The Thompson method of breastfeeding is an evidenced-based guide to pain-free breastfeeding. It helps you learn about the correct positioning and timing for breastfeeding your baby. This method is still being tested at the Mater Mothers' Hospital.
The aim of this method is to improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and babies. It's a journey from changing the traditional way of holding babies to how babies are positioned at the breast.
The Thompson method helps women learn more about breastfeeding. These principles have helped many women to prepare for the first few weeks after delivery.
What Are The Steps In The Thompson Method of Breastfeeding?
- Cradle baby: Keep the baby comfortable in your arms and begin cradling. Don't stress out, even if it's your first time. The first few days will be a challenge.
- First breast: Roll baby onto the side to face your breast. If you are at the hospital you can ask the nurse to help you with this.
- Align the baby: Baby's lips should be aligned with mother's nipple.
- Baby self‐locates: Tongue protrudes; mouth opens to a natural width, draws in nipple and breast tissue.
- Face to breast symmetry (4‐points): Nose, chin, and both cheeks contact the breast with no gaps for pain-free breastfeeding
- Fine-tune nose and chin points: Move baby slightly left or right to fine-tune the nose and chin contact to avoid nipple trauma.
- Fine-tune both cheek points: Adjust baby's body slightly over or under to ensure both cheeks contact.
- Stimulate hormones for milk flow: Observe a short intermittent stop‐start rhythm while the baby is suckling. Do not worry about the low supply of milk.
- Swallow reflex: Observe change to a long, deep rhythmical draw; baby will swallow as milk flows.
- Milk satisfaction: Baby continues gentle nurturing (sucking) until the stomach is full.
- Emotional satisfaction: Baby will leave your nipple once they are satisfied
- Rest and digest: Place the baby on their back with support of your arm. Their arms and upper body stretches intermittently. This allows the diaphragm to lift and air rises naturally, which helps relieve gas.
- Diaper change: This will help the baby wake up and finish their meal,
- Second breast: You need to wait for the baby to ask for more, and then you can move on to the second breast.
- Cues: Crawling‐walking reflex, smelling, touching, tasting, the tongue protrudes, calling, crying,
- Begin feeding from the second breast: Keep feeding the baby until they are full.
- Keep your baby upright: This will help the baby digest milk. You would know this is the moment the little one burps. You need to be patient with this.
Mother experiences with the Thompson method
For many women, the Thompson breastfeeding method has been the best! Many have admired that Dr. Robyn makes you feel empowered to ask questions about the details, benefits, risks, and alternatives.
You can send your queries even on their Facebook group. The program helps you know what to expect. Even if you're placed in a situation you hadn't planned for during your pregnancy, you will get help no matter what.
The midwives are genuinely caring. It has a very supportive community, and loads of pre-birth knowledge and education, even in the form of videos. The Thompson method asks you to focus on trusting your instincts.
The Thompson method influenced many women who started trusting themselves and their bodies. Many young mothers could successfully wean, too, which they felt they could tackle easily, even at the hospital, just because of the program.
The Thompson Method Helps you Trust your Body
Thompson Method allows breastfeeding mothers to be aware of techniques in breastfeeding.
The first six weeks are the most difficult, yet they will not determine the kind of milk supply the mother will produce.
The Thompson method incorporates immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact after birth. This contact remains until after the first breastfeeding.
This means holding the baby in the same arm as the breast being offered and fine-tuning the position. This allows the baby's nose, chin, and cheeks to be symmetrical with the breast.
You must trust your body and believe that you are enough to fulfill your child's nourishment.
What inspired the Thompson Method?
Thompson's method was first brought by Dr. Robyn Thompson, who was a midwife for forty-five years. Babies had always interested her since she was a little girl; eventually, delivering them is what she chose as a profession.
She saw many births and remembered, in particular, a "home birth". This was the first baby that inspired her and made her realize something she hadn't realized before.
Dr. Robyn Thompson explained how complications in breastfeeding begin right after giving birth. This includes nipple pain, being stressed about the baby's nose, and much more.
Many women complained about the size of their nipples. They also complained how their baby's small hands could not hold their breasts in a specific position to feed their infant.
