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.
