How to breastfeed newborns correctly. Breastfeeding newborns

It’s so natural that for a long time After the baby is born, he feeds on milk. Everything seems simple, but young mothers who are faced with babies and feeding them for the first time often have many important questions that are sometimes embarrassing to ask a doctor or visiting nurse about.

Your first feeding will take place in the maternity ward 6-10 hours after birth. It is believed that the sooner a newborn begins to suckle, the better for both the baby and the mother’s lactation.

Soon after birth, the mammary glands begin to produce colostrum, which must be fed to the baby. Its volume is relatively small - it is no more than 30 ml, but the process of its creation in the mammary glands occurs continuously. Previously, colostrum was considered empty, but as it turned out, on the contrary, it is fed correctly and brings great benefits to the baby.

This liquid contains large quantities of bifidobacteria, which, entering the baby’s esophagus and passing through the entire system, after some time settle in the baby’s intestines. Thus, when fed with colostrum, the microflora of the newborn is created, and the immune system begins to launch.
Do not be afraid that your baby will not be full of colostrum in the first days: if you are lying in the same room with the baby, then you have the opportunity and time to feed the baby often, at least every half hour, if he asks for it. Such application to the breast will stimulate the production of prolactin, the hormone responsible for milk production, and, therefore, will only speed up lactation and increase its volume. If you and your baby are lying apart, the nurses will definitely supplement him with formula.

When does breast milk appear?

Two to three days after birth, the first discharge from the breast will change and milk will replace colostrum. It is right to continue to feed your newborn as often as possible, this way you will train his sucking skills and stimulate your own lactation. Carefully feel your breasts: at the first sign of painful lumps inside, massage, rub and express.
Do not hesitate to ask medical staff for advice and assistance. They will tell you and show you how to hold your baby correctly and how often you need to feed him in the first days.

How to properly feed a newborn baby?

Often babies, demanding to eat, are so carried away by the process of crying that they do not notice that the mother has been trying to feed him for a long time, and do not take the breast.
Any newborn has a developed sucking reflex, so in order for him to start eating, you just need to tickle the baby’s lips with your nipple. The mouth will immediately open slightly and you can begin feeding the baby.

Be sure to make sure that your breasts do not interfere with your baby’s breathing during the process. There should be both a nipple and part of the halo in the baby’s mouth; if this is not the case, carefully “tuck” the missing parts inside.

If you still have little milk in the first days, but the baby has eaten and asks for more, feed the newborn from the other breast. Correctly follow the order of “food sources” and, before offering the second mammary gland, make sure that everything has actually been sucked out of the first one.

If for some reason your milk doesn’t come, don’t give up trying, let the baby try and suck as much as he can until he cries, then offer him formula from a bottle. If you frequently stimulate your nipples, this can eventually trigger the natural mechanism of lactation.

How often should you feed your newborn?

The standard break between meals for newborns is 3 hours. It is not at all necessary to strictly adhere to this time and torment a crying child with waiting for the “X hour”. Modern pediatricians believe that feeding on demand is optimal for both the newborn and the mother.
You give the baby the breast when he asks to eat, but first make sure that the cause of the crying is not colic or discomfort. Also, the baby may whine if he is lonely and just wants his mother's warmth. When the baby cries, you should determine why he is acting this way - check the diaper, rub his tummy and hug him. If the baby continues to cry, offer him the breast. You will often arrange such checks in the first days, then all mothers can correctly determine the cause of whims by the timbre of crying.

The newborn will also wake up at night in order to eat. It’s up to you to decide where to feed it correctly. Some mothers place the baby next to them and fall asleep together. Others are afraid to crush the child in his sleep and, after feeding, put him back in the crib, thereby losing precious night time for sleep.

Do I need to give my baby extra water?

It is believed that mother's milk is quite enough to meet the baby's fluid needs. But in practice, everything is not so ideal. The newborn’s body spends water to produce urine and saliva, soften stools, moisten breath, etc. Such fluid losses are considered physiological and are fully covered by the amount of water that comes through breast milk.

But there are situations when there is not enough moisture. For example, during the heating season the air becomes too dry, or the baby’s intestines malfunction and diarrhea begins, or the baby may feel hot and begin to sweat - in all these cases, mild dehydration occurs. You need to keep an eye on your baby and give him additional fluids to replenish his fluids; this should be done correctly with regular mineral water.

What positions are comfortable for feeding?