Her work was greatly encouraged and researched for a long time by Maters Women's Hospital, which agreed with all her findings.
The importance of a Lactation Consultant
Thompson method explains the importance of lactation consultants. It also highlights what women should expect from their bodies and their babies as soon as they give birth. It acts as ongoing support for many.
Mothers often fail to breastfeed their babies. This is because they seek advice about breastfeeding from other mothers. When advice should come from lactation consultants.
Lactation consultants are just as crucial as pediatricians for your little one. A lactation consultant will help you correctly position your baby for a proper feed.
She will also let you know the best time for breastfeeding your baby. You also also learn the signs to look out for when feeding your baby. Such as the baby not being able to latch on properly.
Lactation consultants can explain what you should expect right after giving birth. They also help you prepare yourself for this process.
Your lactation consultant can also give you tips about food will increase milk supply, but a nutritionist can help further.
Pregnancy and Early Days after Delivery
Pregnancy is different for every woman. While some women complain of constant nausea and pain, others find it wonderfully pleasing. This is the best time to watch videos of the early days after delivery. It will help you understand what to expect and what to plan for.
The first forty days are essential both for the mother and the baby. It is a period when the mother and the child bond the most. Mothers should take part in the baby's activities, such as breastfeeding, massaging, bathing, etc.
The Importance of Breastfeeding
According to the Mater Mothers hospital, breastfeeding will help your baby build up their immunity. It will also reduce their chances of sickness.
The first few drops of milk that come out of the breast act as an antibiotic for newborn babies. This helps them fight against many illnesses that can otherwise cause great harm.
Exclusive breastfeeding for the initial six months has many proven health benefits for the mother and the baby. Hence this method discourages using formulas, but fed is best - so if you need to supplement with formula that's okay.
Studies show that when new mothers immediately put their babies on formula it can reduce their chance of breastfeeding.
How is the Thompson method different?
The Thompson way of breastfeeding acts as a support group for new mothers. It is more like a program that helps you become aware of all the complications. This includes problems that will arise if you breastfeed your baby in the wrong position or choose not to breastfeed.
It explains more options about the position that you must hold your baby. This also highlights the three golden hours your milk supply would be the greatest. Plus also tells about the correct way to support yourself when breastfeeding.
It also provides information helpful for new mothers who might be worried about a complicated pregnancy or low milk quantity.
Does the Thompson Method Work?
Yes! The Thompson method absolutely works, especially if you're worried about your nipple! The technique has been shown to increase breastfeeding rates. Women are encouraged to start breastfeeding from the hospital, even new moms.
The success rates between mothers on the Thompson method and those who've adapted to traditional methods is different. The road to success once you give birth is unlocked with the first breastfeed.
FAQs
What is a Thompson method breastfeeding practitioner? ›
A Thompson Method Breastfeeding Practitioner (TMBP) is a registered healthcare professional who has successfully completed our rigorous education program and observation hours. TMBPs are qualified to work one-on-one with breastfeeding women to help them overcome a number of common breastfeeding complications.
Is the Thompson method evidence based? ›The Thompson Method is a gentle, evidence based approach to breastfeeding now being tested at the Mater Mothers' Hospital (Brisbane Australia) in a large implementation study. The aim is to improve breastfeeding outcomes for mothers and babies.
How can I breastfeed for pain free? ›- Gently massage the sore area before nursing.
- Use wet or dry heat on your breasts (a warm shower, water bottle, heating pad, or warm washcloth) right before feeding. ...
- Put ice packs or cool compresses on engorged breasts after feedings.
- Make the area where you feed your baby comfortable.
Position your baby at your side (the side you want to feed from), under your arm, with their hips close to your hips. Your baby's nose should be level with your nipple. Support your baby's neck with the palm of your hand. Gently guide them to your nipple.
What is the two short method for breastfeeding? ›Makes it super easy to breastfeed in public.
The 2-shirt method makes it incredibly easy to feed in public. Just sit down (wherever you are), pull up your top shirt, pull down your under shirt, latch your baby and voila, you're feeding your little babe. Okay, ready to know what the 2-shirt method is?
As stated above, the primary way to induce lactation is through breast emptying: breastfeeding, pumping, or hand expression. The effectiveness of these physical techniques can be enhanced with the use of galactogogues: medications, herbs and homeopathic remedies that support the production of milk.
