Mature lactation is one of the stages of natural feeding. The longest period when the production of mother's milk occurs in consistently equal portions exactly in the volume that the child needs. Lactation begins on average 3 months after birth and lasts until the end of feeding.

In this article:

What is mature lactation

The formation of lactation is a complex process, the final result of which is the adjustment of milk production by the mammary gland to the needs of the child. During mature lactation, milk does not flow in rushes, but is produced stably in equal quantities without interruptions.

Therefore, mothers often confuse mature lactation with lactation crises or think that the milk has disappeared, since they no longer feel bright milk flows. The breasts become soft and do not fill out as before.

Stages of lactation formation

The milk production process has several stages. It begins during pregnancy and ends with the involution stage. Only 1.5–3 months after the birth of the child does mature lactation begin. Moreover, in primiparous women this process takes longer than in women who have given birth.

Preparatory stage

This stage of preparing the mother's breast for feeding begins during the period of gestation before birth. A number of hormones are involved in this process, each of which performs its own function.

Changes in the mammary gland occur under the influence of estrogen, prolactin and progesterone. Hormones provoke the growth of milk ducts and their branching. Thanks to the influence of prolactin, the lobes and alveoli of the gland develop. Lactocytes (milk-producing cells) increase. Colostrum appears around the 28th week of pregnancy. Milk production begins immediately after birth.

During this period, a woman may notice external changes breasts It may increase in size and the nipple areola may darken. The nipple itself becomes more elastic, sometimes more sensitive.

The formation of the lactation process

The process of establishing lactation begins after the birth of the child. Strong hormonal changes provoke the onset of milk production. The process of separation of the placenta takes place, and the baby is placed on the breast. This is accompanied by a significant decrease in progesterone levels and the release of oxytocin. Early breastfeeding promotes uterine contraction and colostrum production. This is important for the speedy recovery of the female body and the establishment of the lactation process.

After 2–3 days, colostrum is replaced by transitional milk, its amount is several times greater. The woman notes the fullness of her breasts, sometimes density and heaviness. In some cases, fever and redness may occur.

At this time, the process of breastfeeding is controlled by the endocrine system. Therefore, milk production occurs even if the mother does not breastfeed. At this stage, it is important to put your newborn to the breast frequently. It promotes education large quantity receptors for the hormone prolactin. They affect the production of sufficient milk volume. The number of receptors remains constant throughout all stages of lactation.

2–3 weeks after birth, the final transition to mature milk is observed. The amount of prolactin decreases. This occurs as the process of establishing lactation completes. Milk production is no longer carried out under the influence of hormones, but under autocrine control. This means that the amount of milk produced depends on the amount of milk the baby drinks.

Mature lactation

This period lasts from 3 months after birth until the end of lactation. Milk production is completely under autocrine control. Milk is produced as much as the baby needs. The amount of prolactin stops at a level almost equivalent to what it was before pregnancy. An increase in prolactin occurs at night and as a result of more active sucking movements of the child. A sufficient level of prolactin receptors allows you to regulate the amount of mature milk produced in accordance with the child’s increased needs for it.

This property is especially important during lactation crises. They appear as a result of an increase in the need for milk in a growing baby. At this time, it is important to give the baby the opportunity to breastfeed for as long as he sees fit. This way it signals the breasts to produce more milk. After 3–7 days, the body adapts to the increased needs of the baby and milk becomes sufficient.

Involution

A physiologically justified cessation of natural feeding is called involution. Milk continues to be produced even after the baby stops breastfeeding. According to WHO, the period of involution in female body lasts for 40 days. Recovery is possible at this time breastfeeding if the baby is often put to the breast.

Involution begins as the number of breastfeeding decreases or as a result of a complete cessation of feeding. In the case of the natural course of lactation, the process of involution begins after the child reaches 2.5 years.

The main signs of involution are:

1. The chest stops filling.
2. Prolactin levels decrease, and milk-producing cells are destroyed.
3. The milk becomes similar in appearance to colostrum. It has a translucent appearance and a more liquid consistency.
4. The glandular tissue of the breast is replaced by fatty tissue.
5. Closing of the gland ducts is observed, the breast returns to its pre-pregnancy size.