The most important factor when choosing a feeding position is comfort. This process should bring pleasure to both mother and baby. There are two optimal feeding positions:

Many mothers note the convenience of feeding while lying down. So the mother rests, and the baby lies calmly, and both breasts are within his reach. If it is inconvenient for the baby to reach the upper mammary gland, you can place a pillow under the newborn. Be sure to ensure that the mammary gland does not cover the baby’s nose and does not interfere with his breathing properly.
in a sitting position, you can quickly react if the baby wants to burp. The newborn's head rests on the mother's forearm, and by raising her hand she can adjust its position.

What foods are prohibited for a nursing mother?

It is known that a nursing mother needs to adhere to a fairly strict diet. After all, from now on, everything that she eats goes to the child. The baby’s body is still weak and reacts to everything, so many familiar foods should be excluded from the mother’s diet.

The older generation confidently states that young mothers need to exclude everything red from their diet in order to prevent allergies in the baby. Indeed, nursing mothers are prohibited from eating tomatoes, red apples, pomegranates and berries - cherries, strawberries, wild strawberries and grapes. You should eat sweets and honey with caution. All these products can cause a negative reaction not only in the child, but also in the hormonally unstable mother.
At first, a newborn, due to unstable intestinal function, almost constantly suffers from colic, so the mother should exclude from her diet foods that have a gas-forming effect: cabbage, radishes and legumes.

To ensure sufficient lactation, nursing mothers are advised to drink plenty of fluids. A young mother should eat dairy products, lean meats and fish, cheeses and cottage cheese. You can eat any fruit, but not citrus fruits, red fruits or grapes. As for vegetables, avoid tomatoes and cabbage.

It is important to rest as often and as long as possible and be less nervous, because due to fatigue or anxiety, milk production may decrease, and under severe stress, stop altogether.

Do I need to pump?

You will need pumping in the following cases:

if you are not with your baby (for example, he or you were admitted to the hospital) or are taking medications, but you need to maintain lactation;
if you are forced to leave during the day (for work or business), and one of your relatives can feed your baby your milk from a bottle;
if the newborn does not eat all the milk, in order to avoid congestion and inflammation, you need to express and smooth out, knead all the lumps and nodules in the breast.

There is no need to store “harmful” milk - with antibiotics or other medications; after expressing it, it is poured out. Good milk can be frozen for future use; there are special sterile bags for this. It can be stored for a long time without losing its nutritional properties. Defrost it correctly when room temperature and heat in a water bath. It is not advisable to simply store expressed milk in the refrigerator for more than a day, since in this case everything useful will evaporate from it.

Until what age is it optimal to breastfeed a baby?

As a rule, by the age of six months, the energy that he receives from milk becomes insufficient for the baby. The newborn moves frequently and actively, and the baby’s intestines are almost ready to digest new types of food. Meanwhile, breast milk contains less and less nutrients than it did in the first days.

Pediatricians recommend starting to gradually introduce complementary foods from the age of 5-6 months. The doctor, based on his observations of the baby’s development, recommends where exactly to start - with vegetables, fruits or cereals. So, by gradually introducing new foods into your baby’s diet and replacing entire feedings with them, you will lead your baby to give up breast milk.

The first problem a young mother faces is feeding. How to hold the baby, will it hurt, is he full or not, is there enough milk? Such thoughts come to the mind of every woman in labor when they bring her baby for feeding for the first time.

A woman should not be considered an alarmist. These are the right questions to ask a responsible and caring mother. It’s bad when these thoughts do not occur to a young mother. The health and growth of the baby directly depends on them, because improper attachment can easily lead to breast refusal or cessation of lactation.

How to breastfeed your baby correctly: basics and methods

The first feeding is the most important. Mother and child get to know each other, the woman begins the process of producing milk directly, and the baby receives the most important substance for his life - colostrum.

Colostrum is the key to immunity. It contains no carbohydrates and is rich in vitamins and calcium.

It is released in a woman’s body during the first 3 days after childbirth.

It is very important to apply correctly to the breast. If the baby is uncomfortable, he will not eat enough, his healthy growth will be disrupted, and the mother’s lactation process will be disrupted.

Basic moments:

the baby should always be under the mother’s breast;
the head should not be fixed rigidly, so that the baby has the opportunity to regulate the nipple in the mouth, and move away when it is full;
the halo around the nipple should be swallowed during sucking;
During sucking there should be no sounds other than swallowing.

