When does lactation start? What is lactation in women: stages and features of the process. Video: common problems in women with lactation and ways to overcome them

Breastfeeding is a special period in the life of a new mother. Breastfeeding helps to recover faster after childbirth, provide protection from mastopathy and establish close relationships with the baby. Often breastfeeding mothers face a shortage of milk. Today we will tell you how to increase lactation at home, and what to do if there is practically no milk in the chest.

5 main factors influencing the increase and maintenance of lactation

Proper development of a child is impossible without proper nutrition. Mother's milk is ideally suited to the ability of the baby's body to absorb food. From breast milk, the baby receives everything he needs: enzymes, growth factors, immunoglobulins that protect the child's body from infections.

Important! Every baby should receive breast milk for at least 6 months, because it is completely tailored to the individual needs of the crumbs.

Among the many factors affecting the occurrence, increase and preservation of milk secretion, the most important are:

1. The health status of the nursing mother and baby.
2. The mother's desire and will to breastfeed her baby.
3. The state of mind of a nursing mother and the situation in the family.
4. Regular attachment of the newborn to the breast;
5. Conscientious preparation and learning of proper breastfeeding technique.

What to do if there is not enough milk? We will definitely talk about many effective ways to improve lactation, but first we advise you to watch this video:

Before concluding that the mother has little milk, the above factors must be excluded. If there are errors in the correct attachment of the breast, the physical fatigue of a nursing mother or excessive mental stress (excitement, anxiety), then a lack of milk is only a consequence of existing problems. Their solution will help to avoid a decrease in lactation and premature weaning.

Menu for a nursing mother: a list of products to increase the amount of milk

The quality of milk and its quantity directly depend on the diet and diet followed by a nursing mother. A varied diet stimulates the improvement of lactation and helps to establish proper breastfeeding.

Foods that should be included in the daily diet of the mother:

• boiled milk and fermented milk products (kefir, curdled milk) - at least 0.5 l / day;
• cottage cheese or curd products - 50-100 g / day;
• boiled meat - at least 200 g / day;
• fresh vegetables (carrots, onions, sweet peppers, radishes) - 600 g / day;
• butter - 30 g / day;
• boiled chicken eggs - 1-2 pcs.;
• fruits (green apple, pear) - at least 300 g / day;
• black bread with cumin - 400 g / day.

Also in the lactation period, it is recommended to use vegetable oil daily as a dressing for fresh vegetables or dishes with cereals (about 20 g / day). Sunflower oil is a natural source of vitamin E and polyunsaturated fatty acids. We talked about it in one of the previous issues.

Foods that increase lactation:

• warm green tea (low brewed);
• hot chicken broth;
• liquid cereals in milk from rice and barley groats;
• bee honey (as a substitute for sugar);
• watermelons;
• walnuts;
• first courses with sea and river fish.

Nursing mothers need to monitor the amount of fluid consumed per day. It must be at least 2.5 liters (including all liquid dishes). 10-15 minutes before the next feeding, it is useful to drink a glass of warm milk with a teaspoon of honey - this simple drink helps increase lactation and stimulates the flow of milk in the breast.

What foods to avoid when lactating:

• natural coffe;
• meat semi-finished products;
• fast food, chips and crackers with flavorings;
• store-bought sauces (mayonnaise, ketchup, cheese sauces, etc.);
• canned products of industrial origin;
• foods high in cocoa (including chocolate);
• any alcoholic beverages (strictly prohibited!).

Note! In recent years, there has been a tendency for infants to be born with a deficiency of the immune system. Try to avoid eating foods that can cause allergies in your baby.

Increasing lactation folk remedies

Home methods to increase milk production were used by our grandmothers. Complaints about the lack of breast milk occurred at all times, and nursing mothers tried all available methods to solve the problem of breastfeeding. Many of them are relevant to this day.

More liquid!

Drinking fluids helps increase milk production - this is a well-known fact. Try to drink whenever possible as often as possible. Lactation improves with the use of warm herbal decoctions, milk, special herbal drinks for mothers.

Many of the herbs can be found in drugstores for pennies: dill seeds, anise, cumin, and fennel. A vitamin drink will help to cope with a lactation crisis.

Recipe 1. Take a teaspoon of cumin seeds, pour a glass of water. Bring to a boil over heat, then simmer covered for 10 minutes. Turn off the heat, let it brew for half an hour, strain the resulting broth. To improve the taste, you can add 0.5 tsp. honey.

Recipe 2. Pour anise seeds into a thermos, pour 200 ml of boiled hot water. Close the lid and let it brew for 2-3 hours. Then strain the infusion and cool. Take a drink of 50 ml before each feeding.

Self-massage of the breasts

Kneading the breast after feeding develops the inflows well, stimulating the production of milk and its frequent flushes. Massage should be done on the breast that the baby was fed. Hand movements during the massage should be circular, from the nipple to the periphery, with light finger pressure over the entire surface, for 5-7 minutes.

Breastfeeding on demand

Feeding your baby on demand is the key to proper breastfeeding and the production of the right amount of milk for each feeding. Do not take night breaks, let the baby be applied to the breast as many times as his body requires. Frequent application is the best way to stimulate lactation without any additional methods. Try to do the first months without calculating feeding by the hour - the baby knows better when it is time for him to eat, and your breasts will “adjust” to his requirements.

What to do so that the child does not starve and how to improve lactation? New mom tips:

Medications to improve lactation

Currently, the question of how to increase lactation can be solved with one trip to the pharmacy. Many medicines have been tested by mothers and help to solve an acute problem with HB - a decrease in lactation and a lack of milk. If folk remedies do not help, and the lactation crisis has dragged on, then it's time to contact a breastfeeding specialist and find the right drug to increase the amount of milk.

Release form	Titles	Operating principle
Herbal teas for nursing mothers	Lactavit, Hipp, Humana, Grandmother's basket, Laktafitol	Lactogenic agents with a firming and tonic effect. Teas based on natural herbs (fennel, cumin, anise, etc.) have a pleasant taste and are used as daily drinks in the diet.
Tablets and granules	Lactogon, Apilak, Mlecoin	Effective drugs to increase lactation. Taken with food as an active supplement when breastfeeding is over. As part of natural ingredients - nettle, ginger, royal jelly.
Milk mixtures to improve lactation	Lactamyl, Milky Way, Femilac, Bellakt Mama+, MD mil Mama	Nutritious milk formulas fill the needs of a nursing mother in vitamins, minerals and stimulate the glands to produce breast milk. It is enough to dilute the mixture with water and drink several times a day as a cocktail. Milk formula, when used regularly, helps to produce milk and increase its quantity.

Means for stimulating lactation can be a real help in reducing milk in the breast. But you should not expect a quick effect: in one case, it will take a couple of days to normalize feeding, in the other it will take a week.

On a note! A lactation consultant will help you choose the most suitable drug - having studied specifically your history of feeding and observing the process, it will be easier for a specialist to suggest the best solution to your problem and, if necessary, choose a drug with you.

5 best ways to stimulate milk production

Before resorting to medical methods, it is better to try simple methods that you can use at your own discretion and without the recommendation of a doctor.

1. Frequent breastfeeding
   Nature herself made sure that the baby was full of mother's milk. At the time of each application to the breast in the body of a woman, two important hormones are released and activated: oxytocin and prolactin. They are responsible for the amount of milk produced during lactation. The more often the baby suckles the mother's breast, the more milk will arrive at each moment of feeding.
2. Baby feeding at night
   A night break is detrimental to breastfeeding - if the baby does not suckle for a long time, there is less milk. The body of nursing mothers believes that the child will receive enough milk, which means that you can reduce its amount. So there is a decline in milk production. Try to feed your baby at least two times at night to maintain lactation at the proper level.
3. Ensuring tactile contact with the baby
   “Skin to skin” is the basic recipe for more milk without any additional recipes. Lactogenic hormones wake up at the moment of communication between the mother and the baby, when the baby is rocked or carried in her arms. Caress your baby more often, and the problem with a lack of milk will be solved by itself.
4. Rest, rest and only rest
   At the time of the formation of lactation, free yourself from at least some of the household chores and chores. Sufficient sleep - at least 7-8 hours a day, good nutrition and peace of mind - these are the main conditions for the full production of a sufficient amount of mother's milk.
5. Easy and useful “chest” gymnastics
   Daily gymnastics for the chest stimulates the ducts, blood circulation and the production of breast milk. It is necessary to engage in standing or sitting on a fitball in a comfortable position. Place both hands together, palm to palm. Get them over your head. Tilt your head back, then vigorously press the back of your head against your folded arms several times. Repeat the exercise 2-3 more times.

