The value of breast milk for a small organism is difficult to overestimate. It is the key to the harmonious and full development of the baby. Even the most expensive and good formula cannot replace breast milk for a baby.
But unfortunately, many women, for a number of reasons, face the phenomenon of partial or complete absence of breast milk in the postpartum and other periods. If timely action is not taken, it will be impossible to restore lactation. The only way out for mom and baby will be artificial feeding.
That is why it is important to know how to increase the lactation of breast milk of a nursing mother.
What is lactation?
But first, a few words about lactation. This term refers to the multifaceted process of milk formation in the glands located in the female breast, followed by its release.
The beginning of lactation is considered the second trimester of pregnancy. During this period, a woman may notice that white discharge appears from her breasts. This is truecalled colostrum. Its production ends 4-5 days after birth. It is replaced by transitional milk, and after a while - real milk.
The formation of breast milk is different for every woman. This is due to the individual characteristics of the female body.
The volume and formation of milk, as well as the presence of nutrients in it, directly depends on the lifestyle of a woman and on her emotional state. The peculiarities of the course of childbirth, the state of the hormonal background, and the balance of nutrition of the expectant mother have a significant impact on lactation.
Breast milk or formula?
The question of which method of feeding a baby to give preference to remains relevant for a long time and worries more than one generation of mothers.
The composition of breast milk is significantly different from its artificial counterpart. Its main advantage is the fact that the balance of useful components that make up milk changes with the age of the baby, depending on his needs. The baby's body receives all the necessary nutrients at all stages of development in sufficient quantities.
It has been scientifically established that the nutrients in artificial feeding formulas are less absorbed by the baby's body than mother's milk.
Irreplaceable properties of breast milk. Benefits of breastfeeding
So which is better: formula or breast milk? Any pediatrician will answer thatfor any baby, there is nothing better and more valuable than mother's breast milk, provided that the breastfeeding woman is in absolute he alth. That is why breast milk has a number of undeniable advantages over its artificial counterpart:
- All the necessary substances are in a more accessible form.
- Breast milk is needed much less than formula to fully saturate the baby.
- The likelihood of spitting up as a result of the fact that the baby's stomach is full is minimal.
- Mom's milk helps to strengthen the baby's immunity, improves bowel function.
- If certain nutritional rules are observed, breast milk does not contain allergens, which means it cannot cause allergic reactions in the baby.
- No need to waste time making formula, sterilizing containers and storage bottles.
- Breastfeeding strengthens the emotional bond between mother and baby.
With natural feeding, there is no need to give the baby water, as breast milk contains a sufficient amount of liquid. In addition, breastfeeding does not require financial costs from parents, while a package of dry formula for artificial feeding is not cheap at all.
It is worth noting that breastfeeding has a positive effect on the female body, especially in the postpartum period. Lactation contributes to a faster contraction of the uterus in the first days after delivery and significantly reduces the risk of the appearance and development of mastopathy and cancer.
However, in some cases, it is artificial feeding that becomes preferable. Among the main ones:
- a woman has contraindications to breastfeeding;
- the baby has congenital metabolic disorders that prevent the absorption of breast milk;
- presence of malformations that make sucking difficult or impossible.
Artificial feeding is the only way out in case of lack of breast milk or in the absence of lactation.
When does milk appear?
A woman's milk appears on the 2-4th day of a newborn baby's life. Up to this point, colostrum is secreted from the mammary glands of the newly-made mother. It is not much, but this amount is enough for the child.
Signs of not getting enough breastmilk
There are four main signs of a lack of breast milk.
- Insufficient weight gain or weight loss. Just do not confuse the physiological weight loss that occurs in the first 2-5 days of a newborn's life. This is completely normal and should not be cause for concern. In the first six months of life, the baby gains an average of 450-900 grams, and the increase in height is 2-3 cm. It should be borne in mind that the weight gain and height of the baby partly depends on the baby's body type.
- Restless state of the child, constant crying. This behavior of the baby can be associated with hunger only immediately after or inthe process of feeding. In all other cases, baby crying signals some kind of inconvenience or is a protective reaction of the body of a small child (for the first time after birth, the baby experiences severe stress).
- Stool retention. This phenomenon does not always signal malnutrition. In the first months of life, this may be due to problems in the digestive tract.
- Insufficient urination can signal a lack of breast milk. From the second week of a baby's life, their average number is 12-25.
If you have one or more of the above signs, it is recommended to contact your pediatrician.
