Can someone please explain an idiots guide to breast compressions?

[YouMaySayImADreamer]

I have been advised to do breast compressions when feeding my ds. The problem is, i dont think im doing it properly because i dont get it...ive had a look online for guidance and im confused by when to do the compression in terms of sucking patterns etc.

Please could someone describe it in as simplest terms as possible! Thanks

Have you seen the Dr Jack Newman videos dreamer?

Hi jilted, yes have looked at a few and had another look at the ones on the link, thanks. But im still confused as to when i do the compression...so i compress when baby is sucking but not drinking (how do i know if he is drinking?) And then when do i release? Do i wait until he drinks and then stop compression when he is drinking no longer? Thanks and sorry if i am being a bit dim but i need to get this right because his weight gain has stopped

I'm not trained and haven't done them so can't be of much help sorry. The only experience I have of breast compressions is when dd started doing them to me

If the weight gain has stopped, is this no weight gain at all? Have you spoken to a BFC? Is there a Bfing Support Group you can get to? They should be able to observe a whole feed, check latch and check Lo for tongue tie and talk to you about weight gain and breast compressions. Have you called a Bfing Helpline too, like the National Bfing Helpline?

How old is your LO Dreamer?

Hi jilted - mine is the other thread about the hv advising me to give ds some baby rice if his weight gain doesnt resume next time i get him weighed. He has only put on 2 ounces in 6 weeks (although i last got him weighed a week ago and not planning to take him again until next week). He is 20 weeks now. On the advice of bf counsellor and some other lovely posters on my other thread, i am giving breast compressions a go (along with waking him for night feeds if he doesnt himself) in order to make sure he reaches maximum hind milk. But i dont know what im doing with them....

Like I say I'm not trained and a BFC might be able to explain it better but think you squeeze the breast once Lo has stopped gulping. I didn't get much of a let down at that age so dd would start slowly squeezing me after about 2 mins.

I'm sure this has been said on your other thread but why does your HV think that baby rice is better than bm?

Thanks, i might try the national bf helpline, thanks . Yeah my lo does the breast massaging too!

Its ok, yeah a few people have said the same...i dont really know to be honest but i think because hes only around 6 weeks away from starting weaning, shes thinking just start him early. But i feel quite strongly about ebf for 6 months min, especially as i dont think he has shown any (other) signs of needing/wanting solids

Let me know what the BFC says and how you get in

On not in

Hi Dreamer. Have you seen a BFC in real life? it's much easier to show what to look for in sucking patterns etc when you are right there. The long, slow, big jaw movements are the giveaway for active feeding. If he has slowed down or gone to little fluttery sucks at end of feed that's when to compress, literally squeeze and release in a c shape, to start him up again. Or if he pauses completely.

How is he doing on centile charts? Lots of bf babies gain in fits and starts not a gentle curve. Baby rice isn't nearly as nutritious as your milk! Is there a bf group you can try?

Thanks jilted, will do

Hi Celtic, i have seen a bf cllr from my local organisation but she just described it rather than observed a feed. I could ring them or nat bf helpline and see if they can describe it again. From what you say though, i am doing it right...i think...im just not sure if when i compress he is actually getting anything! Its so hard to tell whether he is just sucking, or is swalling too.

He was on the 75th when born, moved onto the 50th quite quickly, and last weigh in moved to the 25th for the first time. I have looked everywhere for a group in my area but there is nothing apart from a LLL group which meets in someone's flat, and as i dont have anyone i could bring, im a bit warey even though im sure it would be fine!

What a shame there's no drop in near you. I understand why you'd feel uncomfortable going to someone's flat. Could you perhaps email or ring them? They might have peer supporters who could visit you? Or try BFC again and see if she'll visit or meet you? Sounds like some RL support might help you get your confidence back.

Is your baby alert and active, demanding plenty of feeds and having lots of wet and dirty nappies? Weight isn't everything.

Sorry you're having such a stressful time.

Hi Celtic, thanks, really appreciate it

Yeah, he is mega alert, very happy and smiley, happy after feeds, and nappies are all good, so no sign of anything wrong apart from the weight, which makes it a bit baffling but also reassures me a bit that it cant be anything too serious.

I think youre right about getting someone to observe...i just found it really intrusive (although necessary) having someone watch and help me feed at the start so i was hoping those days were over i think! Think youre right that it would help though! Thanks

You're welcome Dreamer, glad everything else is going well. Perhaps he's just not meant to be that big and is gradually 'catching down' iyswim? Hope things get better.

Think getting a BFC to observe a feed is a really good idea. My bf dd was born on the 90th and at nearly 6 is somewhere between the 9th and the 25th. She is bright and alert, eats sometimes and is doing really well with all of her milestones. I'm skinny, my Mum was skinny till she hit 70ish. I was really surprised when dd was born so big and it didnt bother me that she "found her centile".

Not had any experience with the lll, but used to help out with a nct group. Was always willing to talk on the phone if someone was nervous and have even picked Mums and babies up and driven them to the group so that they didnt have to walk in alone. Know it can be hard but it was the first time once for everyone in the flat