You can feed your baby:

by the hour. Previously, it was customary to feed a newborn strictly according to the clock. In modern times, this theory is refuted. Due to strong changes in the environment, food, and human lifestyle, hourly feeding has become irrelevant, because the development of each individual child is very different from the development of his peers;
on demand. A current technique based on breastfeeding on demand. It follows a certain regime based on rational thinking - a healthy child who receives a full portion will not want to eat before 1.5 - 2 hours. Depending on the fat content of the milk, time of day, age and natural activity of the baby, the time period can reach 4 hours at night. If a child has eaten and then starts crying half an hour later, the likelihood that he is hungry is extremely low. Look for another reason - colic, full diaper, wants to sleep, misses mom.

Attachment to the breast of a newborn: technique and rules

Sequencing:

turn the child towards you with his whole body (lay him on his side), his face is opposite the chest, slightly below;
take the breast in your free hand, without squeezing the ducts - the thumb is on top, above the areola, the rest of the palm is below;
touch the baby's lips with the nipple. The smell and sensation will activate the reflex, and the baby will open his mouth wide. Does not open - repeat the movement;
place the nipple with the aureole into the open mouth. The lower lip is turned outward and “swallows” the halo, the tongue touches the lower part of the halo, the nose and chin are pressed to the chest, the baby’s body is pressed to the mother. Often the baby places his upper free hand on his mother’s chest.

The head and body should be in one straight line.

The head should not be clearly turned to the side or thrown back.

The best thing to do is to wait until the baby lets go, except in situations where the breast is sucking incorrectly - there are sounds of smacking, the mother is in pain, the halo is not swallowed.

How to properly breastfeed in different positions

You can breastfeed a newborn in at least three positions: sitting, lying and standing.

feeding in a lying position. The mother lies on her side, the child next to her. The danger of this position is that it can suffocate the baby with the breast. The baby is unable to scream or push his mother away, but the woman may fall asleep or get distracted. A few seconds without air is enough for the baby. Conclusion - when feeding in a supine position, a woman needs to be very attentive and collected;
feeding while standing. The position does not pose a danger to the child, but is very difficult for the mother. The entire weight of the baby rests on her arms and the woman quickly gets tired. In addition, it can be difficult to adjust both hands to carry a baby. As a rule, the child is carried on only one arm;
feeding while sitting. It is convenient for mom and safe for baby. The baby lies on one arm, pressed against the mother, and the mother’s hand is additionally supported by a pillow/armrest/blanket/her own stomach.

How often to change breasts

Breasts change every feeding. The first time the baby eats from the left, then from the right, then again from the left, etc. The process of changing breasts while feeding has two pitfalls.

The first is night feeding.

The young mother becomes very exhausted during the whole day and by nightfall she has no strength left. Just the thought that every 2-3 hours you will need to get up and feed your baby with a different breast leads to a quiet shock.

It’s easier to put it under your side and give only one breast at night, because the baby asks to eat less often than during the day. This is not true. The lactation process is disrupted. By morning, the second breast is filled with milk to the point of pain, and after a few days the daily milk volume decreases.

Moreover, when a child eats only one breast for 2-3 feedings in a row, it does not have time to accumulate the required amount of “distant”, nourishing milk. As a result, the baby does not eat enough and constantly wakes up and cries.

There are two ways out in such a situation. Be patient and wait until the baby eats 1-2 times a night, which will give mom a chance to sleep for several hours in a row, or involve dad. The second option occurs quite often.

The couple schedules the night and the father, at the allotted time, gets up, brings the baby to the mother on the right side, waits for the baby to eat, and takes him back to the crib.

If the baby sleeps next to mom, dad's task becomes a little easier - there is no need to go to the crib.

The father will need to learn feeding techniques and monitor the mother’s position so as not to crush the baby.

The second is malnutrition.

For various reasons, children may not suck all the milk that has accumulated there from the breast. Remaining milk can lead to mastitis - an inflammatory process in the breast, in which microbes begin to actively multiply in stagnant milk.

The chest “burns” (at the site of stagnation the skin is very hot), the overall body temperature rises, there is pain and tightness in the chest.

The second unpleasant consequence of uneaten milk is a decline in lactation. If the baby has not finished milk from one breast, it needs to be expressed and given to the second breast at the next feeding.

You cannot supplement with leftovers from the first one and then change it to the second one. Too much milk will remain in the second breast, the body will take this as a mistake and produce a much smaller volume next time.

The lactation process is disrupted and milk is not produced at all.

How to tell if your baby is full

There are several signs that indicate that the baby is getting enough of the mother's milk.

