For nursing mothers who are faced with the problem of lactostasis, the question of how to strain milk stagnation is relevant. Clogged milk ducts interfere with the movement of milk, resulting in pain associated with lactostasis - this is the medical term for stagnation of milk in any part or in the entire mammary gland. The problem must be resolved in a timely manner.

It is necessary to strain lactostasis not only because of discomfort, but also in order to prevent inflammation of the gland tissue - mastitis. Of course, experienced mothers are always ready to give advice on this topic, but a clear and understandable algorithm of actions is needed to get rid of obstruction of the milk ducts.

Ways to solve the problem

The problem of lactostasis can be solved at home. If all recommendations are scrupulously followed, milk will be expressed after childbirth without any inconvenience. It is the stagnant milk clot that becomes the reason why it is difficult to express stagnant milk.

However, despite the difficulties and inconveniences that arise, you should find out how to properly drain hardened breasts and get rid of the discomfort that arises when breast milk stagnates.

After some time of active practice, the process becomes simple and understandable, and the question of how to express milk will no longer arise.

Expressing milk should be a regular and mandatory procedure.

Here are some of the most common reasons to start pumping:

1. Premature birth. A premature baby is unable to latch onto the breast when feeding. In this case, excess milk is formed, the breasts are literally overflowing with liquid and swell. It is important to prevent the formation of milk clots and lumps.
2. An abundant flow of milk immediately after childbirth is a natural and completely inevitable phenomenon.
3. The baby does not latch on or feeds reluctantly, which creates excess milk in the breast.
4. The presence of cracked nipples makes feeding difficult.
5. Inability to breastfeed due to prolonged separation of the mother from the baby.
6. Diseases that make breastfeeding impossible.

Whatever the reason, the consequences are the same. Too much milk accumulates, as if clogging the milk ducts, causing obstruction. Gradually, the milk clots harden and turn into lumps. This should not be allowed under any circumstances; it is because of the hardening of the clots that pain occurs, so you should constantly strain your breasts. If the breast is expressed, the pain goes away.

Women often refrain from hand expressing due to the pain of the process. This is true, and the pain can be quite severe. You should be patient a little, after the first pumping you will notice improvements, and after a couple of days the stagnation of milk will disappear and stop bothering you. If relief does not occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Decantation technique

The sequence of actions when pumping should be as follows:

1. Cup your chest with your palm so that your thumb is at the top and the rest provide support from below. It is important to monitor the position of the thumb and index finger and place them within the radius of the halo.
2. Slowly, observing the rhythm, slightly pressing your fingers into the chest, make smooth movements towards the center of the chest.
3. Strain over the entire surface of the chest, especially carefully in places of compaction.
4. Periodically changing the position of your fingers, carefully express the milk. Changing positions is necessary to activate different milk ducts.
5. Perform a gentle massage, making circular movements without pressing on the breast, if milk has stopped being expressed.
6. Repeat all previous steps to finally eliminate stagnation.
7. When you stop pumping, but there is a clear presence of lumps, massage the breasts again. Alternating massage and pumping effectively helps eliminate pain from stagnation of milk. The direction of circular movements during massage should be changed.

Sudden movements during pumping are excluded, you should not get rid of clots in the breast using force, gentle massage movements in different directions and gradual restoration of milk flow are the principle of correct actions for lactostasis in order to avoid complications from the problem.

The most important advice from experienced mothers: if milk stagnation occurs, you should breastfeed your baby more often. When sucking, the resulting milk clots dissolve, freeing the milk ducts. Breastfeeding is the most natural and easiest way to get rid of breast congestion. Breastfeeding strengthens the bond between mother and child, which is also important.

For proper and painless pumping, you should follow simple rules.

