In this article:
The Thompson Method
The Thompson Method challenges traditional breastfeeding technique, which relies on assistance, compressing and forcing the breast, repeatedly pulling the breast, and pressing the baby’s head. The Thompson Method employs a cradle hold position, aligning the baby's chin, nose, and cheeks with the breast and positioning the baby tummy-to-tummy for a more pain-free, deep, and relaxed breastfeeding experience.It allows baby-led breastfeeding, enabling the babies to use their innate reflexes, such as rooting, stepping, head bobbing, and wide gape, to self-latch onto the breast. Mother alters her position for comfort and long-term breastfeeding success.
Wrong positioning, compressed nipples, holding the baby's head, friction, and twisting cause bleeding, nipple trauma, and cracked nipples. Following the Thompson Method may prevent mastitis, nipple trauma, blocked ducts, engorgement, and reliance on breast pumps.
Here are some more benefits of the Thompson Method
- Reduces nipple pain and trauma
- Enhances breastfeeding comfort
- Increases exclusive breastfeeding timing
- Employs baby-led attachment and natural feeding reflex
- Helps prevent breastfeeding complications
- Increases milk transfer with a deep latch
Principles of the Thompson Method
Thompson's Method emphasises baby-led attachment and prioritises pain-free and natural nursing experiences. Here are the core principles of the Thompson Method: - Golden Hour: The first hour after birth is a crucial moment for the mother and the baby. The Thompson Method recommends skin-to-skin contact and avoids forceful latching and separating the baby from the mother. Immediate skin-to-skin contact helps regulate heart rate and temperature.
- Mother-Centred Approach: Instead of getting assistance or using a pump, the Thompson Method prioritises the mother's comfort. Mother's emotions are crucial for the release of oxytocin and prolactin, which are responsible for milk production and let-down.
- Newborn Reflexes: Babies are born with natural reflexes such as rooting (turning the head toward cheek contact), head bobbing (searching for the nipple), wide gape (mouth opening), stepping (fixing leg for positioning), and crawling (breast crawl). Instead of latching forcefully, it allows the baby to lead the attachment.
- Cradle Hold: Posting the baby tummy-to-tummy across the mother's body and symmetrically aligning the baby’s chin, nose, and cheeks to the breast. This position allows pain-free deep latch and fosters milk transfer.
- Avoid Forced Latching: Traditional techniques involve shoving the baby's head towards the breast and compressing the nipple. These may contribute to nipple trauma and other complications. In the Thompson Method, you simply hold the baby and wait for them to latch.
- Less Intervention: Pressing, constant repositioning, and detaching create confusion and stress. In the Thompson Method, the baby leads the attachment.
- Look for Cues: Instead of relying on a specific time, you look for the baby’s hunger cues. Lip smacking, rooting, and sucking fingers are some hunger cues. Actively looking for these cues and feeding before crying helps reduce nipple trauma and shallow sucking.
Difference Between Traditional Hospital and Thompson Method Breastfeeding
| Feature | Traditional Hospital Method | Thompson Method |
| Latch | Staff shape the breast and push the baby’s head | Baby leads the latch using natural reflexes |
| Position | Cross-cradle, cradle or football | Cradle hold with symmetrical alignment |
| Feeding Time | Follow the feeding schedule | Look for hunger cues and feeding on demand |
| Interventions | Constant hand interventions and staff support latching | Maternal fine-tuning with minimal intervention |
| Baby’s Role | The baby is forced or manually placed | Baby initiates attachment |
How to do the Thompson Method Breastfeeding
- Prenatal Learning: Even before birth, start learning about breastfeeding techniques, breast anatomy and hunger cues.
- Initiate Skin-to-skin Contact: Right after birth, maintain uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact for 30-60 minutes to stimulate rooting, instincts, and reflexes.
- Prepare the Breast: Before feeding, gently massage and manually express milk to soften the areola and to make latching easy for the baby.
- Position: Sit upright, with a pillow to support your back. Place the baby tummy-to-tummy in a cradle hold, with the head and body symmetrically aligned with the mother's breast. Support the breast with your hand beneath it.
- Guide the Baby: Gently guide the baby’s face towards the breast. Align the face with the nipple, with the chin touching the breast and lips open wide. Observe the baby's cues and wait for the baby to open its mouth and latch.
- Attachment and Seal: The baby’s mouth should take the whole areola with chin and lips sealing the breast for a deep latch.
- Look for Signs: if the baby swallows milk slowly and rhythmically, it indicates good latch and effective milk transfer.
Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.
FAQs on The Thompson Method Breastfeeding: Step-by-Step Guide For Pain-Free Breastfeeding
- How long does The Thompson Method take?
The Thompson Method breastfeeding may last 20-60 minutes, especially during earlier feeding sessions. The Thompson Method emphasises leisurely feeding and avoids forceful techniques. Since this method advises feeding on demand, the baby might take more time to feed from both breasts until satisfied. - Is the Thompson Method good for newborns?
The Thompson Method is perfect for newborns. It suggests uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact during the golden hour (first hours after birth). This is crucial for the baby to regulate heart rate and temperature.