Among them are immediate and long-term phenomena:

The child released the breast on his own. The instincts of a newborn are “smarter” than a council of scientific luminaries. If the stomach is full, the necessary amount of energy has entered the body, the feeling of hunger dissipates, and the baby releases the breast on its own. He doesn’t reach out to her, doesn’t give in to provocations, doesn’t scream;
the baby fell asleep. A well-fed body goes into energy processing mode, and for this it needs rest. The sleep will be sound and deep. There are situations when the mother does not have enough milk. In such cases, the child sucks, gets tired of it and falls asleep. He is not full, his sleep is light, with constant whimpering and attempts to grab the breast and continue to suck;
The child is gaining weight steadily. This is a long-term symptom that can be observed at weekly or even monthly intervals. According to the USSR State Standard, a one-year-old child should gain about 1 kg per month. In modern times, these parameters are less clear, but generally very close. Much depends on heredity;
The baby has regular and good bowel movements. Timely trips to the toilet are a clear sign of the proper functioning of the digestive system. And its work depends solely on the volume of food. The baby should have moderately loose stools, uniform in color, time-related with feeding.

Rules and methods for breastfeeding twins

You can feed twins at the same time or take turns. When children are very small and feedings are frequent, it is much easier to feed at the same time, otherwise life will turn into one continuous feeding. As babies grow older, the breaks between feedings will become longer; you can take turns feeding them to the breast.

Regardless of whether children are fed simultaneously or alternately, breasts must be changed at each feeding.

Sasha eats the left one, Petya eats the right one, at the next feeding they switched places. Children may not suckle equally, milk is delivered unevenly to each breast, therefore, to balance and maintain lactation, shifts are required.

There are two ways to feed twins at the same time: crosswise or on each side of the mother.

How to feed babies at the same time

Criss cross. Relevant for newborns. The children are very small, it is easy for mother to hold them, they practically do not move and do not interfere with each other. One child is applied to the left breast, with its legs to the mother’s right hand and pressed against the mother’s belly. The second - to the right chest, with legs under left hand and clings to his brother/sister. The head level is adjusted with the elbows;
On the sides. Mom sits down on the bed/sofa and makes a pedestal for each arm on which the children will lie. Its height is selected so that the children's head is under the mother's breast. Use large pillows or blankets. Each child lies down on a pillow, head to chest, legs behind mother's back. Mom supports and regulates the heads with her palms.

Question answer

Can/should infants be given water to drink?

No! In no case! Milk completely replaces both water and food for a child! Lactation in the mother, intestinal microflora and appetite in the child will be disrupted.

Is it worth stimulating lactation?

If there is no evidence, it’s not worth it. This issue can only be resolved by a doctor. Correctly delivered breastfeeding in itself stimulates milk production.

How do you know if milk has enough calories?

If mom has a full diet, and not just one carrot on her plate, everything is fine. The child is gaining weight, sleeping peacefully, not hysterical - there is no need to stress yourself out. If in doubt, try it yourself.

How long should you breastfeed your baby?

From the age of one year, children are transferred to a full-fledged “adult” diet. The introduction of complementary foods to breastfeeding infants begins at six months. For underweight – from 4 months.

How to stop breastfeeding?

Ideally, over 6 months, the child gradually weans himself from the breast, as new, tasty and interesting foods appear on his menu. If you don’t encourage his whims with your breasts, there shouldn’t be any problems. The milk will go away automatically if you drink it in smaller volumes.

There is nothing to drink - there is no need to suck. The circle is closed, the problem is solved. If the situation is different, it is better to contact a specialist. Active production of milk that is not eaten can lead to inflammation of the mammary glands.

What if he moves?

If he overdoes it, he will regurgitate the excess on his own.

Milk stagnation (mastitis)?

Put the baby to the breast more often, give a light massage under warm shower and cabbage leaf compresses with honey.

How long should I feed?

Until the child gets enough to eat. Each mother has milk with an individual calorie content, and each child has individual needs.

For one, 10 minutes is enough, and for another, half an hour. The baby will release the breast on its own when it is full.

How to take away breasts?

Press on your chin or insert your finger behind your cheek. The baby will reflexively release the breast. Pulling out is strictly prohibited!

For more information on how to properly breastfeed your baby, watch the following video.

Human milk is the most suitable food for a newborn, which has no analogues. Having decided to breastfeed a newborn baby, the mother gives the baby not food, but much more. The uncertainty at the first attempts to feed the baby soon passes, especially if you learn more about the intricacies of breastfeeding during pregnancy.

Preparation

There is no need to wash your breasts with soap before feeding, as our mothers were once advised to do. For breast hygiene, just a daily shower is enough. It is also not recommended to treat nipples with any antiseptics.

Choose a quiet place for feeding where you feel comfortable. It's good if no one bothers you at this time.

About 15 minutes before you start feeding your baby, drink a glass of liquid. Thanks to this, lactation will increase.