Even if the break between feedings is a day, no noticeable breast enlargement is observed. During this period, stopping the baby's feeding is painless for the mother's body. There is no excess milk or breast fullness in the absence of feeding.

How to determine the maturity of lactation

You can understand that lactation has been established by the following signs:

1. The breasts become softer, it seems that they have lost their elasticity. The heaviness in the chest disappears.
2. When feeding a baby, milk comes in response to sucking movements; it does not accumulate in reserve in the chest, as before.

Typically, mature lactation is fully established by the age of three months. It is often at this time that a nursing mother experiences some difficulties when feeding. The baby may begin to refuse the breast, spit it out and become capricious while eating. This is due to the fact that it takes a little more effort for the baby to get mature milk. Therefore, accustomed to the flow of milk, which flows out with pressure, the child is capricious due to the need to suck out food.

Breast-feeding(GV) - a process that replaces gestation and childbirth. Both the woman and the baby experience the need to feed. Lactation satisfies the needs of the newly born person. Breast milk contains hormonal compounds, bacteria, nutrients, and antibodies. The composition of the product is constantly changing, determined by the current needs of the baby. By feeding the newborn on her own, the mother recovers better after childbirth. This process awakens instincts and prevents mental deviations. Every mother is able to give her newborn the necessary amount of a natural product. You can continue feeding as long as you like.

Lactation is not only providing the baby with food, but also the basis of close relationships. Although the process is inherent in nature and natural, young mothers often encounter difficulties. Not everyone knows what you can eat during breastfeeding, how to properly attach a baby, when and how to start complementary feeding.

If you have doubts about your body, it is wise to come for a consultation on breastfeeding. At your appointment, your doctor will explain the benefits of the natural process. If a woman doubts her ability to feed a newborn due to the size, shape, or anatomical features of the body, a specialist will examine and explain why there are no obstacles to lactation.

Breastfeeding rules

• Breastfeeding of newborns begins in the first 60 minutes of independent life. It is impossible to supplement feeding before primary lactation. Compliance with the rules has a positive effect on the health of the woman and baby. After birth, mother and baby should spend as much time together as possible.
• In order for the woman to be comfortable, the baby to be saturated, they learn to apply it correctly. They feed the newborn as soon as he wishes, allowing him to suck as much as he wants, at any time of the day or night. This prevents milk stagnation during breastfeeding and teaches the female body to produce the correct volumes of the substance. A well-fed baby is calm. The duration of the procedure is determined by the newborn. Feeding ends when he releases his mother. Sometimes it is wise to call a breastfeeding specialist to your home so that the doctor can explain what the individual signs of a baby’s satiety are.
• Whenever possible, parents sleep together with young children. This makes it easier for the older ones to get enough sleep, and the younger ones sleep better close to their mother. Night feeding is an important element of interaction. By neglecting it, a woman impairs the ability of the glands to produce milk.
• As Dr. Komarovsky assures, breastfeeding gives a newborn all the nutrition he needs. There is no need to give your baby additional water. On average, 90% of milk is water; if the baby is thirsty, let him suckle at the breast. But water is important for a woman during breastfeeding; you need to drink plenty.

Composition of breast milk. Photo: napitkimira.net

• It is not necessary to wash the body too often, since the fatty protective layer of the nipple disappears, cracks and abrasions appear. It is recommended to rinse 1-2 times daily without using soap.
• You don't need to weigh yourself too often. Numbers will not show how effectively a newborn is feeding, and unnecessary worries of the mother lead to a decrease in milk production.
• There is no need to additionally express the product - the body produces the substance in the volumes necessary for the baby. Until six months, the little man is breastfed only. No additional power required. A number of studies confirm that you can feed a baby this way for up to a year without harm to health. Then, until 1.5-2 years of age, complementary foods and breast milk are combined. You can maintain lactation longer.

It is advisable to stop natural breastfeeding after consulting a doctor so that the decision is informed.

