How to increase milk production? Food, homeopathics and suction

Breast milk is the best source of food for a child. The composition of breast milk contains everything that a child needs in terms of its energy and biological needs. Pediatricians agree that it is not necessary to use any complementary foods until approximately 5 to 6 months. The principle of milk production - lactation after childbirth is basically simple. Of course, women can find themselves in various stressful situations, and the state of health can also affect the production of milk. In many cases, however, there is no reason to worry, and even in the case of problems with breastfeeding, there is no need to give up. How does milk production work? What to do when I lose breast milk ? Do any foods help milk production? Are homeopathic remedies for milk production really effective?

Milk production after childbirth

Many mothers do not realize it, but the production of breast milk starts around the 16th week of pregnancy. The whole process of creating breast milk lasts even a few days after giving birth. When milk production stabilizes after childbirth is different, but in practice it is usually 2 to 3 months. You actually come to the maternity ward with breast milk and there is no need to have unnecessary stress about the fact that there will be no milk. In this case, it is the first mother's milk, which is also called colostrum. It is typical for its thicker consistency.

Colostrum contains immunoglobins, which allow the baby to start building its body's defenses. The intake of colostrum helps the formation of microflora in the baby's digestive tract. Therefore, the production of milk is a function of a pregnant woman's body. Of course, every pregnancy is different and already during pregnancy there are many factors that affect the course of pregnancy and the processes themselves, including the bag of milk.

Especially in the early days of breastfeeding, some women fear a lack of milk. It is also important to note that the size of the breasts in no way affects the lactation process in a woman. Larger breasts are filled with fatty tissue and not milk. The production of breast milk involves physiological and hormonal processes. The production of milk takes place in the mammary glands, which enlarge, which naturally also causes the breasts to enlarge.

The production of milk depends on the demand for it. The first days are very important. How is that? It is not for nothing that pediatricians and obstetricians say that holding the baby after birth is very important. Attaching the baby to the breast (skin to skin) is a certain signal for the body that the production of milk in the mammary glands is necessary and desired. Of course, sometimes there are cases when attachment is not possible for several hours or days after birth. The reasons can be different again. Even in that case, there is no need to give up anything. As soon as it is possible to attach the baby, do so. And don't let yourself be discouraged if the first attempts to breastfeed are unsuccessful. Many mothers who raised a child on breast milk could tell you about the complicated beginnings.

Why is breastfeeding important?

Artificial milk is often an easier way for many mothers. In the beginning, the child refuses to breastfeed, cries, cannot latch or drinks very little. Mothers therefore quickly give up, the woman subsequently loses breast milk and thus deprives herself of the opportunity to provide the child with the best quality nutrition in his life. No artificial formula from a bottle can replace breastfeeding a baby with mother's milk. Despite the fact that manufacturers state that formula milk offers the child an equivalent source of nutrition, this is not true.

Breast milk itself contains substances that not only increase the child's immune system, but also protect it from infections. Scientific studies have confirmed that there is a lower risk of diarrhea and reflux in breastfed children, and common civilizational diseases typical of children have a much milder course. Breast milk also contains lactoferrin, which contributes to the elimination of harmful bacteria and viruses. Breast milk also contains substances that stimulate brain development in the newborn. Breastfeeding itself and putting the child close to the mother's breast, skin to skin, has a positive effect on the development of sensory and cognitive skills. The child acquires the sucking reflex, touch, perceives the mother's face, body temperature, which naturally stimulates his brain connections.

Artificial milk as an emergency choice?

The constant marketing activities of artificial milk sellers made mothers and parents believe that artificial milk represents adequate nutrition for their child. This is not the case, but their use is appropriate in cases where there is a valid reason for it - ideally medical. This is also why artificial nutrition for a child is considered an emergency form of child nutrition. Most artificial milk is made from cow's milk, which in itself is no longer an optimal substitute. Several studies also state that not breastfeeding and feeding a child with artificial milk increases the chances of later obesity in the child or the diagnosis of diabetes, the development of allergies, and there is also a higher risk of developing inflammatory diseases.

Concerns and real lack of breast milk

Many women are faced with the feeling of insecurity about the lack of milk to breastfeed their baby. Often mothers get the feeling that there is a lack of milk for the wrong reasons. Many reasons for which lactation does not proceed properly can be eliminated.

In many cases, the mother pronounces the verdict that she does not have milk, because the child sucks, sucks, and at the same time does not drink milk. This effect is also called doodling. You can work on proper latching and in this way you can support milk production to the maximum extent. The lactation consultants themselves say that even if the child drinks only a few drops, it can ensure that lactation will take place properly in the woman's body. Breasts always produce as much milk as the baby needs, if there is an excess after breastfeeding and the breasts are painful to the touch, it is possible to express the milk, which artificially supports the production of milk.