Despite the simplicity of the advice, if you follow them, you can avoid the discomfort associated with lactostasis:

• breast massage during a warm shower before feeding will prepare the mammary gland for pumping;
• the baby must be placed on the breast so that the seal is under the chin;
• after feeding, you should express your breasts to the end; it is undesirable to leave the remaining milk in the breast unexpressed, since there is immediately a risk of new clots forming;
• after pumping, a half-hour compress of cabbage leaves will help relieve tension and reduce pain; this is the most common remedy available to everyone at home;
• compliance with a special diet, the diet should include fatty fish, olive or any other vegetable oil, exclude salted, fried, flour; a diet during lactation is inevitable and mandatory, besides, proper nutrition of the mother will save the baby from tummy problems;
• warm compresses with camphor oil at night will bring relief; it is important to consider that any warming procedures are possible only at normal body temperature;
• the use of special underwear that prevents chafing of the nipples and pads to absorb excess milk, cleanliness and dryness will not create an environment favorable to microbes;
• In order not to irritate the delicate and injured skin of the breast, it is recommended to use soft disposable wipes after pumping.

Feeding for lactostasis

As a rule, no one succeeds in avoiding stagnation of milk during breastfeeding. This is a natural problem that can be solved in the same natural way. The process of lactation immediately after childbirth occurs due to the feeding regime that has not yet been established. The amount of milk can significantly exceed its consumption, which causes clots to form, blockage of the ducts, and pain.

If the problem of lactostasis is neglected, mastitis can become a possible complication. Treatment of mastitis involves the use of antibiotics, which is completely undesirable for a nursing woman. A timely solution to the problem of milk stagnation will relieve unpleasant and harmful consequences for the child and mother.

With lactostasis, a slight increase in body temperature is possible, up to approximately 37˚C, this does not affect the quality of milk, so there is no reason to abstain from feeding. The baby should be fed alternately with both the right and left breasts. The more often the baby attaches to the breast, the faster the improvement will occur. The nurse explains and clearly demonstrates how to feed the child correctly.

The number of auxiliary mechanical devices that help to express breasts is increasing every year. Using a breast pump is possible, but it is much more physiological to express breast milk with your hands.

Stress is one of the factors leading to milk stagnation

The physiology of the occurrence of congestion in the ducts of the mammary glands is clear. The thing is that lactostasis can be caused not only by physiological reasons. Various factors can provoke milk stagnation. One of them is psychological. Awareness of the enormous responsibility for the health and life of a child becomes a huge stress for parents, especially young ones. As a result, the problem of lactostasis arises.

An important point both when feeding and when pumping is the psychological state of the woman.

Pumping should be done in a calm, good mood; irritability and stress are unacceptable. No methods, tips or remedies will work if your mental state is unsatisfactory during pumping. A woman should be relaxed, content and happy.

Good, restful sleep is a must. You should try to sleep on your back so that your chest does not get compressed. If it is more comfortable and habitual to sleep on your side, you should use a pillow.

A soft gentle breast massage before pumping, a little warming up (allowed only at normal body temperature), a hot bath, drinking tea - these simple actions will help you calm down and tune in to the desired wave. All this ensures a rush of milk to the breast through the milk ducts.

The most important thing is the flow of milk. The hormone oxytocin is responsible for this process. The mood helps to speed up and enhance its release. Think about pleasant things, about the baby, take a few deep breaths and exhalations, or even complete breathing exercises.

When faced with the problem of difficult pumping, you should never ignore it. In most cases, lactostasis goes away even without seeking help, but simply by following the appropriate rules.

It is extremely rare, but there are still nursing women who experience stagnation of milk for a physiological reason - they have narrow milk ducts. In this case, you cannot do without the help of a specialist.

For whatever reason, the problem of milk stagnation arises, you need to try to solve it as soon as possible, since ignoring the problem leads to serious consequences that cannot be eliminated without medication (in advanced cases, surgical) intervention. In order not to lead the situation to irreversible consequences, it is imperative to combat lactostasis. If no improvement occurs after following all the recommendations, you should notify your doctor.

Video

You can learn more about the technique of expressing breast milk in our video.

The lactation period is different for every woman. Some have a lot of milk, others may have very little. One of the effective ways to solve the problem of milk deficiency and establish breastfeeding is breast massage. It significantly increases blood circulation and strengthens the mammary glands. If you do it every day, there is no risk of milk stagnation in the breast, and you can get rid of dense lumps within a week. Doing a massage is not difficult at all, and it also helps improve overall well-being, relieve anxiety and relax.

What happens in the mammary glands after childbirth

During pregnancy and breastfeeding, breasts increase significantly in size. Its appearance also changes: the size of the nipple and areola increases, they acquire a dark color. The skin becomes thinner, slightly bluish in color, and blood vessels become visible. Stretch marks may appear, which will initially be pink and then turn white and may last a lifetime.