Correct attachment and breast grip

Correct attachment is one of the main factors contributing to a successful breastfeeding experience. For the entire period of feeding the baby with human milk, it is very important how the baby first latched on. In most maternity hospitals, breastfeeding is supported by ensuring that the newborn baby is attached to the mother's breast immediately after birth.

Also, a comfortable position is important for proper attachment. Feedings, especially at first, last quite a long time, Therefore, it is important that mom does not get tired.

The baby should grab the nipple on his own, but if he did it incorrectly (grabbed only the tip), the mother should press a little on the baby’s chin and release the breast.

Stages

After washing your hands, you should express a few drops of milk and wipe the nipple with them. This will make the nipple softer so that your baby can latch onto it easily. Now you need to get comfortable and start feeding:

Grasping the breast with your fingers, without touching the areola, direct the nipple towards the baby's face. To help your baby find the nipple, stroke your baby's cheek. If this does not help, you can squeeze a little milk onto the baby’s lips.
Make sure your baby is latching onto the nipple correctly. His mouth should be open quite wide, and his chin should be pressed to his mother's chest. In the baby’s mouth there should be not only a nipple, but also part of the areola.
If milk begins to flow out of the corner of the baby's mouth, you need to lift the baby's head and place your index finger under the baby's lower lip.
When your baby sucks very sluggishly, help your baby become more alert. To do this, you can pat the baby on the head, pat the cheek or ear.
When the baby begins to fall asleep at the breast or sucks more slowly, the mother can interrupt the sucking by gently placing her index finger between the breast and the corner of the baby’s mouth.
Don't rush to get dressed immediately after feeding. Let the milk on the nipple dry a little. Also, do not rush to put the baby in the crib. The baby must burp the air that has entered the stomach with milk. To do this, you should hold the little one in a “column”, carefully placing a napkin on your shoulder, since a small portion of milk may also come out with the air.

Comfortable positions

To feed the baby, the mother selects a lying, sitting or any other position in which it is convenient for both her and the baby. You need to feed your baby in a relaxed state.

If the mother is weakened after childbirth, has suffered C-section or sutures in the perineal area, it will be more convenient for her to feed lying on her side. Turning your face to the baby, you need to place the baby so that the baby’s head is placed in the elbow bend of the mother’s hand. Supporting the baby under the back, you can gently stroke the baby.

Also, one of the most comfortable positions for feeding is sitting. Mom can sit in an armchair or on a chair, but it is more comfortable if her arm rests on an armrest or pillow, and one leg stands on a small bench. The child should be supported under the back so that his head is located in the crook of his mother's elbow. The baby's belly should touch the mother's belly.

How to understand that everything is happening correctly?

If the baby grasps the breast correctly, then:

Both the nipple and the areola (most of it) will be in the baby's mouth, and the baby's lips will be turned outward.
The baby's nose will be pressed to the chest, but will not sink into it.
Mom will not hear any other sounds other than swallowing milk.
Mom will not experience any unpleasant sensations during sucking.

Outside the home

A breastfeeding mother receives such an important advantage as the ability to give her baby food at any time when the baby gets hungry. You can feed your baby discreetly in many places. To do this, mom should think about her clothes, wearing things that can be easily unbuttoned or lifted up. You can also bring a scarf or shawl to cover yourself while feeding.

IN Lately places for feeding babies began to appear in stores. If a mother and her newborn are visiting, do not hesitate to ask for privacy with the baby in another room. Any adequate the man will go towards you.

FAQ

How often and after how many minutes should you put your baby back to the breast?

How many minutes should a newborn breastfeed?

Most babies suckle for about 15 minutes per latch, but there are babies who require longer sucking times (up to 40 minutes). If you wean your baby from the breast before he empties the breast, the baby may not receive enough milk from the rear sections, which contains a large proportion of fat. Due to prolonged sucking, cracked nipples may appear, so it is recommended to feed the baby from 10-15 to 40 minutes.

How can you tell if your child is getting enough?

Is it possible to overfeed a baby?

Indeed, at first the baby eats milk in excess, because he is not familiar with the feeling of fullness, since he received food constantly in utero. But there is no need to worry, the baby will regurgitate all the excess, and overfeeding with breast milk cannot harm his health.

Will the milk have time to be digested if the baby asks for the breast frequently?

You don’t have to worry about this, because mother’s milk is a perfectly balanced food for a newborn, digested without much effort. Breast milk almost immediately enters the baby's intestines and is quickly digested.

How to breastfeed a crying baby?