Proper breastfeeding

To ensure proper latch during breastfeeding, the baby is placed on bare skin. The first time is immediately after birth. Normally, the baby looks for the nipple on its own. The breast is taken with the palm of your hand and the nipple is passed over the newborn’s mouth. If he starts to yawn, open his mouth too wide, lift him closer, direct his mouth to the nipple. A woman’s task is to pull the child up, not move towards him.

The baby feeds from each breast for up to 15 minutes. Sometimes it turns out that he prefers only one side. If the baby stops sucking from one, they offer a second one, finding out if he is full. If he refuses, they remember how he was fed, and next time they start with the second half of the body. If problems arise, consult a doctor who can advise you on how to establish breastfeeding. You can experiment with poses to find a comfortable option.

Newborn feeding positions

If your breasts hurt during breastfeeding, discomfort appears, perhaps the reason is non-compliance with the technique. It is necessary to find a position that is comfortable for both. Feeding is a period of rest, so a posture without tension is optimal. The baby's body is as close as possible to the mother's, his face is turned to her, there is no need to turn around. The newborn is positioned so that the nipple and nose are on the same line, and when sucking the baby throws his head back. During the process, he is calm, breathing evenly.

During the first month, sensitivity in the areola area bothers you. WHO breastfeeding recommendations include technical advice. If the soreness lasts more than a quarter of a minute, the cause is probably due to poor positioning.

Universal position for feeding newborns - “ cradle". The woman sits, takes the newborn in her arms, places his head in the crook of her elbow, turning his stomach towards her. The palm of the other hand holds the baby's back. Make sure that the head is level with the nipple. The arm is supported by a pillow.

Cradle feeding position. Photo: mamamvazhno.by

Maintaining a feeding position is the simplest mechanism for changing milk volumes (many young mothers wonder how to increase the amount during breastfeeding). With the right technique and good positioning, the baby sucks effectively and quickly.

You can try the position during breastfeeding " reverse cradle“, recommended for low weight, prematurity. In this position, you hold the child’s head with your palm, controlling him if there is a need. The second hand supports the body from below. A pillow is placed under the supporting limb.

Reverse cradle feeding position. Photo: vsematerinstvo.ru

When figuring out how to increase lactation while breastfeeding, they start with choosing the optimal position. For some, this position for feeding a newborn is lying on your side. It is ideal at night if the baby and mother sleep together. This position is recommended if a woman has limited movements. Both are positioned on their sides facing each other. This position is especially convenient if your period has already begun after childbirth during breastfeeding.

The feeding position is “lying on your side.” Photo: iknigi.net

The fourth popular feeding position is relaxed. It promotes rest during feeding. A woman reclines on a support of pillows. For proper attachment during breastfeeding, the baby is positioned on the mother. The baby quickly calms down, feeling the relaxation of the adult.

“Relaxed” feeding position. Photo: tonewmom.com

Correct attachment during breastfeeding

So the baby is attached correctly if:

• mouth open;
• the lower lip looks outward;
• the chin is pressed against the mother's body;
• ears are slightly mobile;
• cheeks are round;
• sometimes the tongue is visible.

Correct sucking during breastfeeding involves short, fast (gradually slowing) movements, turning into deep ones. Gradually increasing pauses are felt. While eating, the child breathes and swallows. There should be no additional sounds.

Types of breastfeeding

Three main types of feeding during breastfeeding:

• natural;
• combined;
• artificial.

Tandem feeding

There is tandem feeding. This is a format where the mother simultaneously gives natural food to her older and younger child. Others doubt whether it is possible to get pregnant while breastfeeding. Of course it's possible. This case is called tandem. During pregnancy, a woman feeds her older child, and after childbirth continues to feed the first, adding the second to it. The situation is relatively rare. Others believe that lactation can cause pregnancy failure. Gynecologists assure that there are no dangers if no threats arise in the first trimester.

Doctors warn those seeking how to lose weight while breastfeeding against sudden changes in diet. During this period, a woman’s appetite increases sharply, which can simultaneously lead to weight gain. The phenomenon is completely normal. They begin to lose weight only after lactation ends.

