Are we getting the best from breastfeeding?

Unlabelled: Different breastfeeding methods (traditional ⁄ scheduled, demand or baby-led) influence lactation physiology by either supporting or interfering with the let-down reflex, by an autocrine effect in the breast, and indirectly via infant appetite. Postnatal breast morphological changes and neonatal osmoregulation are also susceptible to breastfeeding method. Feed length is important: short feeds from both breasts (employed in traditional methods) optimize breast morphological changes and neonatal osmoregulation, condition the let-down reflex, limit autocrine inhibition, stimulate the infant’s appetite and are associated with a plentiful supply of milk. However, the limited evidence available on prolonged feeds and those from only one breast (both often seen with the baby-led method), suggests interference with lactation because of a compromised let-down reflex and autocrine inhibition, resulting in a reduced milk supply.

Conclusion: Regular short feeds from both breasts encourage a plentiful milk supply and successful breastfeeding: these are best reflected by a modified traditional breastfeeding method.