How To Increase And Maintain Lactation

The benefits of natural nutrition in raising a child have been confirmed by the World Health Organization.

And yet, expectant mothers need to be prepared for the act of breastfeeding, because many of them do not know all the real advantages of breast milk over its substitutes. Many breastfeeding mothers have limited lactation, which can not meet the needs of the child, but after mental preparation and encouragement by a doctor, breastfeeding consultant, relatives and friends, they can increase the amount of milk released. Overcoming the mental barrier posed by some women who have not breastfed is of great importance. Psychological preparation for natural nutrition should begin in the women's clinic, when the pregnant woman receives the first advice for raising her future baby.

The physical factors that ensure a normal and quality lactation are the maintenance of an appropriate hygienic and dietary regime during pregnancy, which must be well combined with the time for rest, work, early and complete treatment in the presence of disease.

The best incentive to maintain lactation is complete breastfeeding. When in the first few days the baby is unable for any reason to fully express breast milk, it is necessary to release the breast by expressing. The act of breastfeeding should begin as early as possible after birth. The first 2 weeks of the neonatal period are of the utmost importance for establishing a normal process. Often, difficulties in natural nutrition lead to a decrease in the child's weight. In such cases, instead of patiently eliminating the cause of reduced lactation, resort to a bottle of milk to supplement the missing amount of milk. Milk supplementation has an extremely negative effect on the baby's desire to breastfeed. Usually the newborn prefers to be bottle-fed instead of breast-fed,

It is perfectly normal to worry about the amount of breast milk you have when you start breastfeeding your baby. Know that it's not just you! Many mothers worry about meeting the needs for proper growth and development of their children.

The best indicator that you are producing enough milk is that the baby is gaining weight. It is normal for a newborn to lose weight in the first days of birth, after which he gradually gains weight.

More information on the topic can be found in the topic: Is breast milk enough for your baby?

The best way to stimulate lactation is to breastfeed your baby on demand. If he is very sleepy, you may need to wake him up and gently encourage him to eat more often. This will stimulate the breasts to produce more milk.

Increasing and maintaining lactation depends on supply and demand. The more you breastfeed, the more milk your body will produce. If you switch to formula feeding, this will automatically reduce breast milk production.

If you are worried about your baby's weight or think that you really do not have enough breast milk, it is best to talk to a doctor or breastfeeding consultant.

There is a widespread belief that certain foods can help increase milk secretion. The truth is that there is very little research in this area and what they show is not reliable enough to give a definite answer. Although the information is sometimes contradictory, and in some cases there is no scientific evidence that certain foods help increase lactation, generations of breastfeeding mothers believe that these foods have helped them.

Here are some of them. If you decide to use them, let it be in moderation and as part of a balanced diet. And don't take any herbal supplements without asking your doctor or breastfeeding consultant for advice!

Natural products to increase breast milk

The seeds have been used for generations around the world to increase milk production. There is a small amount of research to support this ancient belief, but not enough to make sure they are effective. Fenugreek seeds are a source of vitamins, iron, calcium, omega-3 fatty acids, beta-carotene, which are good for nursing mothers. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for the development of the baby's brain. Fenugreek can be added to many dishes - vegetables, meat dishes and can be used to make paratas. It is also very popular in the form of tea.

Fenugreek is a member of the same family as peanuts, chickpeas and soybeans. So be careful - if you are allergic to any of these foods, you may also react to fenugreek.

Another traditional remedy for increasing the amount of milk are fennel seeds. They are also recommended for mothers to help prevent gas and colic in the baby. This is believed to be because the seeds are used by adults to relieve stomach upsets and digestive problems. In this regard, after their consumption by the mother, the benefits of fennel will reach the baby through breast milk. Dill is a mild diuretic and should be consumed in moderation. The seeds of the plant can be added to foods such as pickles, salads, cream cheese. It is most often used in the form of tea.

Among its many healing properties, such as strengthening the immune system and preventing cardiovascular disease, garlic also finds a place as a means of increasing breast milk. In many sources you will find information that garlic changes the taste of milk and infants do not want to breastfeed.
However, a study found that babies of mothers who eat garlic eat longer, suggesting that they like the smell of garlic in breast milk. But because the study is too small, no definite conclusions can be drawn.

Green leafy vegetables such as spinach, fenugreek leaves, sturgeon are excellent sources of vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, folic acid, beta-carotene, riboflavin. They are also thought to stimulate lactation. Breastfeeding women are advised to eat daily green leafy vegetables.

Cumin seeds, in addition to being a source of calcium and riboflavin (vitamin B), stimulate milk production, as well as to improve digestion and gastrointestinal problems (constipation, heartburn, bloating). The beans can be roasted and can be added to snacks and lyutenitsa.

Sesame - a source of calcium. Calcium is an important nutrient for breastfeeding mothers. This is important for your baby's development as well as your own health.

If you decide to use this herb as a means of increasing breast milk, do so with caution. In a number of sources, tea from the plant is mentioned as a drink suitable for breastfeeding women, but it is also contraindicated in much of the literature. And although it is not entirely clear whether it increases milk production, it is thought to have a calming effect, have a beneficial effect on intestinal peristalsis and increase appetite. If you decide to use it, take it in moderation!

Pumpkin vegetables are also considered to increase lactation. These vegetables are low in calories, nutritious and easy to digest.

Legumes and especially red lentils are good sources of protein and are high in iron and fiber.

Almonds and cashews are high in calories. They contain vitamins, minerals and provide energy and nutrients. If you add milk to them, they are a great breakfast for breastfeeding mothers. Dried fruits are also considered suitable foods that stimulate lactation.

Oats are a great source of vitamins iron, calcium, fiber and is popular among nursing mothers. It is usually consumed in the form of porridge with the addition of milk, nuts or fruits to increase the nutritional value.

Should I eat or drink more to stimulate lactation?

You should be guided only by your appetite - eat when you are hungry. Drink enough fluids to quench your thirst while breastfeeding. Drinking plenty of water will not affect the amount of breast milk.

However, keep in mind that during breastfeeding your body releases the hormone oxytocin, which will make you feel thirsty. So have a glass of water nearby when breastfeeding.

Continue to eat healthy and varied foods that you have eaten during pregnancy. This will provide most of the nutrients you and your baby need.

However, breastfeeding women are advised to take daily supplements such as iron, folic acid, vitamin B and calcium. You need to consult your doctor, who will advise you on what supplement you need and in what dose, after discussing your diet.

Can breast massage help in milk production?

Breast massage will not increase the amount of breast milk you produce, but it can help to open blocked milk ducts and also reduce the risk of mastitis.

Psychological factors are also important for establishing normal lactation. The happy and calm atmosphere around the mother gives birth to her.

Mothers worry that their baby may be sick if he is too sleepy, cries, sneezes or vomits milk. They are worried that their milk is defective in terms of quantity and quality.

More on the topic of breast milk quality can be found in: "No non-breast milk".

Many women do not feel comfortable breastfeeding with other people in the room, and some worry on the day they are discharged from the hospital and how they are received at home. It is especially important to avoid fatigue! A mother should take good care not only of her baby, but also of herself - take enough time for sleep and walks.