Tandem breastfeeding. Photo: huffpost.com

Breastfeeding on demand

If opportunities, rhythm of life allow, feeding on demand - best option interaction between mother and child. The baby needs satiety and warmth, attention and connection with his parents. At first, he asks to eat every 1-1.5 hours during the day, and 4 times at night. Having noticed signs of concern, they immediately give the nipple.

To make it physiologically easier, they are used occasionally (for example, silicone).

Sometimes the baby is applied for a second or two, sometimes for an hour. Short periods are explained by thirst, long periods by the desire to be safe, with parents.

Feeding on demand does not allow for use that limits access to the mother. In this format, constipation in a baby during breastfeeding is very rare, because mother’s milk is the source of all the substances necessary for the body to function properly. It contains enzymes that improve digestion and gas release.

How to wean off breastfeeding

• When figuring out how to wean a child from breastfeeding, first determine the timing. WHO recommends feeding the baby only breast milk for the first six months. Later, complementary foods are introduced. This diet is maintained until the age of two. In practice, they often switch to a combined diet earlier.
• The pediatrician will tell you when to start complementary feeding during breastfeeding. Usually administered from six months of age. The process lasts until the baby completely switches to a new diet. For a child, the menu for breastfeeding is carefully thought out so that there are sources of vitamin B, zinc - these components are not enough in milk. Knowing when to introduce complementary foods during breastfeeding (at six months), do not forget: at first, breast milk remains the main product. It gives up to 16 months little man at least half of your daily calories.
• They choose how to end breastfeeding on their own. They focus on their own feelings and behavior of the child. They are weaned off gradually. Improper weaning is the most common reason symptoms of mastitis during breastfeeding (the doctor will choose the treatment so that it is safe for the woman).
• When weaning at an early age, they adhere to the following monthly scheme: the first complementary food during breastfeeding is a mixture instead of one serving of milk at noon. During the day, the baby will eat less than usual. After a few days, the second feeding is replaced with formula. They continue until they switch completely to products for children.
• It is somewhat easier to wean if the 6-month age limit has been passed. The scheme of how to end breastfeeding is as follows: the child himself asks for food less often, so the frequency of feeding is reduced. A year after starting complementary feeding, he suckles milk 1-2 times a day. Only one feeding is replaced with formula at a time.

This is interesting! Globally, the average weaning age is 4.5 years.

Contraindications to breastfeeding

While others are frightened by the lists of prohibited foods and lists of permitted foods when breastfeeding, other young mothers are ready to make any restrictions just to feed the baby naturally, but some cannot afford this due to contraindications.

Restrictions associated with diseases of the newborn:

• fermentopathy;
• metabolic disorders.

Lactation is prohibited if a woman has serious illnesses:

• open ;
• dangerous infections;
• purulent mastitis;
• eclampsia;
• hyperthyroidism;
• acute mental disorders.

A contraindication is considered to be insufficiency of the heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys.

Conclusion

Lactation is beneficial for both mother and baby. This is a natural process that allows the baby to grow up healthy, and the mother to create a close emotional connection with him. Don’t be afraid of restrictions or attach undue importance to what sweets you can and cannot eat while breastfeeding. There are no big problems with prohibitions, because only harmful products are excluded, changing the diet is beneficial. If necessary, be sure to consult a doctor. Self-prescribing medications during lactation is prohibited.

Breastfeeding period

Breastfeeding periods

During lactation, the composition of milk constantly changes and directly depends on the requirements of the baby’s growing body. Breast milk composition differs not only from different mothers, but also from the same woman at different ages of the infant. Over the course of one feeding, the composition of the milk also changes.

At the beginning of feeding, the baby receives foremilk (early milk) . It has a bluish tint, watery, rich in proteins, lactose, vitamins, and minerals. Foremilk completely satisfies the baby's need for drinking. Contains up to 90% water, therefore, if the baby is exclusively breastfed, he does not need to supplement with water even in hot climates.

At the end of feeding, the baby receives hind (late) milk . It white, thicker, contains more fat than foremilk. It is hind milk that causes the baby to feel full.

For growth and development, it is very important that the baby receives both fore and hind milk. If a slow suckling baby is taken off the breast prematurely, he will lag behind in height and weight.