The younger the girl, the more elastic the tissue of her mammary glands. If you pay proper attention to your breasts after childbirth, then after the lactation period the breasts will quickly restore their previous shape.

To avoid such a phenomenon as lactostasis (stagnation of milk in the mammary glands), it is very important to empty the breasts in a timely manner, and the main assistant in this is the child himself. If emptying is not done in a timely manner, the breasts become large and dense, even painful. In some cases, body temperature rises and general condition worsens. It is for this reason that it is so important to develop breasts and establish breastfeeding as quickly as possible.

Carrying out a massage

The main advantage of breast massage to increase lactation is that it can be used by all women who are breastfeeding a baby, without exception. But not everyone can use various medicinal herbs, even the most effective ones.

Massage is not only an effective means for establishing breastfeeding, but also an excellent preventive measure. During the massage, it is recommended to use special oils that reduce the risk of stretch marks, which look rather unaesthetic.

Depending on what goal is set, each woman chooses the appropriate option for breast massage: preventive and therapeutic.

Massage technique

It is very important that the movements are as light as possible; rough movements and strong pressure are unacceptable. This may result in the breasts not releasing milk. A massage should bring only pleasant sensations and relaxation. It should be done before you start feeding your baby: this will significantly improve the flow of breast milk.

Prophylactic

Preventive massage is performed as follows:

1. 1. Place your palm on the upper chest so that it is slightly below the collarbone.
2. 2. Make circular stroking movements, gradually moving in the direction from the base of the breast to the nipple.
3. 3. During the massage, the breasts should be periodically washed with warm water.

Cold breasts during lactation - what is dangerous and how to treat?

Medicinal

This option is used if a woman experiences any problems during breastfeeding. Thanks to therapeutic massage, pumping will become much easier, blood flow in the tissues will improve, their tone will increase, and lactostasis will resolve much faster.

Therapeutic massage includes the following:

1. 1. Each breast should be lightly stroked with the palm of your hand. Apply pressure at the base of the gland (under the collarbones), and reduce the pressure as you get closer to the nipple. The movement should occur in a spiral.
2. 2. Make a straight line with your fingers from the base of the gland to the nipple. Repeat the same movements from different points of the base of the gland to the nipple.
3. 3. Take the nipple with your index finger and thumb and begin to gently massage it.
4. 4. While standing, bend forward and shake your chest, but only very carefully.
5. 5. In the shower, massage the mammary glands by directing a stream of warm water at them, making rotating movements. Gently pat your breasts dry with a soft towel.

With lactostasis, special attention should be paid to stagnant areas of the mammary glands. Each seal should be massaged with light movements for a longer period of time. Circular movements for a few minutes will be very effective.

If there are no problems with lactation, you should not do therapeutic massage unnecessarily. Preventive techniques will be more correct and effective.

Rules for massage

Basic rules that will allow you to massage your breasts correctly:

1. 1. It is important to understand that manipulation of the mammary glands increases oxytocin and milk flow, and this causes discomfort in the breasts and can lead to congestion.
2. 2. Before a massage, hygiene procedures are required. Hands should be washed with soap and rinsed with warm water. It is not recommended to use alcohol solutions. If you don't have access to water, you can use alcohol-free baby wipes.
3. 3. Light massage movements directly while feeding the baby make it possible to make the milk flow more intense. To do this, you need to interrupt feeding for a couple of minutes (you can give the baby a pacifier for now) and lightly massage around the gland. This will relax the milk ducts, accordingly, milk will be released more actively. This self-massage is especially recommended if there is a feeling that the baby is not emptying the breast completely.
4. 4. Breast massage for lactation should take no more than 5 minutes.
5. 5. In most cases, after warming up the mammary glands, a rush of milk will be felt, so you need to feed the baby or express milk.
6. 6. You should not allow the mammary glands to become overcrowded for a long time.

The effectiveness of breast massage for lactation is difficult to overestimate. This will help the young mother solve many breast problems during breastfeeding and after its completion.