Mothers whose child doesn't want to suck or doesn't seem to be able to suck are also worried. The baby cries or falls asleep on the mother's breast shortly after latching on. Alternatively, he wakes up shortly after feeding. Could it really be a lack of milk? Don't be discouraged and keep feeding the baby, the sucking reflex must be mastered. However, if you still suspect a lack of milk, observe how the baby drinks during latching and whether it drinks at all. Alternatively, contact a lactation consultant.

If the baby really swallows the milk, you can notice the movement of the chin, which drops during drinking (a small pause) because the baby swallows. During empty sucking, the child sucks with a higher frequency, but the milk does not get into his mouth and he does not swallow it (the chin does not drop). You can help the baby by squeezing the breast or try changing the breast. Problems with reduced milk production may indicate the following complications during breastfeeding:

Tips on how to increase milk production

If you are still concerned that you will not have enough milk for your baby, we have some advice that you can try to apply. There is no one-size-fits-all advice or magic pill that will make sure you have enough milk during breastfeeding. The most important thing is patience and also the determination not to give up breastfeeding even in case of failures. The following advice can support the production of milk and thus help prevent possible complications during breastfeeding.

Attaching, contact with the baby and peace

Several times already and over and over again. In the beginning of breastfeeding, there is nothing better than using direct contact between the mother and the child. Subsequent attachment to the breast is a matter of time when the child will be willing to latch on to the breast. Unfortunately, in some cases this process takes longer, which leads to the fact that mothers prefer to choose the route of artificial milk, which is definitely not the right solution. Do not follow the clock when putting the baby down. Attach it to the breast as often as necessary. Do not go by the fact that the baby ate 2-3 hours ago. If he asks for breast milk, give it to him, even if it is only a few drops.

Also, do not try to make the newborn sleep through the night. In the beginning, you can sleep with the baby or next to him, and try to hold him during the night as well. Reduced lactation can occur in women who do not breastfeed their baby during the night or who feed it with artificial formula. In small newborns, you can also observe signals that literally demand to be fed. They often open their mouths and turn their heads because they are looking for their mother and all they want is her warm body and breast, which will provide them with the necessary nutrients. Last but not least, the mother needs peace, not to think negatively and to relax with the baby. Politely refuse curious visitors after coming home from the hospital and keep the time of mutual closeness for yourself with the baby and your partner.

Correct breastfeeding technique and position during breastfeeding

Milk production and proper breastfeeding can be ensured with the right technique. You will often come across different opinions related to the best position for breastfeeding, but then there are mothers who prefer a different position and it suits them much more. It is worth trying which breastfeeding position suits the baby best. Of course, it takes time and patience to find the most comfortable position. The most typical is the sitting position or the position on the side, and breastfeeding in a scarf is also becoming a well-known trend.

As part of the correct technique, it is suitable, especially in the beginning, to squeeze the breast, which will support breastfeeding and the baby's sucking reflex. Changing breasts can be very helpful in some cases. You can alternate breasts directly during breastfeeding. It is also suitable for the reason that the child does not reject one breast. However, always change the breast only after a longer period of breastfeeding. Don't be limited by time, whether the baby will be latched on for 30 minutes or an hour, give him time and watch if he swallows and drinks properly. Do not disturb the technique by using a pacifier or a hat. If a top-up is needed, try a lactation aid on the breast and leave the bottle for later.

What about pumping and expressing milk?

There are many opinions on pumping and pumping milk, and even more contradictory ones. Yes or not? In practice, the principle applies that if the newborn is properly breastfed, it is not necessary to express or pump milk regularly. Natural breastfeeding is the best way to support lactation. By the fact that the child can drink and has a certain amount of milk, the production of milk is regulated by itself. Pumping or suctioning is used mostly in cases shortly after birth, when the newborn cannot be breastfed, for example for health reasons. However, mother's milk is very important, so the baby is supplemented with it, and pumping is therefore sometimes necessary. The mother can also express milk if she is separated from the child for a long time, thus ensuring the process of milk production. Guidance should be provided by the staff of the maternity hospital or lactation consultant.

Some women approach pumping or pumping milk in order to support lactation in the first days after childbirth. This habit can later cause overproduction of milk, engorgement of the breasts and subsequently pain during regular pumping. To increase the production of milk, the aforementioned pumping of milk is suitable in the first days after childbirth, when the child cannot be breastfed for certain reasons and the woman wants to support lactation. In other circumstances, it is the baby who "starts" milk production. Of course, sometimes, if there is enough milk, it is convenient to express breast milk to store in the supply. For example, after breastfeeding. It can be met at any time.