P.S. Earlier we talked about the nutrition of a nursing mother and about products. Let's reinforce this topic once again, since it is proper nutrition that is the key to good lactation:

Complications of lactation (cracked nipples, milk stasis, mastitis)

What medications can be taken during lactation (antibiotics, antihistamines, antivirals, sedatives, activated charcoal)?

Treatment of cystitis, thrush, sinusitis, constipation, diarrhea, tonsillitis, cough and other diseases during lactation

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

What is lactation?

Lactation- this is the process of formation and excretion of breast milk in a woman in the postpartum period, which ensures the feeding of a newborn baby. The process of development and regulation of lactation is provided by complex mechanisms, among which the main role belongs to hormonal changes, as well as the central nervous system of a woman. In some diseases and pathological conditions, the lactation process may be disturbed, which will have characteristic clinical manifestations.

Physiology of lactation in women ( what hormones are responsible for lactation?)

To understand the mechanism of development of lactation, as well as the causes of the violation of this function, certain knowledge is needed from the field of physiology and anatomy of the female reproductive system.

The mammary gland consists of glandular tissue, which forms the so-called acini. The acini unite with each other to form lobules and larger lobes that share a common excretory duct. The excretory ducts of the lobes of the mammary gland come together and open at the nipple.

Under normal conditions ( outside of pregnancy) the weight of the mammary gland is about 150 - 200 grams ( data can vary significantly depending on the physique of a woman). When pregnancy occurs, under the influence of sex hormones ( estrogen and progesterone) there is an increase in the blood supply to the gland tissue, as well as its intensive development, as a result of which its mass can increase by 2 times. From about the middle of pregnancy, the mammary gland can already produce milk, but this is prevented by a high concentration of the hormone progesterone. 2 - 3 days before the onset of childbirth, the development of the mammary gland ends. In this case, its mass can reach 600 - 900 grams. The concentration of progesterone decreases, causing the secretory cells of the mammary gland ( lactocytes) begin to produce colostrum ( "immature" human milk).

After childbirth, there is an increase in the concentration of estrogen ( female sex hormones) in the blood, as well as an increase in the concentration of the hormone prolactin. It is the latter hormone that is responsible for the increased formation and accumulation of milk in the mammary glands. During breastfeeding under the influence of another hormone ( oxytocin) there is a contraction of the muscle cells surrounding the acini and excretory ducts of the glandular tissue, as a result of which the resulting milk is released outward through the openings in the nipple area.

How long does lactation last?

The regulation of lactation is determined by the frequency of feeding the child. The fact is that the attachment of a newborn to the breast and mechanical irritation of the receptors ( special nerve cells) triggers a reflex reaction that stimulates the production of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin and the production of breast milk. Therefore, the more often the baby is applied to the breast, the more milk is produced by lactocytes. In addition, together with breast milk, a so-called inhibitor substance is produced, which inhibits the further formation of milk ( that is, the more milk, the more inhibitor is produced and the slower new milk is secreted). This protects the mammary glands from overflow.

The main “stimulus” for stopping lactation is the disappearance of the sucking reflex in a child, which is observed at the age of 3-4 years. In the absence of a mechanical stimulus ( irritation of the nipple zone of the mammary gland) there is a decrease in the production of prolactin, as a result of which the process of milk formation slows down and fades away. The glandular tissue of the mammary gland is gradually destroyed, as a result of which it ( gland) may decrease in size.

It is worth noting that if the baby was weaned at an earlier date, lactation will also stop.

Can lactation occur without pregnancy?

The secretion of milk from the mammary glands in women outside of pregnancy and outside the period of breastfeeding ( galactorrhea) can be observed in diseases of the endocrine system and in some other pathological conditions.

The cause of galactorrhea can be:

• tumor of the pituitary prolactinoma). The pituitary gland is a gland that produces hormones that regulate the functions of almost all organs and tissues. If the pituitary tumor consists of cells that produce the hormone prolactin, an increased concentration of this hormone will be maintained in the patient's blood, which may be accompanied by the formation and release of milk from the mammary glands.
• Diseases of the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is an organ that regulates the functions of the pituitary gland, as well as other endocrine glands. Under normal conditions, the hypothalamus secretes the substance dopamine, which inhibits the secretion of prolactin by the pituitary cells. When the hypothalamus is damaged with infection, trauma, tumor, and so on) this regulatory mechanism may be violated, as a result of which there will be an increased production of prolactin and the formation of milk in the mammary glands.
• Hypothyroidism. This is a disease of the thyroid gland, in which the concentration of hormones produced by it decreases ( thyroxine and triiodothyronine) in blood. This leads to increased production of the hormone thyroliberin by the hypothalamus, which can also stimulate the production of prolactin and galactorrhea.
• Kidney diseases. Under normal conditions, prolactin produced by the pituitary gland circulates in a woman's blood for a certain time, after which it is removed from the body through the kidneys. With a pronounced violation of kidney function, the process of removing prolactin may be disrupted, as a result of which galactorrhea may develop.
• The use of certain medications. Certain medicines ( for example, birth control pills containing estrogens) can also stimulate the formation of prolactin and the release of milk from the mammary glands outside of pregnancy. Another cause of galactorrhea may be the use of drugs that block the action of dopamine at the pituitary level, which will also be accompanied by increased production of prolactin.

Can men be lactating?

The reason for the appearance of milk from the mammary glands of a man may be prolactinoma - a tumor of the pituitary gland, accompanied by an increase in the concentration of prolactin in the blood. However, it is worth noting that this disease is not always accompanied by the formation of milk. The fact is that in the male body an extremely low concentration of estrogen is maintained ( female sex hormones), which are necessary for the growth and development of the mammary glands. This is why even with high levels of prolactin in the blood, galactorrhea in men may be absent.

It is worth noting that galactorrhea in men can be observed with tumors that secrete female sex hormones, as well as with the artificial introduction of these hormones into the body.

Can children be lactating?

The secretion of milk from the mammary glands in children can be observed during the first few days or weeks of their life. This is due to the increased concentration of estrogen in their blood ( female sex hormones), which entered their body from the mother's body through the placenta ( organ that maintains the life of the fetus during fetal development). Increased estrogen concentration can stimulate the production of prolactin ( both boys and girls), which may be accompanied by the release of milk. This phenomenon usually disappears on its own after a while, when excess estrogen is excreted from the body of a newborn baby.

Why does lactation disappear?

The reasons for the disappearance or reduction of lactation during breastfeeding may be some diseases and pathological conditions, as well as improper breastfeeding.

Violation ( weakening) lactation may be due to:

• Hormonal disorders. For normal growth and development of the mammary glands, female sex hormones are necessary ( estrogens), as well as progesterone. At the same time, for secretion ( workings) breast milk requires the hormone prolactin, and for the release of milk from the gland - the hormone oxytocin. If the process of formation or production of at least one of these hormones is disrupted ( what can be observed with infectious lesions of the pituitary gland, if it is damaged during an injury, or with other diseases of the endocrine system), the lactation process will also be disrupted.

• Mastitis. This is an inflammatory disease of the breast, which can be caused by infections, trauma, or other lesions. After suffering mastitis, connective tissue scars may remain in the mammary glands, which are not able to produce milk. This will lead to a weakening of lactation.
• Improper feeding of the child. As mentioned earlier, putting the baby to the breast stimulates the production of new milk. If you feed your baby irregularly, taking long breaks between two subsequent feedings, this can disrupt the process of hormone production ( prolactin and oxytocin) and the formation of breast milk.
• The introduction of complementary foods. Complementary foods are supplementary foods that are recommended for children over 6 months of age in addition to breast milk. If complementary foods are introduced too quickly, the baby will be satiated with it, as a result of which he will not require the breast or will suckle it too sluggishly. This will lead to a violation of the breastfeeding regimen and disrupt the hormonal regulation of lactation, which will be accompanied by a decrease in the amount of breast milk.
• Child diseases. If a child has a weakened sucking reflex, during breastfeeding, there is not enough pronounced irritation of the nipples of the mammary gland, which also disrupts the process of producing new milk.
• Aerophagy. The essence of this pathology lies in the fact that during sucking, along with breast milk, the child swallows a large amount of air. Air enters the baby's stomach and stretches its walls, as a result of which the baby feels full too quickly and stops suckling. According to the mechanisms described earlier, this reduces the production of prolactin, oxytocin and breast milk.
• Medicines. Some medicines ( diuretics, anesthetics, drugs containing male sex hormones and so on) can inhibit the process of milk production in the mammary glands.