Causes of insufficient breast milk production
There are many reasons that affect the deterioration of lactation and the decrease in the amount of milk produced. These include:
- wrong baby feeding regimen;
- use of nipples;
- drinking the baby with water;
- incorrect latching technique;
- saving breastmilk to save it;
- stressful situations.
If measures are not taken in a timely manner, the only way out will be to supplement the baby with mixtures or completely transfer the baby to artificial feeding.
Effective ways to increase lactation
To improve lactation and increase the amount of milk produced, you need to properly compose your diet, eliminatesmoked and spicy dishes. You need to know exactly which foods increase breast milk lactation, every mother should have a list. More on this later in the article.
Also, the following will be effective:
- use of dietary supplements and medications;
- use of traditional medicine: the use of drinks and decoctions;
- breast massage;
- physical activity (physical education, gymnastics);
- correct feeding regimen;
- frequent breastfeeding;
- pumping.
The above methods are best used in combination, and not separately. In this way, you can improve lactation and improve your own he alth.
Drinks to improve breast milk production
In addition to the use of products that increase lactation of breast milk after childbirth, it is desirable to use drinks and decoctions prepared at home:
- decoctions based on cumin, fennel and anise;
- rosehip compote;
- barley drink;
- weak black or green tea;
- carrot juice.
It is recommended to dilute berry-based drinks with water in the first four months of a child's life so that they are better absorbed by the baby's digestive system and do not cause digestive problems. It is important to remember that the daily fluid intake should be at least two liters.
Do not forget that the above decoctions and drinks consist of their components, whichin exceptional cases, they can cause an allergy in a child. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the reaction of the baby and, at the first sign, exclude such a drink from the diet.
Foods needed to improve lactation
Every new mom needs to know what foods are available to increase breast milk lactation. Every lactating woman needs to know their list in order to prevent a deficiency in milk production. A prerequisite for the menu is its high calorie content. In addition, the food should be rich in proteins. After all, they are the building material of the body of any person, including a newborn baby.
Required:
- cottage cheese;
- lean meat;
- fermented milk products;
- a small amount of hard cheese.
Sour-milk products such as kefir, fermented baked milk not only have a beneficial effect on lactation, but also improve the condition of the nails and teeth of a nursing woman.
It is worth noting that Komarovsky Evgeny Olegovich, a pediatrician of the highest category and host of the "School of Dr. Komarovsky" program on the proper development and upbringing of young children, recommends using products that increase breast milk lactation in moderation.
The diet of a nursing mother should include:
- soups and broths made from veal, chicken, rabbit, beef;
- porridge from rice, oatmeal and buckwheat;
- vegetables, berries, herbs;
- spices, for example,cumin and fenugreek;
- nuts rich in potassium and magnesium.
Similar recommendations on how to increase the lactation of breast milk, Komarovsky presents in various sources.
Smoked foods and spicy dishes, some herbs (sage, hops, mint, lingonberries) are not recommended. They retain fluid in the body.
Medicines
Currently, there are a huge number of drugs that increase lactation. The following are effective:
- "Apilak";
- "Lactogon";
- "Femilac";
- "Mlecoin".
Over the years, they have proven their effectiveness. In addition, the price of drugs is available to everyone. The cost of "Apilak" and "Mlekoin" is 110 - 160 rubles. "Laktogon" and "Femilak" are a bit more expensive, 230 - 290 rubles.
The composition of such products, as a rule, includes herbal ingredients, minerals, vegetable oils, vitamins, royal jelly or cow's milk powder.
How to increase lactation of breast milk with folk remedies
The most popular folk remedy for increasing lactation is carrots, or rather the juice from it. The root crop must be thoroughly washed, cleaned and prepared to drink. To improve the taste of the juice, you can add a little cream or milk. Take three times a day for half a cup.
Carrot will also help to increase the lactation of breast milk to a nursing motherporridge. Grate carrots, add half a glass of milk. Take three times a day.
Walnuts have a beneficial effect on the quality of milk. The high content of carbohydrates and fats makes it more nutritious. But do not get carried away - walnuts can cause allergies in babies.
Instead of a conclusion
The problem of lack of breast milk is familiar to many breastfeeding women. It is very important in such cases to take timely measures to restore breast milk production and increase lactation.
Every breastfeeding mother should be aware of the means that increase the lactation of breast milk. Currently, there are a huge number of them, the main ones are indicated in the article. Also, do not forget which foods increase breast milk lactation, as well as remember the list of drugs that stimulate its production.