Can I breastfeed with flat nipples? ›Breastfeeding with flat nipples is possible, though it can be difficult for some women. You can try a number of techniques and devices to coax your nipple out or talk with your doctor about surgical options. In many cases, women with flat nipples will be able to breast feed without an issue.
Is Thompson Method worth the money? ›“Cannot recommend the Thompson method enough. I started the course during pregnancy which gave me so much confidence and knowledge going into motherhood and my breastfeeding journey. So far our baby is 2 weeks old, gaining over the recommended minimum weight and my milk supply is in abundance and I have zero pain.
What is the Thompson table technique? ›Thompson Terminal Point Technique, also known as Thompson Drop-Table Technique, is a chiropractic technique which uses a precision adjusting table along with a weighing mechanism which gives sufficient tension to keep the patient in the “up” position before the thrust or pressure is applied.
What are the 3 golden hours after birth? ›The three key components of the Golden Hour consist of maternal–neonatal skin-to-skin contact, delayed cord clamping, and breastfeeding, all of which serve to improve mother–newborn bonding and neonatal adaptation (King & Pinger, 2014; Moore, Bergman, Anderson, & Medley, 2016).
How long does it take to breastfeed without pain? ›
Soreness normally settles down after a few days as your body gets used to breastfeeding and your baby's sucking becomes more efficient. Consult a healthcare professional, lactation consultant or breastfeeding specialist if the pain while breastfeeding doesn't subside after a few days.
Can I breastfeed just for comfort? ›Many mothers feel guilty for breastfeeding their baby for comfort or as they drift off to sleep. Breastfeeding your child to sleep and for comfort is not a bad thing to do– in fact, it's normal, healthy, and developmentally appropriate.
What are 3 most common causes of pain with breastfeeding? ›Incorrect attachment of the baby on the breast is the most common cause of nipple pain from breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is possible if you have inverted nipples, mastitis, breast/nipple thrush, eczema or nipple vasospasm.
Do I have to hold my breast while breastfeeding? ›You may only need to use a breast hold for a short time. As your baby gets older, breastfeeding becomes more established, and you become more confident, you might find that you no longer need to hold your breast when your baby latches on to breastfeed. American Academy of Pediatrics.
Is it OK to feed baby while lying down? ›Yes, when done correctly, breastfeeding while lying down is perfectly safe. Follow these tips to make sure your baby is comfortable and safe: Practice during the day before trying to use it at night. Ensure that your space is free from excess pillows and bedding.
How long should you breastfeed? ›The American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization also recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about the first 6 months, with continued breastfeeding along with introducing appropriate complementary foods for up to 2 years of age or longer.
How do you get a good latch? ›Steps to a Good Latch
Make sure your baby's chin isn't tucked into their chest. Aim your baby's lower lip away from the base of your nipple. Baby's lips should be turned outward like a fish. Your baby should lead into the breast chin first and then latch onto your breast.
- Fiber. Foods like bran, beans, and whole grains.
- Fruit. Citrus fruits, prunes, plums, peaches, or apricots.
- Vegetables. Broccoli, cabbage, and Brussel sprouts.
- Garlic. Garlic-seasoned foods like pasta dishes or garlic bread.
- Dairy. ...
- Carbonated beverages.
You can switch sides and nurse on both breasts at every feeding or breastfeed from only one side. It's down to your (and your baby's) preference. Breastfeeding from only one side is usually not a concern, especially if you have an established milk supply.
What is the rule of 3 breastfeeding? ›3 hours: If you pump and plan to use your breastmilk straight away, you can leave it out at room temperature for 3 hours. If the weather is cooler, less than 26'C, then it may be possible to keep your milk at room temperature for up to 6 or even 8 hours.
What is the Flipper method breastfeeding? ›
Use the “flipple” technique to get as much of your breast tissue into your baby's mouth as possible. Point your nipple very high towards their nose, try to get as much of the bottom part of your areola into your baby's mouth and use your finger to flip their top lip up after they have latched on.