Every woman who has given birth has already read all the information and knows about the benefits of breastfeeding. Immediately after the baby is born, it is difficult to navigate and set up the process. Feeding a newborn may seem simple at first glance. You can quickly establish breastfeeding after childbirth if you first familiarize yourself with all the nuances of the procedure.

After childbirth, it is important to establish breastfeeding.

How to ensure good lactation?

• Experts recommend putting your baby to the breast immediately after birth. During this period of time, the neuroencortin system begins its active work. Thanks to it, the woman’s body receives a signal about the need to produce breast milk. After childbirth, colostrum begins to form, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the baby’s gastrointestinal tract. Attachment to the breast triggers a special set of mental impulses that help further improve the relationship between mother and child.
• Breastfeeding should be done at his first request. There is no need to limit the baby in the duration of the process. Scientists have found that the volume of milk produced by a woman depends on the needs of the child. Therefore, the more he sucks, the better the mammary glands begin to work. The volume of lactation in the body is regulated by prolactin, a hormone produced during active breastfeeding.
• Feeding should also be done at night, because it is during this period that prolactin is produced in greater quantities.
• The first days after birth, babies do not require additional fluid. They receive all the necessary components through breast milk. Therefore, you should not give your child extra water. This can be done in case of extreme heat and the baby’s urgent need for moisture.
• You should not immediately switch your child to formula. If there is no breast milk at the moment, you should consult a specialist. When the baby is born, the mother’s body begins to produce colostrum. Its volume per day is no more than 50 ml. Moreover, the composition has all the necessary properties so that the child can eat. For one feeding, 5 ml of colostrum is sufficient.
• The first feeding should be colostrum. It contains a large amount of antibodies. That is why every drop of this liquid is incredibly important for the child. The mother should put the baby to the breast at his first request, then the mechanisms in the body will be activated to normalize lactation.
• After giving birth, it is important to put your baby to the breast correctly. Make sure that your nipples do not become irritated or cracked. These defects will negatively affect the feeding process.

A woman can put her baby to her breast for the first time in the maternity hospital. While mommy is in the hospital, she must learn and develop a proper feeding regimen for herself.

When breastfeeding, it is important to take a comfortable position

How to properly put your baby to the breast?

In order for breast milk to appear, it is important to carefully consider this aspect when feeding. The speed at which the child learns to properly absorb food will depend on this. It is important for a woman to protect her nipple from injury. The mammary gland must be emptied regularly - the process serves to prevent the occurrence of congestion and mastitis. The baby may refuse such meals. In this case, the woman is recommended to seek advice from a nurse or neonatologist. They will show the new mother how to properly wean her baby to the breast.

Breastfeeding should be started as early as possible. In this case, it will be possible to avoid a number of problems that may arise with the health of the mother and child. Most often, cracks appear due to improper grip of the nipples. The situation can lead to their inflammation and disruption of milk supply.

A woman should know: there should be no pain when sucking the breast. This situation indicates improper nipple latching.

Milk is sucked well if the baby manages to capture the areola area. At the same time, his lips should be turned out, his mouth should be open wide. Make sure that your nose and chin touch your chest during the process. In this case, all the baby’s movements will be effective, and he will be able to eat quickly.

Milk actively flows to a woman’s breast if she sits in a comfortable position. In this case, the baby can latch onto the nipple and eat well.

Unfortunately, postural problems can occur in mothers after a cesarean section or episiotomy. After such procedures, it is recommended to feed the baby lying on one side.

Features and need for pumping

Lactation goes well if the mammary glands are completely emptied regularly. Otherwise, a woman may experience stagnation of milk, which will lead to a decrease in the rate of milk production.

Good lactation will be ensured by pumping

Immediately after giving birth, the mother begins to produce colostrum. The milk itself will appear on the third day. The process occurs with an increase in the size of the mammary glands and their hardening. Sometimes a woman may even feel pain. You can prevent stagnation by regularly putting your baby to the breast. It is correct to strain the milk if the baby is feeding on demand and the breast does not empty completely. The female body is configured in such a way as to increase lactation when the baby first needs an increase in portion.