Colostrum period- characterized by the production of the first milk - colostrum. It begins immediately after birth and lasts 3-4 days. The duration of this period, as well as other periods, is individual for each woman.

Colostrum is yellowish in color, thicker than mature milk, and tastes like amniotic fluid. This is the only perfectly balanced nutrition that meets the specific needs of the newborn body. Colostrum contains little fluid, which protects the newborn's immature kidneys from overload. It has a laxative property and helps the baby to easily excrete the original feces - meconium. Colostrum contains substances that promote rapid maturation of the baby's undeveloped intestines. Colostrum is extremely rich in immune factors - antibodies and leukocytes, which are the first immune defense for the newborn. The level of protective factors in colostrum is so high that it can be considered not only as a food product, but also as a medicine.

Physiological features of this period:

A woman's breasts are soft; There is no sensation of milk flow or breast swelling; colostrum is released in very small quantities, but this is enough for a newborn. Only during this period is it allowed for the child to remain at the breast almost 24 hours a day (if he requires it), because The baby will receive nutrition literally drop by drop.

Period of lactation formation- begins with the arrival of transitional milk (~ 3-5 days after birth), is replaced by the production of mature milk (~ 10-15 days after birth) and lasts on average 6-8 weeks. The duration of this period is very individual for all women. In terms of timing, it approximately corresponds to the period of newbornhood and the adaptation of the newborn to new conditions of existence.

Transitional milk replaces colostrum and gradually turns into mature milk. Mature milk is opaque, whitish and thinner than colostrum. It also contains all the necessary substances for the proper growth and development of the baby.

This period is characterized by peaks in milk flow. The arrival of milk is accompanied by swelling of the breast, a feeling of heaviness and pain. Sometimes high tides can be accompanied by rising temperatures. Due to the fact that this period corresponds to the adaptation of the newborn and the formation of self-regulation of lactation, it is at this time, most often, that a woman faces the main problems of breastfeeding (cracked nipples, lactostasis, mastitis, lactation crises).

Mature lactation period- begins after the lactation process has improved, includes the stage of introducing complementary foods and, gradually, with the stage of weaning, moves into the period of fading lactation. This period will last as long as the mother breastfeeds the baby.

After lactation begins, the mammary glands become softer, but the amount of milk does not decrease. On the contrary, with frequent feeding of the baby to the breast, the amount of milk increases according to the needs of the little one.

Period of lactation fading- begins with the stage of weaning and ends with the complete extinction of lactation.

Hormonal regulation of lactation. Lactation is regulated by two main hormones produced by the pituitary gland. These are prolactin and oxytocin. These hormones are produced every time the receptors in the areola and nipple area are stimulated in response to the act of sucking.

Prolactin is produced after feeding baby and promotes lactocyte synthesis of the next portion of milk for the next feeding. This process is called the prolactin reflex or milk secretion reflex. Thus, only the process of the baby sucking the breast causes the next portion of milk to be produced. And it does not depend in any way on the quantity and quality of food eaten and liquid drunk. More prolactin is produced at night than during the day, so night feedings are especially valuable for maintaining breastfeeding.

Oxytocin is released during feeding and promotes the release of milk from the alveoli and ducts into the lacteal sinuses, i.e. promotes milk secretion. This is the oxytocin reflex or milk ejection reflex. This reflex can even be triggered when the mother hears the baby’s hungry cry, while feeling fullness in the chest and milk release. The baby cannot get enough milk on his own through sucking alone, unless the milk ejection reflex helps him.

The oxytocin reflex differs from the prolactin reflex in that it can be influenced by the mother's thoughts and emotions. If the mother is stressed; experiences pain when feeding; feels fear, embarrassment; considers herself unable to feed or does not want to feed the baby, then the milk ejection reflex is blocked. This leads to complications such as engorgement of the mammary glands, lactostasis, and hypogalactia. Therefore, for the oxytocin reflex to work, the mother must want to feed the baby, think lovingly about the feeding process and experience pleasant emotions.