What are the three types of breastfeeding? ›Types of Breastfeeding. Some people feed their babies only breast milk. Others combine breastfeeding with formula or solid foods. You may find that when your baby is very young, you exclusively breastfeed, but then later, you may partially breastfeed.
Can I stimulate my breasts to produce milk? ›Pumping or expressing milk frequently between nursing sessions, and consistently when you're away from your baby, can help build your milk supply. Relax and massage. Relax, hold your baby skin-to-skin, and massage your breasts before feeding to encourage your milk to let down.
How to stimulate your breast to produce milk without being pregnant? ›Inducing lactation in people who aren't pregnant requires medication that mimics hormones your body makes during pregnancy. Suckling from the nipple can initiate lactation, either with a breast pump or by a baby.
How many years can a woman produce breast milk? ›There is no maximum age, up to which a mother can produce breast milk. Whenever the pregnancy happens, the lactogen process starts immediately. Usually after the age of 40, there are certain hormonal changes in the body, due to which the production of the breast milk is hampered.
What type of nipples can't breastfeed? ›The size and shape of your nipples do not affect your ability to breastfeed. Most babies can breastfeed no matter what mom's nipple is like. Some women have nipples that turn inward instead of pointing outward or that are flat and do not stick out.
What is the Hoffman technique for breastfeeding? ›Hoffman technique
Place your thumbs on either side of your nipple. Be sure to place them at the base of the nipple, not the outside of the areola. Press firmly into your breast tissue. While still pressing down, gently pull your thumbs away from each other.
Apart from benign congenital maldevelopment, inverted nipples are also seen with sagging breasts, traumatic fat necrosis, infections such as acute mastitis, duct ectasia, tuberculosis, sudden weight loss, following surgical procedures on the breast and in malignancy and Paget's disease of the breast.
Is the Thompson breastfeeding method legit? ›Conclusions. Implementation of the Thompson method for well mother-baby pairs improved direct breastfeeding trends at hospital discharge. For women who discharged hospital exclusively breastfeeding, exposure to the Thompson method reduced the risk of exclusive breastfeeding discontinuation by 3-months.
What are the 3 golden hours Dr Robyn Thompson? ›What are the “3 Golden Hours”? The 3 Golden Hours refer to the immediate hours after a mother gives birth. It's so important that mothers are given the opportunity to be skin to skin with their babies during these 3 hours to breastfeed their baby and form that immediate bond.
What are the benefits of Thompson technique? ›
The most common and known benefits of the Thompson technique are improved posture, increase in flexibility, performance, and strength. Patients often experience improved ability move and better sleep quality. It also reduces aches, pains and decreases high pain sensitivity.
What is the Palmer package technique? ›Palmer Package technique is a system of chiropractic adjusting that utilizes portions of the Gonstead, Diversified, Thompson, and Palmer Upper Cervical techniques. This system is used by our doctors to specifically address your individual needs.
What is a lotus baby? ›A lotus birth is the decision to leave your baby's umbilical cord attached after they are born. The umbilical cord remains attached to the placenta until it dries and falls off by itself. What are the risks of lotus birth? There are no research studies available on this topic.
What is the 40 day rule after birth? ›The 40-day period is called the lochial period, from 'lochia' the normal vaginal discharge of cell debris and blood after birth. The Bible says “40 days” for the vaginal discharge resulting from involution and can also be described as the red lochia, lasting 4–6 weeks [29].
Why dads should do skin-to-skin? ›The benefits of skin-to-skin contact for dads include bonding with their baby, feeling more confident as a father, and feeling a surge of protectiveness toward their baby. Dads can also pass on the same benefits as moms do in terms of helping to regulate their baby's temperature and heartbeat.
Can a good latch still hurt? ›While achieving a good latch is an important step to pain-free breastfeeding, even mothers of babies with a good latch can find breastfeeding painful at first.
What does a bad latch look like? ›Signs of a Poor Breastfeeding Latch
Your baby does not have their lips out like a fish. You can see that they have their lips tucked in and under, instead. You can hear a clicking or smacking noises as your little one tries to suck. Your breast milk supply is low.
You're not getting let down. If your breasts feel like they're full but you're not able to get the milk flowing out when you pump, it could be that you're not achieving let down. The let down reflex releases your milk from the milk ducts. This only occurs when you're either breastfeeding or pumping.