If a crying baby is unable to latch onto the breast, calm the baby down first. Hold him close, talk tenderly to the child, rock him in your arms. If the baby's crying is due to the fact that he cannot latch on to the breast, touch the nipple to the baby's cheek or lips.

Is it necessary to feed at night?

Night feedings are very important for long and successful lactation, since it is during such feedings that the production of hormones important for milk production is stimulated. In addition, the newborn has not yet established a day-night routine, so the time of day does not affect his hunger in any way.

Remember that by latching your baby to the breast early, feeding on demand and emptying the breast completely, you will stimulate milk production in the glands. If you feed the baby rarely and limit the feeding time, there is a high probability of a decrease in lactation.
If the mother is taking any medications, it is important to find out whether such medications pass into the milk and whether they can affect the baby's health.
If the mother drank alcohol, she should not feed the baby for three hours. Alcohol penetrates very quickly into human milk in the same concentration as it is found in the mother’s blood.
You should not smoke while breastfeeding, because nicotine passes into milk very easily. Also, nursing mothers should not stay in a smoky room.
In the first months of lactation, milk often leaks from the breast between feedings, so it is convenient to use inserts in the bra.
You should not buy a bottle and formula “just in case” and you should not give up if your first feeding experience is unsuccessful. Breastfeeding takes a learning curve like any other skill, but once you master it, you'll reap many more benefits than switching to formula feeding.

Possible problems

At the very beginning of breastfeeding, many problems often arise, but any woman can cope with them.

Irregular nipple shape

The nipples at the mother's breast may be inverted or flat, and the baby can hardly grasp such nipples.

In this case, in the first weeks of feeding, before giving the baby the breast, the mother should pull out the nipple along with the areola (by hand or using a breast pump).

It often helps Hoffman technique: several times a day, make massage movements with your fingers, first squeezing the nipple and then straightening it, stretching it in opposite directions.

You can also resort to using special pads.

If pulling out the nipple and shield does not help, you will have to feed the baby with expressed milk.

Cracked nipples

This is a common problem in the first days of feeding, causing great discomfort to the mother. Cracks are usually caused by the baby sucking at the breast for too long, as well as improper latching. And therefore, to prevent the occurrence of cracks, you need to monitor the latch on the breast, as well as the duration of feeding.

If cracks have already appeared, the baby should start feeding from a healthy gland or use pads. If the pain is severe, you can express your breasts and give your baby expressed milk.

Strong milk flow

If the breast is overly filled with milk and becomes so dense that the baby cannot properly latch onto the nipple and suck out the milk, you should pump the breast a little before feeding (until soft), limit fluid intake, and also apply something to the breast for 5-7 minutes cold (for example, an ice pack).

Lactostasis

With this problem, the breasts become very dense and the mother feels painful swelling in them. There is no need to stop feeding your baby; on the contrary, you should put him to the breast more often. In this case, the mother is advised to limit liquid and lightly massage the hardened areas of the breast, straining the milk until soft.

Mastitis

This inflammatory disease is a common problem in the second to fourth week after childbirth. It is manifested by the appearance of seals that cause pain to the woman. Also, a nursing mother often has a fever. If you suspect that a woman is developing mastitis, you should immediately consult a doctor. Only he will confirm the diagnosis, prescribe treatment and be able to tell whether it is worth continuing to breastfeed.

Hypogalactia

This is the name for producing milk in an amount less than what the baby needs. Counting wet diapers (normally there are more than 10 of them) and monthly weighing (normally, the baby should gain at least 0.5 kg) will help you verify the lack of milk. But there is no need to rush to supplement with formula, because this could be a lactation crisis.

Put your baby to your breast more often, review your diet and daily routine, and also consult your doctor about lactogenic agents, and you can return your milk. Read about what to do if your baby doesn’t have enough breast milk in another article.

For more information about breastfeeding, see Dr. Komarovsky's program.

Lactation is a natural physiological process of producing a specific nutrient - mother's (breast) milk. The lactation period lasts from the end of labor and the first attachment of the baby to the breast until the end of milk production. According to research data and recommendations of gynecologists and obstetricians, the baby should be put to the breast immediately after birth.

Despite this, the mammary gland does not immediately begin to secrete milk immediately after childbirth. However, the mother’s body synthesizes colostrum, which is beneficial for the child’s body, and plays a huge role in the development of children’s immunity.

Lactation, as a physiological process, begins approximately 2-3 days after the end of childbirth. At this time, a woman may begin to experience uncomfortable and even painful sensations: pressure in the chest, enlarged mammary glands, slight nagging pain. This is a physiological norm.