Regulating the amount of milk produced. The amount of milk produced depends only on how often the baby is attached to the breast and how much milk the baby sucks during feeding. Those. The breast produces exactly as much milk as the baby requires. This process is called receipt and demand. The more a baby nurses, the more milk is produced in the breast and vice versa. This is a natural mechanism for self-regulation of the breastfeeding process.

A special substance is also involved in the mechanism of self-regulation of lactation - feeding inhibitor. The inhibitor begins to be produced by lactocytes when the breasts become full of milk and prevents further milk secretion. If milk and the inhibitor are removed from the breast, milk secretion resumes. With frequent latching of the baby to the breast and regular emptying of the breast, the inhibitor is not produced in it, and the lactation process is not disrupted.

Thanks to this physiological mechanism of self-regulation of lactation, the mother gradually comes to the conclusion that milk is produced exactly as much as the child needs at the moment. Any intervention in the breastfeeding process (such as regular pumping) interferes with the interaction of the mother-child system and interferes with the process of self-regulation, thereby causing harm.

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Lactation in women is the production and release of milk. This food is intended for infant, therefore, lactation normally begins after childbirth. Complex process Breast milk production is supported by hormonal levels. With proper organization, mothers do not have problems with breastfeeding. If you do not follow the basic rules of lactation, then difficulties may soon begin.

What is it

If we talk in simple words, then lactation is the process of feeding a child. Milk production starts immediately after childbirth, stabilizes and establishes over several weeks, and ends at the request of the woman or her child. Breastfeeding is an important and responsible period that regulates the emotional and physical relationship between a woman and her baby. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of lactation for mother and child.

Advantages of GW:

• The best composition of baby food. Breast milk satisfies the needs of the child's body at different periods of life.
• Reliable protection. Human milk contains immunoglobulins and antibodies that protect the newborn from infections and dangerous diseases.
• Close contact. During breastfeeding, the child is in contact with the mother not only physically, but also emotionally. This ensures proper development and formation of personality.

For a newborn baby, breastfeeding is the best thing a mother can give him. There are also benefits to breastfeeding for women. Lactation is:

• prevention of breast tumors;
• rapid recovery after childbirth;
• rapid normalization of weight and getting rid of extra pounds;
• saving the family budget;
• convenience of feeding the baby.

Physiological mechanism of milk production

Hormones that are produced in a woman’s body affect lactation. Prolactin and oxytocin, produced in the brain, are important. The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland is responsible for the level of prolactin, and the hypothalamus is responsible for oxytocin. These hormones are very important for breastfeeding, since without them lactation is impossible.

• Prolactin. This substance causes a woman to produce milk. Some high level Prolactin causes colostrum leakage during pregnancy. Prolactin is constantly present in a woman’s body, but its levels increase during lactation. It is recommended to feed the baby on demand in the first days after birth to maintain the hormone at the desired level. Maximum production of prolactin occurs in the female body late at night or early in the morning. Therefore, it is imperative to feed the baby between 3 and 7 am.
• Oxytocin. This substance ensures the secretion of milk from the gland. The hormone is responsible for the evacuation of baby food and is produced in response to stimulation of the nipple. Oxytocin causes muscle tissue to contract. This applies not only to the mammary gland, but also to other organs. In response to the baby's sucking and the release of oxytocin, the walls of the uterus contract. Therefore, we can say that this hormone performs several functions for a woman during the postpartum period.

During lactation, many physiological processes occur in a woman’s body that affect milk production. Other hormones also affect lactation. When stressed and anxious, adrenaline and cortisol are released. These substances suppress the production of prolactin, so emotional experiences can cause a decrease in milk volume.

Stages of lactation

With the onset of pregnancy, changes begin in the female mammary gland. Expectant mother may notice that her breasts increase in volume, their shape changes, and her nipples become pigmented and more sensitive. This is how the mammary gland prepares to provide the newborn with nutrition.