How does smoking affect lactation?

It has been scientifically proven that women who smoke have problems with lactation ( that is, its weakening) are 20% more common than non-smokers. Scientists associate the mechanism of development of this phenomenon with the action of nicotine ( a substance that is part of almost all cigarettes, cigars, smoking tobacco, and so on) to the central nervous system. It is assumed that nicotine during smoking activates the production of the substance dopamine. Dopamine inhibits the formation of the hormone prolactin, thereby reducing the rate of milk production in the mammary glands during breastfeeding.

Are x-rays, fluorography, CT, MRI and ultrasound dangerous during lactation?

Performing diagnostic instrumental studies during breastfeeding is not contraindicated, since it cannot affect either the lactation process or the quality of breast milk.

During x-ray or CT scans ( computed tomography) radiation waves are transmitted through the human body, which are partially absorbed by the cells of tissues and organs. As a result of exposure to these waves, certain mutations can be observed in cells. In this regard, there is an opinion among the people that after performing an x-ray, you need to express milk, since it is impossible to feed a child with it. However, this assertion is erroneous. The point is that under normal conditions ( in a healthy woman) mutated cells are quickly destroyed by the body's immune system, as a result of which they do not cause any harm to the woman. Milk, on the other hand, does not contain cells at all, so a single X-ray or CT scan will not affect its composition in any way.

Medications to increase lactation

Name of medication	Mechanism of action	Method of application and dosage
lactogon	This is a dietary supplement based on herbal ingredients ( nettle, ginger, royal jelly, potassium iodide and so on). The drug stimulates the formation of breast milk and maintains lactation throughout the entire period of breastfeeding.	Inside, 1 tablet 3-4 times a day with meals, half an hour before feeding the baby. The course of treatment is 30 days.
Pulsatilla compositum	A complex preparation based on the grass of the lumbago, sulfur and other components. Stimulates the formation of milk during breastfeeding, and also has a moderate sedative effect.	The drug is prescribed 1 ampoule 3-4 times a week. It is administered intravenously, intramuscularly or taken orally ( for this, the solution from the ampoule should be drunk). The course of treatment is 15 - 20 days.
Mlecoin	A complex drug that can stimulate lactation. Produced in the form of granules.	Take orally, sucking 5 granules 30 minutes before meals twice a day ( morning and evening). Treatment is recommended to continue throughout the entire period of lactation.

Folic acid during lactation

Folic acid is a vitamin necessary for the normal course of cell division processes in the body. In other words, without this vitamin, the growth and renewal of tissues and organs is impossible. During pregnancy, part of the folic acid from the woman's body is transferred to the body of the growing fetus, as a result of which the mother may develop a deficiency of this vitamin. During lactation, part of folic acid is spent on increasing the size of the mammary glands, as well as on the production of breast milk, which also requires its additional intake into the body. This is why it is recommended that all breastfeeding mothers take 300 micrograms of folic acid daily ( in the form of tablets). The course of treatment is 1 month, but if necessary, it can be extended ( after consultation with a doctor).

Mixtures for nursing mothers to increase lactation ( milky way, lactamyl, femilac)

To date, there are many nutritional mixtures enriched with minerals, microelements and macronutrients, amino acids and other substances necessary to support the lactation process. The use of these mixtures in food provides abundant milk production, improves its composition, and also prevents the development of vitamin deficiency states, since they also include all the vitamins necessary for a nursing woman.

• Milky way blend. In addition to vitamins and microelements, the composition of the drug includes an extract of galega grass, which stimulates the formation of breast milk. To prepare the mixture, 1 tablespoon of dry matter should be poured into 150 - 200 ml of hot boiled water or milk ( not boiling water), stir and take orally within an hour after preparation. Take the drug in the indicated dosage should be 1 - 2 times a day for 2 - 4 weeks.
• Lactamyl blend. In addition to vitamins and minerals, this mixture contains components of plants that stimulate the formation of breast milk ( nettle, palm, soybean and other oils, anise, fennel and so on). To prepare a mixture of 50 grams of dry matter, pour 1 glass ( 200 ml) hot boiled water and mix thoroughly. The resulting mixture should be drunk within 40-60 minutes after preparation. The duration of the course of treatment is determined depending on the effectiveness of the drug, as well as on its tolerance by the patient.
• Femilac blend. To prepare the mixture, take 7 - 9 measuring spoons ( are included in the package) dry matter and pour 1 cup ( 200 ml) hot boiled water or milk. After thorough mixing, the mixture must be taken orally. Also dry matter can be added to tea ( 1 - 2 spoons 3 - 4 times a day).

Breast massage to increase lactation

Properly performed breast massage stimulates the production of milk ( by stimulating the receptors of the peripapillary zone and stimulating the production of prolactin). Massage also promotes the release of milk from the acini ( mammary glands), thereby preventing its stagnation.

Breast massage can be performed:

• 1 way. Slightly pressing on the upper sections of the mammary gland with your fingers, perform circular movements with them, gradually going down ( towards the nipple). The procedure should be performed for 20-30 seconds, and then repeated with the second mammary gland.
• 2 way. First, you should lightly press your fingers on the upper part of the mammary gland ( under the collarbone) and then swipe down ( to the nipple), while maintaining a slight pressure on the gland. Repeat the procedure 3-5 times, then move on to the second gland.
• 3 way. Take the nipple with two fingers and gently massage it for 5 to 30 seconds ( it will promote prolactin secretion and milk production).

Perform these simple exercises should be within 4 - 5 minutes after each feeding of the child, but not less than 5 - 6 times a day.

Does pumping and using a breast pump increase lactation?

Expressing breast milk allows you to maintain lactation at the right level or even stimulate it.

Pumping can be useful both for feeding a baby ( in this case, expressed milk is given to the child at regular intervals), and to remove milk from the mammary glands in cases where it accumulates in excess. For example, this can be observed with the introduction of complementary foods, when the child is satiated much faster than usual.

You can perform the pumping procedure manually or using a special device ( breast pump). In the first case, the essence of the procedure is as follows. The peripapillary zone of the gland should be clasped with all the fingers of the hand, and then slightly squeeze it ( gland) with fingertips, moving them to the braid. This procedure should be repeated several times until drops appear from the nipple area, and then streams of milk.

It is much easier to express milk with a breast pump. The essence of this device lies in the fact that it creates negative pressure around the nipple area, as a result of which the milk is “pulled out” from the lobules of the mammary gland, falling into a special reservoir.

Both with manual pumping and with the use of a breast pump, there is a maintenance or increase in breast milk production. The mechanism of development of this effect is that during pumping, the peripapillary zone of the mammary gland is irritated, which triggers the secretion of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates lactopoiesis ( milk production). In addition, the removal of milk from the lobules of the gland reduces the concentration of the inhibitor substance ( which inhibits the formation of new milk), which also stimulates lactation.

Is it possible to drink domperidone to stimulate lactation?

Domperidone is an antiemetic drug that is used to relieve nausea and prevent vomiting, and may also increase lactation.

The mechanism of antiemetic action of domperidone is that it blocks dopamine receptors at the level of the central nervous system ( CNS), thereby eliminating its inhibitory effect on the motility of the gastrointestinal tract. This increases the peristalsis of the stomach and intestines, which accelerates their emptying and eliminates the feeling of nausea.

As mentioned earlier, the secretion of the hormone prolactin responsible for lactation by pituitary cells also depends on the level of dopamine in the CNS ( dopamine slows down the production of prolactin). When using domperidone, the effect of dopamine on the pituitary gland is also blocked. This may increase the concentration of prolactin in the blood, which will stimulate the formation of milk. Some women use this effect of the drug to stimulate lactation. However, it is worth remembering that galactorrhea ( increased milk production) is not the main, but a side effect of domperidone. In addition, the use of this medication may be associated with a number of other adverse reactions ( irritability, headaches, allergic reactions and so on). That is why it can be used to stimulate lactation only after consultation with a gynecologist and only after they have been tested ( and turned out to be ineffective.) other methods.

Increased lactation with folk remedies and herbs ( nettle, dill, fennel) at home

To stimulate lactation, you can use folk recipes based on the use of various herbal ingredients ( herbs, berries and so on).

To improve lactation, you can take:

• Infusion of nettle leaves. To prepare the infusion, you need to grind 50 grams of fresh nettle leaves and pour 500 ml of boiling water over them. Insist for 2 hours, then strain and take 1 tablespoon orally half an hour before meals.
• Infusion of dill seeds. Chopped dill seeds ( 20 grams) should be poured with 200 ml of boiling water and infused for an hour. Strain and take orally 1 tablespoon 10-15 minutes before meals.
• Fennel infusion. To prepare the infusion, 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds should be poured with 1 cup of boiling water or boiled milk and infused for 2 hours. Then the resulting infusion must be filtered and taken orally for 3 doses ( morning, afternoon and evening 10-15 minutes before meals).

Teas for lactation ( hipp, humana, lactovite)

To increase lactation, you can use teas from various plants and herbs, which include components that enhance milk production.

To increase lactation, you can take:

• Tea with fennel and dill. To prepare this tea, you need to mix 10 grams ( half a tablespoon) fennel and dill seeds, pour boiling water over them, cover and leave for 10 - 15 minutes. The resulting tea can be drunk at a time or divided into several doses.
• Human tea. Tea can be purchased at the pharmacy. It consists of a collection of herbs and vitamins that stimulate milk production. To prepare 1 serving of tea, pour 3 teaspoons of granules with boiling water and insist for 10-15 minutes.
• Hippie tea. This is the commercial name of the drug, which includes extracts of many herbs that stimulate lactation ( in particular herbs of fennel, anise, galega, nettle and so on). The drug is produced in the form of granules. To prepare tea, 2 teaspoons of granules should be poured with 200 ml of boiling water and infused for 10-15 minutes.
• Tea is lactic. The composition of this tea also includes extracts of anise, cumin, dill, fennel and nettle. Tea is produced in convenient bags, which you just need to pour 200 ml of boiling water. Brewed tea should be taken 100 ml 2 times a day ( morning and evening).

It is worth noting that the listed teas practically do not affect the quality of breast milk and do not change its taste, so they will not harm the mother or baby in any way.

How to establish lactation after caesarean section?

A caesarean section is an operation during which the baby is removed from the mother's uterus by artificial means ( not through the natural birth canal). If the operation is performed on time ( that is, if the child is full-term), the mother should not have problems with lactation, since the mammary glands are already prepared to produce milk. It is extremely important that immediately after removing the child ( within the first 30 minutes) he was placed on his mother's breast ( at least for a few seconds). This will calm the woman, and also stimulates the production of the hormone prolactin and the formation of milk. In the future, the maintenance of lactation does not differ from that during natural childbirth.

If the caesarean section was performed earlier ( that is, if the baby is premature), a woman may experience problems with lactation, that is, a lack of milk. This is due to the fact that the mammary glands have not yet had time to prepare for the production of milk, since the child was removed from the womb prematurely. In this case, it is also recommended to attach the baby to the breast immediately after extraction from the uterus, which will contribute to the production of prolactin. In the future, the baby should be applied to the breast regularly ( several times a day). Even if there is no milk at the same time, such a procedure will speed up the process of preparing the mammary glands for lactation. In addition, these women may be prescribed medications, teas, or other lactation-stimulating drugs ( described earlier).

Is it possible to restore lactation after a break in feeding?

It is possible to restore lactation after a break, but this may require a lot of effort.

The reasons for a break in lactation can be:

• Mother's illnesses. Some diseases ( mastitis - inflammation of the mammary gland, hormonal disorders, pronounced nervous experiences, stress, and so on) may be accompanied by the disappearance of milk. In addition, with some infectious diseases, breastfeeding is also not recommended.
• Taking certain medications. When using a number of medicines, it is impossible to feed a child with breast milk, since with it medicines can enter the baby's body and cause a number of complications.
• Travel / work. During long business trips, it is impossible to regularly breastfeed a child, and therefore lactation disorders may develop.

If the break in feeding is not associated with lactation disorders, it is recommended to express milk regularly, which can then be given to the child ( if at this time the woman is not taking any medication) or just throw it away. This will help maintain lactation at the right level and quickly restore it if necessary. If during the break there was a weakening or complete cessation of lactation, it may take some time to restore it.

The restoration of lactation after a break can be facilitated by:

• Regular breastfeeding. Even if the baby does not start suckling immediately, and when sucking milk is not released, it is necessary to continue to do this day after day, as this procedure will help normalize hormonal levels ( that is, the production of prolactin and oxytocin) and the development of lactation.
• Performing breast massage. Artificial irritation of the peripapillary zone receptors will also stimulate the production of hormones responsible for restoring lactation.
• Taking medications that increase lactation. It can be both pharmacological preparations and folk remedies ( herbal teas, teas, etc.).

How to properly stop stop) breast milk lactation?

Natural cessation of breastfeeding should occur when the child reaches the age of 1-5 years ( ideally - 2 - 4 years). In order to properly wean a child from the breast and avoid the development of complications, a number of rules should be followed when stopping lactation.

To properly stop lactation, it is recommended:

• Timely introduce complementary foods. After the child reaches the age of 6 months, he should begin to give complementary foods - various nutrient mixtures that will partially replace breast milk for him. At the same time, during breastfeeding, the baby will be satiated faster, as a result of which he will suckle less at the breast. This will be accompanied by a decrease in the production of the hormone prolactin and milk. After the child reaches the age of 12-18 months, he should be fed regular food ( nutritional mixtures, cereals and so on), but only as an additional source of nutrition to give breast milk ( no more than 2 - 3 times a day). In the future, the child should be breastfed less and less.

• Wean the baby off the breast. When breastfeeding is stopped, some children may become whiny, nervous, and regularly demand the breast. Feeding an older child older than a year) breast milk at his first request should not be, since in this case it will be extremely difficult to stop lactation. It is important to provide him with adequate nutrition through complementary foods or other food, and when the child requires a breast, give him a pacifier ( pacifier).
• Express "excess" milk. It is extremely important to prevent stagnation of milk in the mammary gland and the development of associated complications ( in particular severe pain, infection, and so on). This is why breast milk is sometimes recommended ( not often, no more than 1 - 2 times a day) express.
• Use medication to stop lactation. If the baby has already weaned from the breast, and milk continues to be produced, you can take special medications that will slow down or completely stop milk production by the mammary glands.

Rapid Discontinuation Tablets ( completion) lactation ( cabergoline, dostinex, bergolac, agalates, bromocriptine)

As mentioned earlier, to stop lactation, you can take special pills. Their mechanism of action is that they all stimulate dopamine receptors located at the level of the central nervous system ( in the pituitary gland). As a result, the production of the hormone prolactin is suppressed, which entails the inhibition of milk production by the mammary glands.

To stop lactation, you can use:

• Cabergoline ( dostinex, bergolac, agalates). To suppress lactation immediately after childbirth, take 2 tablets of 500 mg. To suppress lactation that has already begun, the drug should be taken 250 mg 2 times a day for 2 days in a row.
• Bromocriptine. Inside, 1.25 - 2.5 mg every 8 - 12 hours. The duration of treatment is determined by the doctor.

How to stop lactation without pills ( with the help of folk remedies - herbs of sage and mint)?

To reduce the amount of milk produced, it is not necessary to take drugs that have a large number of side effects. To do this, you can use folk recipes, that is, infusions and decoctions from various plants.

To reduce lactation, you can use:

• Infusion of sage herb. 2 full tablespoons of chopped sage herb should be poured with 500 ml of boiling water and infused for 3 to 4 hours. The cooled infusion should be filtered and taken orally 100 ml ( half a glass) 3 times a day, 15-20 minutes before meals. A decrease in lactation will be noticeable within 2 to 3 days after the start of using the infusion.
• Sage tea. 2 teaspoons of sage herb should be poured into 100 ml of boiling water, infused for 10-15 minutes and taken orally. This tea can be drunk up to 4-5 times a day ( at the same time, it is not recommended to combine the intake of tea with the intake of sage infusion).
• Infusion of mint leaves. 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves should be poured into 1 cup ( 200 ml) boiling water and insist for 2 hours. Then the infusion should be filtered and taken orally 100 ml ( half a glass) 2 times a day ( morning and evening) after meal.

Camphor oil to stop lactation

During the interruption of lactation should be regularly ( 1 - 2 times a day) lubricate the nipple and peripapillary region of the mammary gland with camphor oil, rubbing it lightly for 1 to 2 minutes. Camphor oil allows you to wean a child from breastfeeding, and also alleviates the pain experienced by the mother during this period.

The mechanism of action of camphor oil is due to:

• Pungent smell. If you apply oil to the nipple area, the characteristic unpleasant odor will "scare" the child, as a result of which he will lose the desire to suckle the breast.
• Warming action. By irritating the skin receptors at the site of application, the oil creates a feeling of warmth in the peripapillary zone, which to a certain extent reduces the severity of pain in the mammary glands associated with milk stagnation observed during weaning.
• Antibacterial action. Applying oil to the nipple area helps prevent the development of infectious complications in the presence of nipple cracks, as well as with a predisposition to the development of mastitis ( breast inflammation).

Is it possible to bind drag) mammary glands to prevent lactation?

The essence of this procedure is that the mammary glands are tightly bandaged with elastic bandages, pressing them to the chest. This disrupts the process of outflow of breast milk from the lobules of the mammary glands, contributing to its stagnation. This increases the concentration of the so-called inhibitor substance, which partially inhibits the production of new milk. It should be noted that in the past this technique was very popular, as it allowed relatively quickly ( within 5 - 7 days) completely suppress lactation.

To date, gynecologists do not recommend bandaging the mammary glands, as this is associated with a number of side effects ( in particular, the risk of developing infectious complications and inflammation of the mammary gland increases). In addition, when performing this procedure, a woman may also experience severe pain associated with milk production and overflow of the breast lobules, which will also cause her some trouble. It is much easier and safer to stop lactation naturally, and if you need a quick result, you can take special pills or use the folk recipes described earlier.

Before use, you should consult with a specialist.

Lactation is the formation of milk in the breast of a nursing mother. its accumulation and removal. Milk production begins already during pregnancy. This is evidenced by the secretion of colostrum, which begins in the second trimester of pregnancy. Each woman has an individual lactation period, for some mothers it can last for several years, while for others it ends even a month after giving birth.

What contributes to the production of breast milk?

Prolactin and oxytocin are the main hormones responsible for the production of breast milk. While prolactin performs its function to create milk, oxytocin plays a role in helping to release it.

In order for milk to be in sufficient quantity, and it is nutritious for the baby, a young mother must lead a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet and not overwork.

Remember the following rule: The more often the baby suckles, the more milk will be produced.

Stages of lactation

1. Certain substances in the blood begin to accumulate in the mammary gland.
2. In the future, they take part in the synthesis of the components of breast milk, which occurs in the secretory cells of the mammary gland.
3. The synthesized products are formed and accumulated in the cytoplasm of secretory cells.
4. And at the final stage, breast milk enters the alveoli of the mammary gland.

All stages of lactation begin during pregnancy, with the exception of the final stage. The release of breast milk occurs after childbirth. All the same hormones released during pregnancy have their effect on the processes of lactation.

lactation process

The process of lactation in all women proceeds differently. As a rule, after childbirth, a small amount of colostrum is released. But the further production of breast milk depends on the amount of hormones, the emotional state of the woman in labor, her nutrition, the course of childbirth and other factors that affect lactation.

In some cases, a sharp rush of milk occurs as early as the second day after the birth of the child. But it is possible that the increase will proceed gradually.

Milk may appear much later, only by 5-7 days. Delayed lactation often occurs in nulliparous women. Which makes them think about ways to increase lactation. But, as you know, the main responsibility for this process lies with hormones.

It is very important to properly feed your newborn. This helps to produce breast milk in the required amount. If you stop feeding the baby, or apply it to the breast very rarely, milk production will decline. But you shouldn't overfeed your baby either. The remaining milk can be expressed.

In the first month of a baby's life, not only the quantity changes significantly, but also. The first two weeks of lactation, breast milk is considered preparatory, and only from 10-13 days can it be called mature.

Mom's milk is the most important product for a child, containing all the nutrients, trace elements and vitamins he needs. Even the highest quality infant formula is inferior to breast milk. Lactation is a natural process necessary for the harmonious development of the baby.

Products that affect lactation

There are several methods to normalize the process of breast milk production: naturally and through special medications. Medicines are recommended to be used only when certain results cannot be achieved by conventional means (proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle), and only on the recommendation of a specialist.

It is important that a nursing mother drink plenty of fluids, at least 2 liters per day. It is required to balance the diet and exclude harmful foods. In the diet of the nurse should be:

• lean meats: chicken, veal, rabbit meat;
• fish: hake, pike perch, carp, pollock, carp;
• protein products: milk, eggs;
• nuts;
• fermented milk products: curdled milk, kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, yogurt;

It is required to exclude from the diet:

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• fatty;
• roast;
• spices;
• preservatives, dyes and additives;
• carbonated drinks;
• vegetables, fruits and berries that cause allergic reactions: tomato, citrus fruits, strawberries, black currants, raspberries.

Proper breastfeeding

From birth, you need to learn how to properly breastfeed your baby ( ). If there is a shortage of milk, the baby should be fed more often than usual.

The correct feeding process looks like this: while suckling the breast, the baby should turn the lower lip outward, and the upper one, firmly press the nipple to the bottom. The baby should completely cover the entire nipple. Such a massage of the nipple by the baby during feeding stimulates lactation. If applied incorrectly, it may appear that will cause discomfort to mommy. It will take time for such cracks to heal, during which it will be necessary to temporarily not breastfeed the child, which can lead to loss of milk.

Healthy sleep, rest and fresh air will help the wet nurse get positive emotions, and this will have an impact on lactation.

A nursing mother should devote more time to the child: hug him, kiss and talk to him. All these actions not only have a good effect on lactation, but also allow the baby to feel calm and protected.

Ways to increase lactation

Sooner or later, the time comes when it is necessary to stop breastfeeding the baby, and you need to somehow stop the lactation of milk. And here certain difficulties arise. Weaning a baby from the breast is not difficult (see how to do it simply). But how do you get milk to go? Unpleasant "chewing" sensations in swollen breasts, underwear wet from milk - which of the women is not familiar with these sensations? Folk ways to stop lactation and a list of drugs to quickly stop lactation -

What drugs increase lactation?

Today, there are many means to help increase lactation. The most popular are teas, which include vitamins, herbs and minerals. For example, grandmother's basket, lactogon, lactavit ( ).

Many mothers prepare different formulas on their own, which should increase the amount of breast milk. This is not recommended. Only after consulting the attending physician and certain examinations, you can prepare and take various herbal decoctions.

Herbs such as lemon balm, nettle, dill, fennel, popular among nursing mothers, are part of lactation teas. They can also be used separately. It is recommended to take all infusions and decoctions of herbs in a warm form, because warm drinking increases milk production.

And, finally, get rid of the terrible complexes of overweight people. I hope the information is useful to you!

All important points about features lactation should be known not only to young mothers, but also to those who are just waiting for the baby to be born. After all, mom should be "armed" with information about what it is, what it is lactation crises and what they might be related to. The article will discuss what lactation is in women, as well as how to improve milk lactation in a nursing mother.

A woman should understand that lactation is a natural process that every mother can establish. And she should try to do it. After all, only 0.01% of women have contraindications to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is very important for a baby. Breastfeeding not only ensures the health of the baby's gastrointestinal tract, stimulates the immune system, but also makes it possible to quickly and very closely build that contact, which is very important for both the child and his mother.

Lactation as a physiological process

So, lactation is an absolutely natural process, involving the production, accumulation and secretion of milk by the female mammary glands. Since lactation is regulated by many, it is a hormone-dependent process.

Produces a hormone , which is "responsible" for stimulating milk production by the glandular tissue of the female breast. Gradually, milk accumulates, and when the baby suckles the breast, a hormone is released in the body that determines muscle contraction in the milky passages. Thus, the production of milk in the glands is stimulated.

In addition, women who practice breastfeeding recover faster after. Indeed, under the influence of oxytocin, the uterus contracts more actively, and its involution accelerates, and bleeding after childbirth stops faster than in women who do not breastfeed.

Immediately after the birth of the baby, colostrum begins to stand out from the mammary glands, which the newborn eats. It happens that even before the birth of a child, small amounts are excreted from the breast. However, doctors warn that it is not necessary to squeeze colostrum from the breast before the baby is born. Indeed, with such manipulations, the production of oxytocin in the body is stimulated, and this, in turn, can provoke uterine contractions and premature birth.

For a baby, colostrum is very nutritious. In addition, it contains, which are very important for the health of the baby. Colostrum contains globulins and, not splitting in the gastrointestinal tract. They are absorbed in the intestines.

Approximately 3-5 days milk appears in place of colostrum.

A woman who has just given birth should not worry about how to feed if not enough colostrum . In the first days of life, a small amount of colostrum is enough for a newborn, and it is not necessary to supplement it with a mixture, since this can subsequently disrupt the process of lactation in a woman.

Almost every mother periodically thinks about the fact that the child may not have enough of the mother's milk that he receives. This belief is a very widespread mistake. And sometimes, succumbing to her fears and trying to feed or water the child, a woman loses breastfeeding.

The concept of "lactation crisis" really frightens a nursing mother and makes her think about how to maintain lactation. But there is nothing extraordinary in such a phenomenon, and if you treat what is happening correctly, it is quite possible to preserve natural feeding.

lactation crisis This is the period when the amount of breast milk is temporarily reduced. It is important to understand that this is a completely natural phenomenon, and if you carefully follow all the rules, then lactation will not be disturbed. In women, hormonal changes occur, and it is with this that the lactation crisis is associated. The periods, terms of this phenomenon are different for different women - the crisis occurs at different times. But most often this happens in the following periods after childbirth:

• after 7-14 days;
• after 30-35 days;
• in three or three and a half months.

At this time under the influence hormones the amount of milk may decrease slightly, which is a variant of the norm. However, the endocrine system in each organism functions differently, and therefore the periods of crises are different for everyone.

The duration of the crisis is 3-8 days. On average, it lasts 5 days. At this time, the most important thing is not to worry about the fact that the amount of milk cannot be added. There is no need to worry about the fact that the baby is starving - the child will have enough of the milk that is produced. It is important not to succumb to the persuasion of "well-wishers" and not to start feeding the baby with mixtures. If you follow the rules, which will be discussed below, lactation will soon be restored.

How to increase lactation of breast milk?

There are some actionable recommendations for a nursing mother on how to increase lactation while breastfeeding and establish this process. It is also important to take into account when lactation is established - this happens at about 3-4 months. In the first months, a woman may notice that the mammary glands swell, that there is too much or too little milk. When the process is established, there will be an increase in milk lactation during breastfeeding, but milk will be produced directly during feeding, and the breast will not “pour”.

That is, the amount of milk directly depends solely on the production prolactin . If a woman has not yet established lactation, and the question of how to increase the lactation of breast milk is relevant for her, you need to follow very simple but effective recommendations. In this case, it will be possible to quickly return everything and continue to feed the child.

Practice feeding on demand

Feeding on demand will help increase the amount of breast milk in a nursing mother. There is no need to feed the baby according to the regimen, because the baby himself “regulates” the mode of eating and sleeping. Sometimes the baby demands to “return” the breast within 20-30 minutes after feeding. Sometimes he sleeps peacefully for five hours in a row.

Breastfeed as often as possible

You should try to apply the baby as a breast as often as possible. It does not matter how long the baby sucks. After all, the very act of sucking helps to activate the production of hormones, in particular, prolactin And oxytocin . That is, the answer to the question of how to increase lactation is simple: you need to apply the baby to the breast as often as possible.

Sometimes mothers worry about the fact that the child has been suckling for several hours at the breast. But there is no cause for concern here. Indeed, after the birth of a baby, when the connection that connected him with his mother before childbirth is interrupted, close contact with her is very important for the child. By frequently sucking on the breast, the baby more easily overcomes the stress experienced after birth and gets used to the world that surrounds him. Lying at the mother's breast, the baby only periodically sucks it. It happens that the child “holds” the breast for several hours, not wanting to let go of his mother. In addition, at first - about three months after birth - the baby is tormented, and closeness to his mother calms him down and alleviates his condition.

Be sure to breastfeed at night

Moms who are interested in how to increase breast milk lactation should definitely breastfeed their baby at night. Teaching a baby to sleep through the night almost from birth is the wrong approach. After all, a baby up to a year old can wake up to eat at night, and this is considered normal. At first, it is very important to feed him at night, since it is at night that the content of prolactin . And if the baby suckles at the breast during this time, the amount of milk produced will increase. Therefore, the answer to the question of how to increase lactation for a nursing mother is simple: do not ignore night feedings.

Homeopathy

There is no consensus on whether homeopathic remedies are effective in increasing breast milk lactation. Such drugs have not undergone the necessary research in terms of evidence-based medicine, so there is no reason to definitely talk about their positive effect. But still, many doctors whom women ask what to drink to increase the amount of milk claim that it will not be worse from such measures. After all, the so-called " ”, and lactation is really getting better in nursing mothers. It is possible that under the influence of these drugs, the production of prolactin .

Products that activate lactation

When asked about what to do to increase the amount of milk, our mothers and grandmothers are likely to advise eating certain foods. However, in fact, the products do not affect the level in any way. prolactin , respectively, and they do not affect lactation. But fluid intake is very important, so you should not limit yourself in this. A young mother should drink as much liquid as she wants. However, it is also impossible to pour water into the body “through force”. You just need to listen to the body and not allow the appearance of a feeling of strong thirst.

Those who are looking for products that increase the lactation of milk of a nursing mother need to know that it is pointless to ask about what to eat so that there is a lot of milk.

Drink enough clean water

Sometimes when asked for recommendations on what to eat to have more milk, they advise drinking more cow's milk. But in fact, this advice can hardly be called correct, because cow's milk does not affect prolactin production.

But cow's milk can be harmful. Proteins, getting into breast milk, can provoke a strong baby. In addition, after a nursing mother consumes fermented milk products or cow's milk, the baby may develop severe colic. Therefore, you should pay attention not to which products increase the amount of milk, but to use other methods described above.

What mistakes do new mothers make?

Young parents should also be aware that they can make certain mistakes that lead to a deterioration in lactation.

You should not set the feeding regime - the baby should eat on demand

The kid must “decide” when exactly and how much he wants to eat. One of the main mistakes of women who are worried about how to improve lactation if there is not enough milk is additional feeding of the baby with a mixture. Starting to supplement the child, the mother makes a very serious mistake. Such hasty actions lead to unpleasant consequences. Having "tasted" the mixture, the baby may refuse to breastfeed altogether, because sucking the mixture from a bottle is much easier than "extracting" breast milk. In addition, the taste of the mixture is different - it is sweeter, and it may seem to the child that bottled food is tastier. As a result, the baby will refuse to breastfeed, and it will not be possible to establish lactation after childbirth.

In addition, the introduction of the mixture will lead to the manifestation of pain in the tummy, colic that will constantly disturb a baby with an immature intestine. Such actions can lead not only to a complete loss of lactation, but also to the manifestation of allergic reactions.

Therefore, if a nursing mother has little milk, what to do, it is better to ask a specialist, and not friends and relatives.

No need to give water to a baby-baby before the introduction of complementary foods

Very often you can hear the opinion that milk is the food of the baby, and he also needs water. This opinion is erroneous, because breast milk consists mainly of water - 80-90%. And under any weather conditions - both in summer and during the heating period - this liquid is enough for the baby for normal development and well-being. Therefore, instead of trying to feed the baby with a spoon, it is better to give him the breast once again.

And if the baby drinks even a few tablespoons of water, his ventricle will quickly fill up, and the signal about its filling will immediately go to the brain. Accordingly, because of this, the baby will miss feeding.

Water is given to the child only after the start of the gradual introduction of complementary foods, that is, after he reaches six months. By the way, cases when a baby begins to lose weight precisely because of supplementation are not uncommon. After all, due to the consumption of water, the baby receives less milk.

Of course, this rule does not apply to "artificial" children - they need to be given some water.

Do not assume that the baby is always crying from hunger.

A small person can cry for a variety of reasons. If he does not take the breast and at the same time cries, then it is quite possible that the whole thing is in the pain in the tummy. The child may also have a headache, and night or evening tantrums may indicate an increase intracranial pressure at the breast. In addition, he may cry because of the discomfort associated with a wet diaper, due to the fact that his teeth are starting to cut. In the end, the baby may simply want to go to his mother in order to feel protected.

No need to assume that there is no milk in soft breasts

Milk production is activated during feeding. And if, before the next feeding, the mother does not feel that the breast has hardened, this is good, since there is no likelihood of development lactostasis . This indicates that lactation has already been established.

No need to express milk after breastfeeding

Pumping should be practiced only under the condition of development lactostasis . Indeed, in this case, the most nutritious milk is lost. Alternatively, it is better to once again attach the baby to the breast.

You do not need to pay attention to the norms of weight gain, which were paid attention to earlier

Modern medicine operates with comparative tables that take into account the height, weight, age of the baby. According to the old schemes, the child should gain 1 kilogram of weight in the first month. But these schemes have been used for a long time and they are more relevant for children who receive artificial nutrition. For babies, these standards are not suitable at all.

Do not give your baby a pacifier

Naturally, the baby should not suck on anything other than the breast. A pacifier is a kind of “anti-stress” for a mother, because she gives such a pacifier to a baby when he cries and cannot calm down. However, in reality, the baby does not need a dummy at all. And a woman can determine the reason for crying, which experienced mothers do quite well. As for the sucking reflex, breast sucking completely satisfies him. In addition, it must be taken into account that later it will be difficult to wean the child from the pacifier. And in any case, he will survive the stress of "separation" from his beloved nipple.

No need to introduce complementary foods too early

Until the age of 6 months, the baby is quite enough natural feeding. Any new food before this age should not be given to him. After all, at this age in the baby's body there are only those that digest breast milk.

Control weighing is not an indicator

Some mothers, for whom the question is relevant, how to understand that the child does not have enough milk during breastfeeding, practice the so-called control weighing. That is, in order to understand that the baby does not have enough milk and determine how much he ate, he is weighed before and after feeding. However, this method is not indicative, and so it will not be possible to determine whether he has enough food. After all, a baby can get his daily norm for 10-12 feedings. That is, he can take the breast often and eat little by little.

In addition, the child each time eats a different amount of milk. Therefore, for those who are interested in how to find out if the baby is getting enough breast milk, this method is not suitable. After all, sometimes the indicator on the scales can provoke a real panic in an inexperienced mother.

conclusions

Thus, almost every mother is able to practice full-fledged breastfeeding. If a woman is worried about the amount of milk and questions about what to do if it is not enough, you should first of all pay attention to the condition of the baby. If he behaves calmly, develops and grows normally, then he is fully provided with food.

Those who are interested in how to understand whether a newborn has enough milk should also pay attention to how many times a day the baby urinates and walks “in a big way”. If the baby defecates 1-6 times, and at the same time the stool is homogeneous, and urinates 10-15 times, then everything is fine with him. A well-nourished child has rosy clear skin and sleeps well.

But if a woman still has some anxiety, you should contact your pediatrician and consult with him about this.

Lactation- This is a natural process of formation of milk in the mammary glands with its subsequent release. This is a hormonally determined process and is completely independent of the size of the female bust. The process of preparing the mammary gland for milk production is called lactogenesis, and the process of maintaining lactation in a nursing woman is called lactopoiesis.

Lactation naturally develops after childbirth and is due to the appropriate hormonal background. The production of sufficient milk for breastfeeding occurs under the influence of three hormones - placental lactogen, prolactin and oxytocin. It is their balanced intake into the blood that determines the course of lactation.

Placental lactogen- the maximum of this hormone is secreted by the placenta in late pregnancy, when the preparation of the mammary glands for the necessary milk production in the near future is relevant for the female body. After childbirth, placental lactogen gradually decreases in concentration, and soon completely disappears from the blood of the mother and fetus.

Prolactin- is responsible for the initiation and maintenance of normal lactation, when its course has normalized and stabilized. inadequacy lactation determined by all the same concentrations of prolactin in the blood of the woman in labor. It is a peptide hormone produced by the pituitary gland. The content of this increases in plasma even during pregnancy, and during lactation, prolactin-secreting cells account for 60-80% of the total pituitary.

The hormone prolactin is rightly considered the hormone of motherhood, because it is he who is responsible for the process of milk production during breastfeeding. Accumulating in the alveoli, milk makes its way through the tubules and milk ducts, through the lactiferous sinuses to the baby sucking it.

Oxytocin- a hormone responsible for the movement of milk through the ducts and for the reflex of its release. His work is manifested in light tingling of the chest, up to the involuntary dripping of milk from it in the intervals between feedings.

Duration lactation It is measured by radically different time intervals - from several months to several years. The norm is also considered a very wide time period - from 5 to 24 months. In the first few weeks after childbirth, the amount of milk released from the breast may fluctuate, it usually becomes stable by the 6-12th day of the postpartum period. From now on, the milk produced is designed to provide adequate nutrition for the newborn for at least the next 3-6 months. The synthesis of hormones responsible for lactation is designed in such a way that milk will cease to be produced 1-2 weeks after the woman stops feeding the baby or significantly disrupts the milk expression regimen. The emptying of the mammary gland is an important component of lactation, since the stagnation of secretion in the alveoli and ducts causes lactation suppression.

The amount of milk produced ranges from 600 to 1300 ml per day.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

It is impossible to underestimate the benefits for the child's body that he receives from mother's milk. Pediatricians and neonatologists are actively spreading the word about why the most modern milk formulas are not able to replace the real milk produced by lactation. Therefore, it is necessary, if possible, to make efforts to extend the period of breastfeeding as much as possible, and the first difficulties with lactation should not become a reason for its appropriate completion. The use of milk formulas cannot be avoided by women in whom the restoration and maintenance of lactation is not possible due to physiological characteristics.

Benefits of breastfeeding for baby

Health organizations are approaching the study of the benefits and feasibility of breastfeeding from a variety of angles, conducting a lot of research to recreate an artificial analogue of human milk. This is dictated, first of all, by the fact that circumstances are often created when breastfeeding is not possible. If for some women this is high employment or a forced stay away from the baby every hour, then for others it is the lack of milk immediately after childbirth or its final cessation within a few months. It is interesting to know that women who lactation impossible due to physiological, only 3-8%. Such cases include hormonal pathologies or diseases of the internal secretion organs, physiological infantilism or late birth (after 35 years). One way or another, but an innovative product has been created and is constantly being improved, but still does not reach the quality of real milk. Why?

• Mother's milk has a unique and inimitable composition

Analogues of many natural substances have been created, but mother's milk cannot be recreated - this is a fact recognized by doctors and scientists. The peculiarity of women's milk lies in the fact that it is unique in the literal sense of the word, that is, the milk of a particular woman is indispensable and unique for a particular baby, it also changes depending on the needs of a small organism and during its growth and development. What we managed to learn about the composition of human milk:

• 87% consists of water, biologically active and easily digestible;
• carbohydrates in breast milk are lactose, under the influence of which iron and calcium are absorbed, the central nervous system is formed, it also promotes the growth of bifidum and lactobacilli;
• fats in breast milk - this is lipase, the highest concentration of which is found in the so-called "back" milk, which the baby sucks out at the end of feeding;
• proteins in breast milk are only 1% of the total mass, decreasing in more mature milk; a higher concentration of proteins can overload the baby's kidneys and disrupt his digestion.

In a unique way, mother's milk contains vitamins and microelements (iron, calcium, potassium, sodium, zinc, phosphorus, magnesium), which contribute to the formation of natural immunity in the baby and carry unique information about the mother's experience.

• Normalization of digestion

From birth, a baby is not adapted to the consumption of ordinary food due to the underdevelopment of its digestive tract, the formation of which occurs with every sip of mother's milk. It contains enzymes that promote the absorption of any beneficial substances. At the same time, it is digested as quickly as possible, which ensures stable bowel function and normal stools.

• Formation of immunity

The immunity of the baby grows stronger depending on the substances consumed in his body. It is their balanced concentration in mother's milk that allows you to most effectively create natural protection against infections in a natural way. The concentration of nutrients in milk changes over time and corresponds to any age of the baby and his needs. Medical statistics show that natural lactation provides children with better health than their peers transferred to artificial feeding. It is noteworthy that breast milk contains millions of live beneficial bacteria that kill germs in the baby's mouth and help heal mother's cracked nipples.

• Formation of local immunity in the intestine

It has been proven that human health largely depends on the intestinal microflora. If during life it can be influenced in every possible way, then the baby’s intestines are not sufficiently developed, and it is breast milk that provides protection from the penetration of various allergens. It contains components that fill gaps in the cellular structure of intestinal tissues. After 6 months, when the introduction of complementary foods into the child's diet is already acceptable, the body is sufficiently prepared and stable. It is noteworthy that formula-fed children are more likely to suffer from intestinal disorders and by six months their body is not yet ready to accept new types of food.

• Good health and high intelligence

If the influence of breast milk on physical health and resistance to infections is very clear, then scientists have explained the relationship between the high intelligence of a little man and the way he is fed. Natural feeding ensures the active development of the baby's nervous system, a sufficient amount of necessary fats and sugars allows you to form the makings of strong intellectual thinking, memory, quick wits.

• Emotional closeness with mother

Natural feeding in an absolutely inexplicable way allows you to establish tactile and psychological contact, that connection between mother and child, which philosophers talk about, poets write songs about, praise in art and sing in legends. During breastfeeding, the child in the arms of the mother feels safe, learns to trust her. His warmth warms him up and he becomes more calm and happy. Together with milk, the child draws a piece of his dearest person, which is irreplaceable lactation.

The benefits of breastfeeding for women

If the need to feed a child with breast milk for many mothers is dictated by the desire to raise a healthy and strong baby, then few people think about the invaluable benefits of feeding for the female body. Moreover, it is generally accepted that breastfeeding negatively affects its shape or, in general, exhausts the body, this is a kind of sacrifice of a loving mother. This is a profound misconception, since numerous medical studies have shown that lactation in the most positive and unique way affects the body of a young mother, both in the short and long term.

• Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage

The tradition of putting the baby to the breast immediately after birth is dictated by some physiological feature, and not just by the desire to establish closeness between mother and child. The secret is in the same production of oxytocin, in parallel with the stimulation of the release of milk, it produces contractions of the uterine muscles, which means that the likelihood of postpartum hemorrhage decreases and the uterus involutes (it returns to its state before pregnancy). If lactation the woman is not observed in the next few hours after childbirth, she is given a dropper with artificial oxytocin in order to avoid bleeding. However, after a few weeks, the risk of such persists, because the body remains without the protective effect of oxytocin.

• lactational amenorrhea

Nature has wisely organized the female body - while a woman is breastfeeding a baby (on an ongoing basis, without complementary foods and pacifiers), she does not have menstruation. The so-called lactational amenorrhea is a natural way to prevent new pregnancies. In addition, the female body is not deprived of iron, the loss of which occurs along with menstrual flow.

• Prevention of frequent pregnancies

All the same method of lactational amenorrhea deserves more attention from the point of view of the regulation of fertility. The first six months after childbirth, a nursing mother can be 98-99% sure that the next pregnancy will not occur. So the LAM method allows you to increase the intervals between the birth of children in an absolutely natural way, which means preventing infant mortality and allowing the mother's body to recover between pregnancies. With subsequent months, the likelihood of pregnancy increases, and therefore it is recommended to discuss contraceptives with your doctor. Women who formula feed their newborns should start using contraception as early as 6 weeks after giving birth.

• Prevention of excess weight

During pregnancy, women gain excess weight, some of which persists for some time after childbirth. While part of the calories in the body of a nursing mother melts naturally, artificially feeding women should make every effort from the outside to eliminate excess weight. Lactation- This is an active metabolic process, during which about 200-500 calories are consumed per day. A non-breastfeeding mom needs to swim at least 30 pools or cycle uphill for an hour every day to burn the same amount of calories.

• Maintaining normal metabolic processes

Metabolism during pregnancy undergoes many changes, up to the onset of gestational diabetes. Studies show that breastfeeding women with gestational diabetes experience a more rapid drop in blood sugar after childbirth than non-breastfeeding women. It is especially important for these women to lose weight because they already have an increased risk of developing diabetes in the future, and being overweight further increases the risk of diabetes. Breastfeeding helps maintain a normal weight, which means it reduces the risk of diabetes in the future. Notably, women with juvenile diabetes need less insulin during breastfeeding because breastfeeding lowers blood sugar levels.

• Cholesterol regulation

Feeding helps to reduce not only blood sugar levels, but also the normalization of cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular health and good metabolism is determined. Breastfeeding mothers usually have high levels of "good" cholesterol - recent studies show that mothers who breastfeed for two years or more in total during their lives have a lower risk of coronary heart disease than non-breastfeeding mothers.

• Prevention of cancer and depression

It would seem that oncological and mental illnesses have in common. Both are often determined by hormonal and metabolic changes. Normal metabolism and the normal course of hormonal changes that a woman undergoes during pregnancy and lactation reduce the risk of developing depression and various types of cancer in the future. In addition, medical statistics state that nulliparous and non-breastfeeding women have a higher risk of developing breast and genital cancer.

• Prevention of osteoporosis

It is a misconception that lactation increases the risk of osteoporosis, since calcium is also washed out of the body with milk. It is noteworthy that the benefits of calcium supplementation in the diet will be minimal for non-lactating women - it is lactation that stimulates the absorption of calcium and the active form of vitamin D, which helps to absorb calcium. Recent studies show that after stopping breastfeeding, women who breastfeed have bone density that returns to pre-pregnancy levels, or even higher, which means that lactation strengthens bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Interesting evidence from medical observations - women who did not breastfeed are more at risk of hip fractures after menopause

Some tips for breastfeeding your baby

Process lactation stabilizes by 6-12 days from the birth of the child. Before that, not so much milk is released from the breast as colostrum. It is somewhat different in quality from future milk and, of course, in quantity. The production of 2-5 ml of colostrum is quite enough for the baby (his kidneys can process only this so far), the benefits for him and the mother are invaluable. From colostrum, the child will receive immunoglobulins that can protect him from potential pathogenic flora from the birth canal. Partly for this, they put the baby to the chest in the first minutes after birth. The second task is the benefits of the start of lactation for the mother's body (promoting uterine contractions). Exceptions to this course of events are usually:

• caesarean section with general anesthesia;
• use of antibiotics or mother's stay in intensive care
• high blood loss during childbirth;
• the state of the child on the Apgar scale below 7 points, asphyxia or intracranial birth trauma in the newborn.

If breastfeeding is not possible in the first days after childbirth, it is recommended to express milk with your hands or with a breast pump. If the fluid does not leave the chest, lactostasis will develop, followed by mastitis. Regular outflow of milk from the first days after childbirth is the key to a long, full-fledged lactation in the future.

First 6 weeks postpartum young mothers are encouraged to put the baby to the breast at his first request. At the same time, you do not need to create schedules and modes, but only listen to your baby - now all vital attitudes and contact are being developed.

First 3 months of lactation, and sometimes also at the 7-8th month of feeding, so-called milk crises are observed. At this time, it may seem that the amount of milk decreases and it is during these intervals that many mothers stop breastfeeding. If, however, you still give the baby a breast, without supplementing with artificial mixtures, but with frequent approaches, then after 3-6 days of such a crisis, lactation will be restored again.

No young mother is immune from periodic deterioration lactation. Among the main reasons are:

• violations in the feeding regimen of the child,
• irregular breastfeeding,
• long breaks between feedings,
• sluggish sucking of the baby at the breast,
• stress factor.

Elimination of adverse factors contributes to the normalization of the lactation process.

Feeding mode it is not necessary to install at all, it can have the opposite effect. Pediatricians recommend giving a newborn a breast on demand, while not imposing it on any anxiety - perhaps the baby is experiencing temperature discomfort, or the diaper is dirty, or just wants to communicate. From 3-4 days of life, the child asks for breasts up to 12-20 times a day, the interval between feeding can be either 15 minutes or several hours. Regularity in requirements is usually established by 2-3 months, which becomes clear to every mom.

Usually, 10-20 minutes are enough to saturate the baby, but there are also “sloths” who need up to 40-60 minutes to feel full. During this time, they usually eat as much as "agile" children, but they do it less intensively, they suck less, respectively, more time is spent on eating.

Not the last value in feeding the baby plays pose- comfortable for him and for the woman. It is important to avoid any discomfort (pain in the back or neck, excessive tension in the lower back and arms), which may subsequently cause unpleasant associations with feeding. Properly attaching a baby to the breast means:

• put the baby on the inside of the elbow and lift it so that its face is opposite the nipple;
• touch the nipple to his cheek or lips, lightly press the chest near the areola;
• put the nipple and part of the areola into the baby's mouth;
• hold the breast during feeding so that it does not block the baby's nostrils.

Postures for feeding:

• classic pose- the head of the child on the elbow, the most convenient for owners of small breasts;
• pose "baby at hand"- the child is under the armpit of the mother (preferably on several pillows), the head is applied from below the chest; the baby's mouth is at the level of the mother's nipple, then her back will not get tired during feeding; the pose is suitable for mothers with very large breasts (size 4-6) and a low nipple, and is also useful at least once a day for any woman to remove milk from the lower and lateral lobes of the breast.
• lying down feeding- when settling down to feed lying down, you need to take into account that the mother's head lies on the pillow, and her shoulders are lowered to the surface of the bed; mother holds the baby with her hand so that he maintains a position on his side, monitors the attachment;
• "overhang"- laying the baby a little to one side, but not on his back, the mother hangs over him; the position is not convenient for the mother, but makes it easier for the baby, which is important, for example, for children switching from artificial feeding to exclusively breastfeeding in the first days.