From the moment lactation begins, the baby should be put to the breast as often as possible. This is the only way that lactation can become quite stable. Neither pumping nor other methods will help establish stable lactation. Otherwise, there is a risk that the milk will “disappear.”

After 14–21 days, the next phase of the lactation period begins, the so-called mature lactation. In some cases, this period may be delayed and occur later.

During this phase of lactation there is no longer a need to feed the baby as often as possible. Lactation is stable, which means that the baby needs to be fed only on demand. The intervals between each subsequent feeding should be about 2 hours (at least). In the future, as the lactation period comes to an end, the intervals should be increased to 4 hours.

Only in this single case will the lactation period be as comfortable and beneficial as possible, both for the child and for the mother herself.

A little about lactation as a physiological process

As mentioned, lactation is a natural process during which the synthesis, accumulation and further release of a specific nutrient - mother's milk - occurs. Lactation is an extremely complex process. It is caused by the production of a number of hormones. The main active substance affecting milk production is the pituitary hormone prolactin.

It directly affects the mammary gland, giving the “command” to produce milk. The intensity of production directly depends on the concentration of the hormone in the blood. Milk accumulates in the gland itself and in the so-called milk ducts, through which the milk leaves the gland.

Another important hormone is oxytocin. This active substance is intensively produced during the process of suckling by the baby of the mother's breast. When muscles contract, milk leaves the body faster. The hormone does not directly affect the intensity of milk production, but it helps the substance to be evacuated faster, which means it prevents stagnation of milk and the development of such dangerous complications as lactostasis and mastitis. In addition, oxytocin helps to contract the muscles of the uterus, which means quickly stopping postpartum bleeding.

The first two to three days after birth, mothers do not produce milk, but colostrum is produced. In some cases, colostrum begins to be synthesized during gestation.

It's important for women to keep this in mind. During stimulation of the mammary glands, oxytocin is released, so under no circumstances should women with this type of body condition express colostrum. Oxytocin promotes uterine contractions and the onset of premature labor.

Colostrum is replaced by mother's milk at approximately 3-5 days.

10 mistakes breastfeeding mothers make

Many women, due to inexperience or ignorance, make quite serious mistakes:

Under no circumstances should you set a schedule (regime) for feeding your baby. The child himself knows how much and when to eat. It is advisable to set a feeding schedule only at the onset of the period of so-called mature lactation (after about 14-21 days) and closer to its completion (intervals of 2-4 hours). When starting to feed a child in this way, the mother runs the risk of “losing” milk very quickly, since lactation is extremely unstable at the initial stage.

You cannot feed your baby artificial formula. This is probably one of the most serious mistakes mothers make. For one reason or another, a woman decides that the baby does not have enough milk and buys an artificial formula. Such a diet can lead to a number of adverse effects. Firstly, sucking from a nipple is much easier than applying to the breast, and secondly, the mixture has better taste, which means there is a high risk that the baby will completely refuse mother’s milk. Despite all the properties of artificial formulas (they are close in composition to breast milk), they are not able to replace breast milk. And therefore they provoke the masses side effects. The baby may experience colic, digestive problems and allergic reactions.

You should not give your child extra water. Contrary to popular belief, milk is not only food. Almost 90% of it consists of water, which means this is quite enough for the child. If the mother suspects that the baby is thirsty, the best solution would be to stimulate lactation and “unplanned” next feeding. If a baby drinks water in addition to milk, this can lead to refusal to eat. The fact is that as the stomach fills, the brain receives a signal of saturation and a feeling of artificial saturation occurs. You can give water to a baby only in two cases: if it is time to introduce complementary foods (no earlier than 6 months), or if the child is initially bottle-fed. Otherwise, problems with the kidneys may begin and the development of edema is not far off.

Crying is not always caused by hunger. A child is designed in such a way that the only way to get attention is to cry. But there can be a huge number of reasons for crying: the child may have colic, abdominal pain, he may have a headache, the baby may simply be bored, he may want to be held, his teeth may be cutting, the baby may be scared, he may time to change the diaper, etc.

For some reason, many mothers are sure that the milk level directly depends on how dense and hard the breasts are. This is a huge misconception. If lumps are observed and palpated in the breast, this does not indicate the amount of milk, but the onset of lactostasis and stagnation. The breast, on the contrary, not only can, but must be soft. Moreover, a woman, with the normal development of lactation, should not experience a lot of unpleasant sensations. Therefore, this is not a reason to avoid feeding.

