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The beginning of feeding can be difficult. The pressure on breastfeeding is enormous. However, often the problem is not the woman’s reluctance to the process itself, but the problems with lactation. Young mothers usually search the web for methods to stimulate lactation whenever difficulties arise. So how to effectively stimulate lactation?
Many young mums worry that they are not producing enough milk. However, often there is no need to worry. Before we look for ways to stimulate lactation, it’s better to make sure our fears are right. The most important thing is to confirm the problem with a specialist who will tell us how to easily stimulate lactation.
The causes of poor lactation
The problem of poor lactation is often caused by:
- large blood loss during childbirth (more than 500 ml) or placenta residues left in the uterus, which may delay lactation;
- polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes, thyroid disease, or other hormonal disorders;
- a small amount of milk-producing glands in the breasts;
- breast surgeries or injuries.
Mechanism of lactation
Milk production begins right after giving birth. That is why it is worth expressing the remnants of breast milk after each feeding of the baby, which will increase the production of milk.
A frequent mistake of young mothers is to feed the baby with modified milk, e.g. at night. This prevents a woman from ever producing enough milk.
The method of latching on to the breast also has a huge impact on stimulating lactation. An experienced midwife will surely tell you how to latch on to make it easier to empty the breast completely.
However, it should be remembered that the rule is simple: the more often we latch on, the more milk we have.
Symptoms of poor lactation
When there is a problem with poor lactation, women fear that the baby is hungry. However, there are some signs that your baby is not eating well:
- the baby is gaining weight poorly – remember that if the baby lost 10% of its birth weight on day 5-6, this may suggest that lactation should be stimulated;
- a small amount of used diapers;
- dehydration – it is indicated by dark urine, jaundice, or apathetic behavior.
Ways to stimulate lactation
When a woman notices symptoms related to insufficient lactation, it is worth contacting a pediatrician, midwife or lactation consultant. Thanks to his help, you will be sure whether you are latching the baby well to the breast, and it will also tell you if you need to change the position during feeding. These simple tips can have a positive effect on lactation.
Simple activities such as hugging the baby to the skin to stimulate the secretion of oxytocin, which supports the secretion of milk, also have a positive effect on stimulating lactation. You can also try relaxation techniques.
In certain situations, the doctor may also prescribe drugs that increase milk production, i.e. galactogogi. It’s always a good idea to express milk to keep your lactation up and running.
In the first days after giving birth, the already mentioned breast pump may help. Regularly emptying your breasts is a simple way to stimulate lactation. It can also help, for example, to massage the breasts.
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