Cases in which it is mandatory to perform the pumping procedure:

• The woman feels that lactation far exceeds the child’s need for food. At the same time, the baby behaves calmly, and the breasts fill up and become firm to the touch.
• The process takes place without enthusiasm, and the baby has difficulty grasping the nipple. The situation is typical for premature babies with damage to the central nervous system.
• A situation in which the baby and mother are not together, and feeding is carried out according to a certain schedule.
• Cracks periodically appear on the nipples, which prevent feeding.

Body care

After giving birth, it is additionally important to take time to care for your breasts. You can avoid the appearance of cracks and peeling by following the rules of personal hygiene.

There is no need to wash your breasts before every feeding. Do not overuse soap, as it washes away the protective layer of fats. In this case, pathogenic bacteria can enter the body through microcracks. In addition, water leads to dry skin.

Water procedures should be performed twice a day

Soap dries out the skin of the breast. Use a special cream that will protect it from dryness. Some experts recommend applying a few drops of breast milk to the nipple, which should dry and absorb on its own. Periodically remove your breasts from your bra and let them rest.

If inflammation or cracks appear on the nipples, consult a doctor. Ignoring the problem can lead to the spread of infection and the development of mastitis. Products containing lanolin will help heal wounds quickly. Rosehip and sea buckthorn oil have proven their effectiveness in this matter.

Unfortunately, not all women are able to set up a feeding schedule for their baby in the maternity hospital. You should not worry about this, because it can negatively affect lactation. If necessary, consult a pediatrician. He or she should continually monitor your baby's health and refer you to a lactation consultant if necessary.

When breastfeeding, it is very rarely possible to avoid milk stagnation. Lactostasis is most typical in the first month after childbirth, when the body has not yet established the optimal amount of milk and it is produced in excessive quantities. Therefore, every woman should know how to drain her breasts, thereby preventing the development of mastitis.

Physiology of lactation

The term “lactation” refers to the process of producing milk, which is used to feed a newborn. Through mother's milk, the child receives all the vitamins and microelements necessary for his full growth and development.

The baby's consumption of mother's milk promotes the rapid development of his immune system and allows him to resist the emergence of various diseases. To provide her baby with all the necessary nutrients, the mother needs proper and balanced nutrition, which will also allow the body to recover faster after childbirth.

In order for the baby to receive not only front milk, but also hind milk, which is fattier and richer in vitamins, it is important to be able to apply it to the breast correctly. Poor hygiene or latching can cause painful lumps to appear in the breasts. In some cases, this may cause you to stop breastfeeding.

That is why it is important to be able to properly express the breast and massage it, which increases the flow of milk and improves its removal through the milky ducts, which gather at the nipple into a single flask.

Signs of milk stagnation

You can determine the presence of stagnation yourself. To do this, you need to regularly feel your breasts while lying down. Inspection is carried out clockwise. The following symptoms are characteristic of stagnation:

• unpleasant sensations that accompany a woman even without touching her breasts;
• pain when pressing and the presence of seals of various sizes;
• it becomes painful for a woman to breastfeed;
• the skin on the chest may turn red in the place where the lump is localized;
• in some cases, stagnation is accompanied by an increase in temperature; if this symptom is present, you should seek medical help, as you may need to take medications.

A nursing woman's breasts are vulnerable and require hygiene procedures and medical examination. Regular breast examinations and paying attention to your well-being will help prevent the appearance of congestion in the chest and the development of dangerous diseases due to them.

Putting a baby to the breast is the best way to eliminate lumps

The best option if you have lumps in the breast is to latch your baby frequently. The baby will quickly and efficiently pump the breast. However, in cases where the mother is not able to feed him, you need to know how to pump the breast using your hands or a breast pump.

The baby should be positioned in such a way that his chin rests on the area of ​​the lump, then the lumps will leave the breast as quickly as possible. It is important to note that an increase in the mother’s temperature is not the reason for the baby to stop latching.

When pumping, a woman should be in a calm state and not be distracted by extraneous factors.

When to start pumping

There are certain moments in which regular breastfeeding is required. It is important to know how to strain the breasts correctly.

• Pumping is necessary if the baby was born premature or cannot breastfeed independently.
• The first few days after childbirth are accompanied by excessive flows of milk and, accordingly, to prevent the appearance of hard lumps, you need to start expressing in the maternity hospital.
• When the baby is inactive and does not empty the breast during latching.
• If there are cracks or stagnation of milk, expressing will avoid worsening the problem.
• In the case when the mother needs to leave for a long period of time.
• If the mother or child has diseases that are incompatible with the possibility of breastfeeding.