You should not express breast milk without good reason. By expressing milk, a woman loses the most useful part of it, the so-called “hind” milk. Instead of pumping, it is better to offer the breast to the baby once again. Expressing is advisable only if there is lactostasis.

You should not use outdated weight gain data. Many pediatricians use old charts and tables of weight growth ratios, etc. These data were relevant 10-20 years ago and the materials were compiled for bottle-fed children.

If possible, avoid giving a pacifier. The baby's sucking reflex is satisfied by the mother's breast. If a child cries, you need to find and eliminate the cause of the irritation, and not plug the child’s mouth with a pacifier.

Control weighing the baby is useless. Often mothers weigh their baby before and after feeding to see how much the baby has eaten. The thing is that, firstly, the baby consumes a negligible amount of milk. To reflect such a small result, you need very sensitive scales, which cost a lot big money. Ordinary household scales will not reflect the result. Secondly, each time the baby consumes a different amount of milk. You should not use this method.

Don't introduce complementary foods too early. Complementary foods should be introduced no earlier and no later than 6 months. If you introduce it earlier, there is a risk of allergic reactions and the development of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, if later, mental and mental disorders are possible. physical development. (How to introduce complementary feeding to a child - table of complementary feeding for children up to one year old by month)

How long should you breastfeed your baby?

There is no consensus both among specialists and among average people on this issue. Some people believe that you need to breastfeed a child until a year, and after a year it is not advisable to do this, some continue feeding longer than up to a year, and others believe that you need to feed a child as much as he wishes.

The optimal solution is to feed the baby breast milk for at least the first six months of life. At this time, milk should become the baby's main source of nutrition. After six months, breast milk is no longer able to provide the baby with all the nutrients.

From the second year, the child begins to eat almost like an adult. In the first and second years of life, milk plays the role of a factor supporting growth and development, but is not absolutely necessary. Moreover, nowadays it is not difficult to find a replacement for milk at this lifespan. Despite this, there is no absolute replacement for breast milk.

Benefits of long-term breastfeeding

There are several poles of long-term feeding:

High level of nutritional value. Milk is rich in all necessary substances and replacing it, especially in the first months of life, is extremely difficult.

Stimulation of immune development. Mother's milk promotes the production of specific immunoglobulins.

Reducing the risk of developing diseases caused by allergies. According to scientific research, the risk of developing allergies is lower in children who have been fed breast milk for a long time. In addition, milk itself is not rejected by the child’s body and does not cause an immune reaction.

Formation of correct bite and development of facial muscles. The sucking reflex contributes to the development of facial muscles and proper bite.

Optimal physical development.

When should you stop breastfeeding?

You should not stop breastfeeding in two cases:

If the child is sick or unwell. Children recover faster if they receive breast milk. With breast milk, children in ready-made form receive the substances necessary to fight the disease, and the body’s immune system itself is strengthened.

During the hot season (late spring, summer). During such periods, food spoils faster and the risk of developing poisoning is much higher. Therefore, mother's milk in summer is an optimal substitute and a complete food product.

To increase the quantity and quality of breast milk, the mother needs to adhere to a proper diet and consume a number of foods in large quantities:

Tea. Green or black tea promotes more active milk evacuation.

Bread with cumin and bran. Cumin seeds increase the amount of milk produced. During lactation, preference should be given not to plain bread, but to bread with bran or caraway seeds.

Compotes and decoctions from fruits. Decoctions and compotes from dried fruits or fresh berries help increase the vitamin value of breast milk. They should be consumed as often as possible.

Clean boiled water. Pure boiled water helps increase the amount of milk and, at the same time, reduce its viscosity. This will help not only the child, but also the mother, as it will reduce the risk of lactostasis.

Nuts. Walnuts, pine and almonds. You need to limit yourself to 1-2 nuts per day. Only in this quantity will the quality of milk increase. In large quantities, nuts can harm the baby as they cause gas formation and persistent constipation.

Herbal teas. Dill, chamomile, etc. contribute to calming the child’s nervous system and its further normal development.

Lactogenic products. Milk, kefir and other fermented milk products, low-fat cheeses (Adyghe cheese, feta cheese), soups with low-fat broths, vegetables and fruits.

Fresh juices: carrot, berry.

Barley decoctions. They also increase the amount of milk produced.

Radish and honey salads. Large quantity Radish consumption should be avoided. Radish can cause increased production of intestinal gases in an infant.

Hercules, oat and buckwheat porridge, or dishes containing these cereals.

Watermelon and carrots.

Vegetable salads with vegetable oil.

Based on the presented list of products, the mother must independently select a diet based on her gastronomic preferences. It is important to adhere to the principle of moderation.

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