The entire lactation period in women is divided into stages:

• First. It begins shortly before birth and lasts several days after the birth of the child. During this period - a high-calorie nutrient for the newborn. The baby is nourished with just a few drops of colostrum. The yellowish liquid contains immunoglobulins. Therefore, it is so important to put the baby to the breast immediately after birth and actively feed him in the first days. Colostrum takes part in the formation of immunity and stabilizes the intestinal microflora.
• Second. It begins 3-5 days after the baby is born. The period for the arrival of transitional milk differs for each woman, but usually does not exceed 7 days. Unlike colostrum, this milk contains a lot of fats and sugars, and the amount of protein decreases. A characteristic sign of the beginning of the second stage of lactation is breast engorgement. The breasts become dense, women feel a tingling sensation in them, and milk flows out of the nipple in a stream.
• Third. It begins 2-6 weeks after birth and continues until the end of breastfeeding. During this period, a woman produces mature milk, so lactation is also called mature. A characteristic feature is the production of milk on demand. The flow begins in response to the baby's sucking movements, so the breast remains soft between feedings. With mature lactation, the likelihood of lactostasis and mastitis decreases. This milk contains more carbohydrates, which ensure intestinal function and promote the proper absorption of iron and calcium. Ripe milk has a thinner consistency. It differs in color for different women, it can be yellowish or with a blue tint.

Basic rules

To avoid problems during lactation, you must follow the basic rules of successful breastfeeding:

• Early application. It is necessary to give the baby the breast no later than half an hour after his birth. Sucking movements “trigger” the formation of lactation, and a few drops of valuable colostrum become the foundation for the formation of immunity.
• Correct application. A wide nipple grip ensures complete evacuation of milk from the breast. With proper latching, the baby receives more food and also does not swallow air. Mom does not develop cracks in her nipples and does not experience lactostasis.
• Do not use artificial milk. Modern adapted formulas have a good composition, but it cannot be compared with breast milk. When supplementary feeding occurs, the baby's need for breastfeeding decreases, and this has a bad effect on lactation.
• Application on demand. In the first days, it is important to cuddle your newborn more often. Over time, the number of “approaches” for food will decrease, and the duration of sucking will increase.
• Refusal to pump. If there are no indications for forced evacuation of milk from the breast, then you should forget about pumping. If you remove milk from the gland yourself, it will go into more. This will lead to hyperlactation.
• Co-sleeping. Since the peak production of prolactin occurs at night, it will be more convenient for the mother to sleep with the baby. Close physical contact has a beneficial effect on lactation. Co-sleeping allows the mother to fully rest and the baby to receive nutrition.

Restrictions

During lactation, a woman has to limit herself. It has long been known that these measures are unjustified. If the child does not have a tendency to allergies, then the mother can eat any food, but with common sense. You shouldn’t overload on allergenic foods, eat bucketloads of sweets, and give preference to unhealthy foods.

The main restrictions for a woman during lactation:

• Alcoholic drinks. Ethanol enters the bloodstream and enters breast milk. Alcohol has an intoxicating and poisonous effect on a child, but with greater force. Alcohol damages brain cells and negatively affects the nervous system.
• Smoking. This applies not only to cigarettes, but also to hookah, electronic cigarettes and other smoking mixtures. Consumption causes the production of dopamine, a hormone that suppresses prolactin. Therefore, we can safely say that smoking is the beginning of the path to cessation of lactation.
• Medicines. All medications that a nursing mother takes enter the baby’s body. Some medications are deadly to a newborn baby. Therefore, during lactation, drugs are allowed to be taken only as prescribed by a doctor after assessing the benefits and risks.

You cannot tighten your breasts, apply dangerous mixtures to them, or take hormonal pills. The best way ending breastfeeding means gradually reducing the number and volume of feedings. WHO recommends this after the child turns 2 years old.

Possible problems

• During lactation, a woman may encounter. This condition is characterized by stagnation of milk in the ducts and difficulty in its evacuation. Frequently putting the baby to the painful breast helps to cope with the problem.
• Less often in mothers. The infectious origin of the inflammatory process requires mandatory consultation with a doctor. Most often, antibiotics solve the problem.
• Hypogalactia is characterized by decreased breast function. The real problem is rare. More often than not, the lack of milk is far-fetched.
• Hyperlactation often results from an incorrect approach to breastfeeding. Excess milk causes serious inconvenience to a woman and can cause lactostasis.