When Jackie's husband had to work abroad for three months Jackie was desperate for some help looking after their three-month old daughter. 19 year old Laura's family were moving away so she was homeless and jobless for the summer before going to college. The perfect answer was for Jackie to pay Laura to live in and help her with running the house and looking after baby Sam.
Laura took the opportunity seriously and read up as much as possible about looking after babies. Laura had known Jackie for a few years and the two always got on well sharing an interest in sport and using the gym. It was a very tired and emotional Jackie that greeted Laura when she arrived the first morning.
Jackie was in the middle of breastfeeding Sam and Laura suggested that she made a cup of tea. By the time she returned Sam had stopped feeding and had fallen asleep at the breast. Laura asked if she could put Sam to bed and Jackie was happy to accept. As Sam was removed from Jackie's breast Laura was stunned to see how big and dark the nipple was.
Jackie had hardly moved when Laura returned. Her gown was still disheveled, as was the young mother. She was nearly in tears as she said that Sam was not feeding well and that her boobs were uncomfortable, as she was not emptying them. Laura asked whether she was using a breast pump to help the problem.
"I hate the breast pump with a passion. I only use it if I am desperate and my husband is not around to help."
Laura became very interested to know how her husband had been helping Jackie. When asked Jackie went quiet and looked embarrassed.
"I would be very happy to help. I am sure I could do whatever your husband has been doing."
"No, no you don't understand. He well, he helped by, well you know."
"I am not certain but do you mean he sucked the milk out?"
"Oh no he would never consider doing that but he did use his hands to help the flow."