Nowadays, for pumping, the most often used information about these products is mostly positive, which contributes to their demand and the emergence of new models. Knowledge of the features of pumping and the rules for preparing the breasts for this procedure will help to avoid pain and injury to the woman’s breasts.

How to prepare your breasts for pumping

There are several ways to soften your breasts and prepare them for pain-free pumping, eliminating breast congestion. The first of them is based on people's councils. You need to beat off a cabbage leaf and apply it to your chest for a couple of hours. This will soften the lumps and make it easier to strain. In addition, the pain will be significantly less.

Warming the chest will help relieve discomfort. This method is only suitable if the woman does not have an elevated body temperature. You can take a warm shower or bath, drink hot tea, or wrap your chest in a warm diaper.

The best option is breast massage during feeding. It is important to remember that pressing should not be accompanied by severe pain. Breast massage is carried out with light pressure; if the procedure is carried out incorrectly, the situation can significantly worsen, further squeezing the milk ducts.

How to express properly

The flow of milk is carried out by warming the breast. To ensure easy release of milk, a woman’s body must produce the hormone oxytocin in the required quantity. You can stimulate its production yourself by watching your child or thinking about him.

When expressing, the pressure should be on the areola, but in no case on the nipple itself. Breast massage during feeding does not allow any sudden or strong movements. The fingers should move smoothly towards the nipple, thus directing the milk.

While pumping with one hand, you can gently massage the hardened areas of the breast with the other, but it is worth remembering that excessive force can aggravate the problem.

After finishing the massage and expressing milk, you can put cold on your breasts. And keep it for no more than 10-15 minutes.

Prevention of stagnation

To prevent stagnation, you need to be careful about your health. For a young mother, the ability to get enough sleep is very important. Moreover, you need to sleep exclusively on your back, since other positions can contribute to pinching of the breast and prevent milk from coming out.

In a position on the side, it is necessary to place a pillow under your back and lean on it so that the nursing woman’s chest does not become a support during sleep. It is necessary to protect yourself from the effects of stress, severe lack of sleep and overwork, only in this case will you be able to avoid problems with breastfeeding.

It is important to be able to properly attach a baby to the breast, which will promote natural pumping and prevent congestion. When cracks appear, you need to start treatment on time, or better yet, take all preventive measures to avoid them.

Comfortable clothing prevents milk stagnation

It is very important to use high-quality bras that fit exactly. A bra for nursing mothers should be made of natural elastic fabric without wires.

All clothing after childbirth should be appropriate in size so as not to squeeze the breasts. In addition, you should always dress according to the weather to prevent overheating or hypothermia of the chest and the entire body, which can cause stagnation and the development of mastitis.

Depending on the shape of the nipple, special shields can be used to allow the baby to latch onto the breast correctly and drink enough milk. For proper feeding, you need to constantly alternate breasts. But at the same time, you should always focus on your feelings and offer your child a more complete one.

If you follow these measures, you will never have to wonder how to pump your breasts.

What are the benefits of breast massage?

Before starting the massage, it is necessary to carry out all hygiene procedures. It is important to express milk by hand if available.

Massage movements best contribute to the relaxation of the muscle fibers of the chest, as well as the easy flow of the feeding process due to the active work of the mammary glands.

Carrying out a massage not only helps prevent the appearance of lumps and the development of lactostasis, which turns into mastitis, but also helps strengthen the breasts, preventing them from sagging and losing shape. Increased blood circulation during massage promotes an additional flow of milk.

In addition, regular massage allows you to detect the appearance of lumps in time and quickly strain your breasts with your hands.

Using a breast pump to express

Sometimes it is quite difficult for a woman to express with her hands. This may be due to the characteristics of the nipple.

The modern market makes it possible to significantly simplify the process of expressing by using breast pumps for this procedure. There are a lot of reviews about them, and they can be purchased in many online stores and retail outlets. Therefore, it will not be difficult for a woman to choose the most convenient model for herself.

Compliance with all of the above tips will provide protection against the development of severe lactostasis with its subsequent transformation into mastitis, which is quite dangerous for the female breast.