How much sleep do breastfeeding mothers need? ›Sleep experts agree that adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night to function properly. Newborns, however, sleep about 16-20 hours in a 24-hour cycle, but this sleep is disrupted with waking every 20 minutes to few hours - making it virtually impossible for a new mother to get those 7-9 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
Should I breastfeed every time baby cries? ›Be careful not to feed your baby every time she cries. Some babies cry because of a bloated stomach from overfeeding. Let your baby decide when she's had enough milk. (For example, she turns her head away.)
Why does my baby shake when I breastfeed? ›
One of the first times babies shake their heads is when they nurse from their mothers. This may first occur out of your baby's attempt to try to latch. As your baby gets the hang of latching on, the shaking may then be a result of excitement.
What are the red flags for breastfeeding? ›Nipples are beveled, creased, or look pinched or white after a feeding. Any visible physical nipple damage. Cracks, scabs or bruising to the nipple or areola. Feeding is 'unbearable' and you dread the next nursing.
Why is breastfeeding suddenly so painful? ›Mastitis. Mastitis (inflammation in the breast) happens when a blocked duct is not relieved. It makes the breast feel painful and inflamed, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms. If you do not deal with the early signs of mastitis, it can turn into an infection and you'll need to take antibiotics.
What is the Newman method breastfeeding? ›Jack Newman and Lenore Goldfarb in 2000, works by "tricking" the body into thinking its pregnant and, in turn, prepares the breasts for milk production. The person inducing lactation takes the combination birth control pill and the anti-nausea drug domperidone, which increases the prolactin levels.
What is the football method of breastfeeding? ›Put your baby's head near your right nipple and support baby's back and legs under your right arm. Hold the base of your baby's head gently with your right palm. A pillow underneath your right arm can help support your baby's weight. To protect your back, avoid leaning down to your baby.
What is the best breastfeeding latch technique? ›Aim your baby's lower lip away from the base of your nipple. Baby's lips should be turned outward like a fish. Your baby should lead into the breast chin first and then latch onto your breast. Your baby's tongue should be extended, and your breast should fill your baby's mouth.
What are the three C's of breastfeeding? ›Usually, we talk about three Cs of breastfeeding: Calm, Comfortable and Close.
What are the 5 steps of breastfeeding? ›- Find a comfortable position for you and your baby. ...
- Gently support your baby's head and shoulders so he is facing you chest to chest.
- Use your nipple to tickle your baby's upper lip until his mouth is open wide.
The first hour after birth when a mother has uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact with her newborn is referred to as the “golden hour.” This period of time is critical for a newborn baby who spent the past nine months in a controlled environment.
What is the Australian hold breastfeeding? ›In the Australian hold, your baby is held vertically and straddles your thigh, facing you. Your knee supports your baby's bottom, while one hand is low on the baby's head to give control as you bring your baby to the breast to latch.
How to simulate breast for milk? ›
Human milk feeding can be simulated with a nursing supplementer: a bag or bottle that holds human milk or formula carried to the nipple via a tiny feeding tube. Parents who are not making any milk may also choose to feed with a bottle while their baby comforts and connects with them by suckling at the (dry) breast.
Why do athletes use breast milk? ›Yes, you read that right. Instead of using water or other resources to provide nutrients and supplements in their protein shakes, bodybuilders are turning to breast milk in order to achieve muscle gains and get into shape.
How do I stop breastfeeding for 2 years? ›- Make your breasts less available for nursing. Stop wearing nursing clothing such as nursing bras and tops with nursing slits. ...
- Shorten each breastfeeding session before stopping it completely. ...
- Postpone breastfeeding sessions. ...
- Substitute food, drinks, or comfort for breastfeeding. ...
- Distract your toddler.
You can increase your milk supply by: Nursing your baby often. Nurse every 2 hours during the day and every 3 to 4 hours at night (at least 8 to 16 times in 24 hours). If your baby will not nurse, use a good quality double electric breast pump to increase milk production.
Can I stop breastfeeding at 2? ›The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding up to two years old and beyond . Some mums are happy to be led by their child and continue to breastfeed until their little one chooses to stop. This is sometimes called natural term weaning.