Breastfeeding Hacks: The Boobie Squeeze - Breast Compression
So, you're in the business of breastfeeding, and sometimes baby's just goofing around instead of chugging down that liquid gold. What to do? It's time for the legendary "Boobie Squeeze" aka Breast Compression!
Think of it as a superhero move to keep the milk flowing when baby's just playing around with your nipple. When baby's sipping ("open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth" style), you know they mean business. But if they're taking a snack break, it's time to unleash the Boobie Squeeze and turn nibbles into guzzles!
Breast Compression is like your secret weapon - it mimics a milk ejection reflex (the milk rush moms feel during a feeding or when they hear a baby cry, even if they don't "feel" it). It's super useful for:
- Boosting baby's weight gain
- Saving the day when baby gets a case of colic
- Handling those endless feedings and marathon nursing sessions
- Rescuing your poor nipples from the jaws of soreness
- Fending off blocked ducts and mastitis (ouch!)
- Encouraging those quick-snooze champs to sip, not just suck
- Convincing the "chill" baby to savor the milk adventure. Babies aren't lazy; they just follow the milk flow!
No need to break out the Boobie Squeeze if everything's going smoothly. When it's all sunshine and rainbows, let baby finish up on one side before offering the other. How do you know baby's done on side one? When they're just doing the speedy "I'm not really drinking" kind of sucking, and no more milk showers ("open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth" style). That's where the Boobie Squeeze comes to the rescue!
The Boobie Squeeze is extra effective in the early days, helping baby snatch more colostrum (they don't need much, but they need some). A good latch and some Boobie Squeeze action are your partners in colostrum crime!
Remember, in the breastfeeding adventure:
- A baby with a top-notch latch gets milk on the express train, while a sloppy latch waits for the milk rollercoaster. Most moms are milk factories, but a bad latch can lead to sore nipples and a fussy baby!
- In the early weeks, babies tend to snooze at the breast when the milk flow takes a chill pill, not because they're done or lazy. After a while, they might start backstroking away when the milk slows down. Some even take power naps at just a few months old. They're pros at milk-predicting!
The Boobie Squeeze — How to Master the Move (Perfect for Boosting Milk Intake)
- Hold your little munchkin with one arm, superhero style.
- With your other hand, be the boobie champion by giving your breast a gentle hug. Your thumb on one side (upper side is easiest), your other fingers on the other, close to your chest's fortress wall!
- Keep an eye on baby's drinking (check out videos at www.drjacknewman.com), but no need to go full detective. Baby means business when they're sipping with an "open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth" style of sucking.
- Now, when baby's just nibbling without sipping (no more "open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth"), it's time for the Boobie Squeeze. Give your breast a gentle hug, and let the milk pressure build. Don't roll your fingers toward baby; just give it a squeeze (no need to reshape the areola, the dark part of your breast near baby's mouth). Baby should be back to sipping with the "open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth" style of sucking. Use the squeeze while baby is nibbling but not sipping!
- Keep the squeeze going until baby's only nibbling without sipping, even with the Boobie Squeeze. When that happens, release the squeeze. If baby stops sucking or goes back to nibbling, give your hand a break. When the milk starts flowing again, baby will be back on the job. If baby doesn't quit sucking after you release the pressure, wait a bit before squeezing again.
- Release the squeeze to give your hand a breather and let the milk flow again. Baby, if they pause their sucking, will start again when they catch a whiff of milk!
- Once baby's sipping again, they might be back to the "open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth" style of sucking. If not, Boobie Squeeze to the rescue!
- Stick with side one until baby isn't sipping even with the squeeze. Let them stay a little longer, as you might catch another milk ejection reflex (milk rush) and baby will start sipping again. But if the sipping party's over, let baby move on or take them off the breast.
- If baby's still up for more, offer the other side and repeat the Boobie Squeeze magic.
- You can switch sides back and forth if your nipples aren't in trouble. Give your little one a taste of variety!
- Work on perfecting the latch; that's your path to the smoothest breastfeeding experience.
- Remember, squeeze as baby nibbles but isn't sipping. Let baby initiate the sucking, and avoid squeezing when baby's on a break.
In our world of breastfeeding, the Boobie Squeeze is a true game-changer. If you find a variation that keeps baby sipping with an "open mouth wide—pause—then close mouth" style, go for it! As long as it's gentle and doesn't hurt your breast, and baby's in "drinking" mode, the Boobie Squeeze is your trusty sidekick!
You won't need the Boobie Squeeze all the time. As your breastfeeding skills level up, you can let nature take its course. For guidance on latching, knowing when baby's sipping, and mastering the Boobie Squeeze, check out the video tutorials at www.drjacknewman.com. You've got this!
Questions? Email Jack Newman at drjacknewman@sympatico.ca, or Edith Kernerman at breastfeeding@sympatico.ca or consult: Dr. Jack Newman’s Guide to Breastfeeding (called The Ultimate Breastfeeding Book of Answers in the USA) or our DVD, Dr. Jack Newman’s Visual Guide to Breastfeeding; or The Latch Book and Other Keys to Breastfeeding Success; or L-eat Latch & Transfer Tool, or the GamePlan for Protecting and Supporting Breastfeeding in the First 24 Hours of Life and Beyond. See our website at www.drjacknewman.com. To make an appointment email breastfeeding@ccnm.edu and respond to the auto reply or call 416-498-0002.
Handout Breast Compressions Revised May 2008
Written and Revised by Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC 1995-2005
Revised by Edith Kernerman, IBCLC, and Jack Newman, MD, FRCPC © 2008
This handout may be copied
and distributed without further permission,
On the condition that it is not used in any context that violates
The International WHO Code on the Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes
