Tricks For Increasing Breast Milk Production
Many mothers complain because they think their breast milk production is not sufficient to meet the needs of their baby.
During the breastfeeding period, women often resort to home remedies to try to increase their milk production.
But these solutions are usually ineffective and the solution is actually much simpler than many realize.
If you want to have an abundant source of milk from the first day of your baby’s life, just follow the advice below.
The first hours after the birth of your baby
Breast milk production starts in the first hours after your baby is born.
During this period it is extremely important that the mother has the opportunity to breastfeed her child. This makes your baby’s first contact with breastfeeding much easier. Your baby will be in an alert and calm state that allows closeness between mother and child. This is an extremely intimate and special moment.
Once the first hours of your baby’s birth have passed, your child will fall into a deep sleep to rest for a period of 6 to 12 hours. During this time, it will be difficult to put your baby to your breast.
However, with patience and subtlety, you will be able to feed your baby.
The secret to increasing breast milk production
Feed your baby day and night. This is the best recipe to keep your breasts producing enough milk.
So, in the first week of your baby’s life, you should feed your child at least 8-10 times every 24 hours. This means feeding 24 hours a day, both during the day and at night.
Now a few tricks for breast milk production
Make sure you dress your child properly
Improper latching is not only related to inadequate milk production, but also to other problems such as the appearance of cracked nipples or the stalling of milk flow. The first thing to do is make sure you have latched on your baby correctly. For that, you need to find the right position for your baby. But what is the correct position? Your child’s neck should not be twisted and the mouth should be level with your nipple.
Place your baby on a breastfeeding pillow
With this you can let your baby rest at the height of your nipple and obtain a correct construction between the mouth and the breast. Your child should take your entire nipple and most of the areola in her mouth. Her lower lip should be turned out and you won’t hear any ‘clacking’ noises while feeding.
Allow your baby to empty the first breast before putting her on the other breast
This is the only way to ensure that the mammary glands will empty correctly. This is important to ensure good milk production. It’s also the way to make sure your little one is getting the most nutritious part of the milk supply. At the beginning of each feeding, the milk your baby drinks will be less concentrated and help quench your baby’s thirst. As your baby continues to drink from the same breast, she will reach the hindmilk from your breast. This milk is rich in fat and vitamins to nourish your baby.
Breastfeed your baby every time she wants to
Forget your watch and let your child be your guide. Each child follows its own rhythm. Some babies get hungry every two hours, while others want to eat at less regular intervals. Also keep in mind that some babies empty each breast in 5 to 10 minutes while others take much longer.
Baby food, glucose solution, etc. Yes or no?
If breastfed correctly from the start, your breasts will produce enough milk to meet your baby’s nutritional needs. Any other source of nutrition is unnecessary unless directed by a physician. Sometimes using bottle feeding or glucose solutions actually achieves the opposite of what you are looking for. Your child drinks less and less breast milk and your body sees this as a signal to produce less milk.
Do not use a pacifier
You should avoid pacifiers for your baby for the first 10 days of life and until breastfeeding is going well. That way you avoid your baby getting confused. The way your baby sucks on a pacifier is different from the way she sucks on your nipple. If you give your baby a pacifier too soon, she may try to suck on your nipple as if it were a pacifier and her feeding technique will not be effective.
Breastfeeding offers great benefits
Sucking is also calming for your baby. So keep in mind that your baby may not be hungry every time she asks for the breast. A few minutes of skin-to-skin contact can be enough to make her feel safe and calm.
Rest and eat well
Try to eat a balanced diet of about 2,500 calories, depending on your body’s needs. Also, get all the rest you can to restore your energy levels. During the first few weeks of a new baby’s life, it’s normal for moms (and dads) to be up much of the night. That’s why it’s vital that you get as much sleep as possible during the day. Take advantage of your newborn’s sleep times.
Ask for a massage
Getting a massage is relaxing and it’s also a good way to get your milk flowing easily. Ask your partner to massage your back around your spine in circular motions and repeat the movement upwards. You can sit while receiving this massage.
You should definitely contact your family, your pediatrician and your friends when you need it. They should be your support system in times of doubt or difficulty about breastfeeding and your breast milk production.
Ask around for breastfeeding support groups you can join if you wish. Let others help and guide you and you will see that breast milk production becomes much easier.