A woman's body is capable of producing breast milk depending on the baby's needs, but the flow of milk is not observed immediately after birth. It takes time to adapt to changes and launch new processes. This usually happens on the third day after the baby is born. But when this process is delayed, mothers of newborns have to look for effective methods to stimulate the flow of milk after childbirth in order to start breastfeeding as soon as possible.

How to promote milk supply after childbirth

When does breast milk come in after childbirth?

The cells responsible for milk production are started from the first feeding. This is why it is so important to put your baby to the breast immediately after birth. Children are ready for feeding from the first seconds of life. After this, babies need to be latched on demand and allowed to suck on the breasts to stimulate the milk supply process.

Immediately after birth, breast milk begins to be produced. Changes occur in the body, the amount of progesterone decreases, hormones gradually begin to come into play, which help to increase lactation. Milk production hormones cannot immediately begin active work, so the newborn first feeds on colostrum. And only on the third day will a woman feel heaviness in her chest associated with the flow of milk.

Over the next few weeks, lactation begins. The breasts may become engorged, hard, and painful. Expressing will help relieve discomfort, which also needs to be done to prevent the formation of congestion in the chest. Gradually, the body adapts and will continue to produce as much milk for the baby as he needs.

How to determine that a baby does not have enough milk?

Not everyone can successfully breastfeed their children. Often women after childbirth have little breast milk, as a result of which children do not receive enough nutrients and for this reason lose weight.

You can determine that a baby is not getting enough nutrition not only by weight, but also by some other signs:

• the child rarely pees. The normal frequency is 12 or more per day. In this case, the urine should be without a distinct odor and bright color;
• frequent constipation;
• unstable sleep;
• the baby actively presses on the chest with his hands and is nervous when feeding

If such symptoms are observed in a child, you should consult a pediatrician. The doctor will weigh the baby, conduct an examination, assess his condition and tell you whether the baby really doesn’t have enough food.

What to do if you don't have enough milk?

Before you panic and add complementary foods to your diet, it won’t hurt to try breastfeeding. Perhaps the child is lazy to suck, which provokes a decrease in lactation, because the woman’s body adapts to the needs.

1. Feed your baby often, as soon as he asks. The “nest method” is considered effective, when mother and child sleep at night and spend most of the time in bed together during the day;
2. You need to feed the baby for at least 20 minutes;
3. It is recommended to feed children day and night; night feedings are mandatory for newborns.

The exact feeding time depends on the baby's needs. To prevent children from falling asleep while eating, you can massage their palms, legs and lightly pat them on the back.

A baby who is put to the breast frequently stimulates milk production. Often babies do not want to drink mother's milk only because it is difficult for them to receive it. To prevent your baby from refusing the breast, it doesn’t hurt to check from the first feeding that your baby is latching onto the nipple correctly. Detailed instructions can be obtained from specialists in the maternity ward.

Popular methods of stimulating lactation

How to pump your breasts?

Nature has thought of everything, so breast milk is usually produced in the amount that the baby needs. But sometimes a nursing mother experiences a period when she clearly feels a noticeable decrease in lactation. This can occur both due to improper attachment to the breast and the inability of the child to receive its portion of nutrition, and due to malfunctions in the woman’s body.

The first thing that comes to the mind of the mother of a newborn is to buy drugs for lactation. But special means do not always help. To restore normalcy, it doesn’t hurt to follow the advice of experts:

• Mom must adhere to the correct drinking regime. A woman needs to drink 1.5-2 liters of water per day;
• Be sure to sleep at least one hour during the day. Prolactin is produced in a calm state, when the body is relaxed;
• 15 minutes before feeding, dry heat is applied to the breast;
• light massage performed in a circular motion from the body to the nipple, each time before feeding;
• Massaging the subscapularis area of ​​the back in the morning and evening promotes the arrival of milk. You can do it with warm water in the shower;
• put down your mobile phone, turn off the TV while feeding. The process should be accompanied by silence and calm to ensure maximum contact between mother and baby.

If simple recommendations do not help, you need to contact a lactation consultant. A professional will assess the condition of the mother and baby, monitor the feeding process, see how the baby is applied to the nipple and give recommendations on how to normalize the situation.