Storing breast milk in the refrigerator, freezer and at room temperature

Expressing milk after breastfeeding

If the child drinks enough, is satisfied, gains weight, and the woman has no milk to express after breastfeeding, it is fine. Breasts may not always remain full and firm after breastfeeding. Women whose children drink well have soft breasts. Fears that the breasts are not pouring and the woman is losing milk are not justified. On the contrary, around 2 to 3 months, the production of milk stabilizes (sometimes it takes longer) and an ideal ratio between consumption and demand is created. It is not true that excess milk in the breasts must cause inflammation or clog the milk ducts. After breastfeeding - feeding, it is certainly not always necessary to express the remaining milk. Yes, if you are pumping milk into your supply, it is fine, but if you are only doing it to keep your breasts empty, it is not necessary.

You can start pumping, for example, if the breasts are painful. Suck and pump only until you feel relief, otherwise you will stimulate milk production and the situation will repeat itself. The advice to express and pump milk day after day is not appropriate, because it can, on the contrary, cause overproduction and the breasts will be painful, and even breastfeeding the baby will not help. In addition, the baby is much more efficient at sucking than a breast pump.

Foods for milk production

The fact is that the diet affects many processes during pregnancy and after childbirth. Life management is therefore very important. There are also certain rules about what not to eat while breastfeeding and, conversely, what to include in the menu. However, when it comes to supporting lactation, there are certain types of food that contribute to the production of milk during breastfeeding.

And which foods have a positive effect on milk production? Carrots and green leafy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach, iceberg lettuce or cabbage are preferred. However, watch out for puffiness with leafy vegetables. Carrots are a very good source of carbohydrates. If you have heard that oatmeal also contributes to the production of milk, grandma's recipes also talk about it. In addition, they reduce cholesterol and are a source of fiber. You can add flax or sesame seeds to them. Legumes and various vegetable or meat soups - broths, which are also a source of liquids - should have a positive effect. For some, ginger helps with morning sickness, while for others, it helps to support lactation.

Enough water and tea to produce milk

Sufficient fluids should be a matter of course and a basic need. However, it often happens that a woman drinks too little fluid during the day and subsequently catches up in vain. A regular drinking regimen is the most important. Yes, also in terms of proper milk production. If you are wondering how to support the production of milk, it may be sufficient fluid intake.

In addition to pure water, tea can also have a very positive effect on milk production, especially if it contains effective herbs. Most often, special herbal mixtures are used, which you can buy, for example, in pharmacies. They should effectively support milk production. Herbs such as fennel, nettle, cumin or anise are also effective.

Grape juice or Vinea for milk production? It is indeed so. Ideally, for example, pure grape cider would help support, but some mothers mention Vinea, which helped them increase milk production. It is interesting, for example, that wheat drinks Melta or Caro also have a positive effect on milk production. You can replace coffee in your menu with just such a drink.

Herbs and homeopathics for milk production

Homeopathic lactation support is related to the choice of suitable herbs and the use of suitable food supplements that contain supporting components. For example, castor oil in the form of oil or tablets can support the production of milk. Nutritional supplements containing fenugreek, benedict or mountain ash are known. Moringa oil is also an effective superfood, which contributes to the comprehensive nutrition of a woman's body. It exists in powder or tablet form. Avoid herbs such as mint or sage, which do not promote milk production. Vitamins and supporting substances cause the lactating activity in the body to increase, which contributes to the production of milk. When choosing nutritional supplements and their dosage, always consult a doctor.

How to support milk production - experience

Many nursing mothers recommend to other women who have a problem with milk production to start lactation in a natural way, namely by constantly latching the baby. They also recommend a sufficient drinking regime to support breastfeeding. More and more often, women turn to lactation consultants, who willingly come to give advice in their home conditions. Poor breastfeeding technique can also be to blame. According to the discussants, consumption of herbs, grape juice and herbal teas for milk production (fenugreek, fenugreek, fennel, anise) can contribute to lactation. Some women started lactation by pumping or expressing milk.

The most frequent questions - FAQ

Is milk production during breastfeeding a topic for you? Are you interested in why breastfeeding is important? How does milk production take place during pregnancy? When does breast milk start to form? If you have "grandmother's advice" or your own recommendations that can be helpful, we would appreciate your comment. Do you know how to increase milk production during breastfeeding? Join the discussion below the article.

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