressure until the baby no longer drinks with the compression, then release the pressure. If the baby doesn’t stop sucking with the release of compression, wait a bit before compressing again.
- The reason for releasing pressure is to allow your hand to rest, and allow the milk to begin flowing to the baby again. If the baby stops sucking when you release the pressure, he’ll start again once he tastes milk.
- When the baby starts to suck again, he may drink. If not, simply compress again.
- Continue feeding on the first side until the baby no longer drinks with compression. You should allow him time to stay on that side until he starts drinking again, on his own.
- If the baby is no longer drinking, allow to come off the breast or take him off.
- If the baby still wants more, offer the other side and repeat the process as above.
- Unless you have sore nipples, you may want to switch sides like this several times.
- Always work to improve the baby’s latch.
Breast compression during pregnancy is now an essential part of maternal health care. It has been proven to be effective in reducing the risk of preterm birth, low birth weight, and even stillbirth. In this blog, we aim to provide a comprehensive guide on breast compression during pregnancy, its benefits, how to use it, and when to seek medical help. Stay tuned for more updates!
Frequently Asked Questions
when are breast compression helpful?
kids who aren’t gaining weight as rapidly as they’d want, because breast compression can help transfer more milk fussy babies who aren’t getting their milk as quickly as they’d like
babies who require frequent or long feedings sore nipples as a result of the amount of time your baby is sucking on them during feedings recurrent blocked ducts or mastitis, because one of the most common causes of these conditions is milk that is not fully expressed and stays in the breast for too long.
What are breast compression?
When you apply pressure to the outside of your breast to help keep the milk flowing, you’re doing a breast compression.
This is especially helpful if your baby is simply sucking at your breast and not drinking milk. (You’ll notice this because their chin won’t dip and the beautiful sound of swallows won’t be heard!)
Breast compression assist your infant obtain more milk out of the breast during a feed by manually stimulating the milk ejection reflex. They can also enhance milk flow pace to keep your baby alert at the breast.
How do you release breast compression?
Continue to apply pressure until the infant is sucking but not drinking despite the compression, and then let go. If the baby stops sucking or resumes sucking without drinking, release the pressure.
