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It is worth breastfeeding, although it often requires a lot of time and patience from the mother. It happens that there is not enough milk for several days. Too hasty reaching for modified milk may result in the inhibition of lactation and, as a result, premature termination of feeding in the natural way. What to do to stop the lactation crisis? There are several proven ways
Frequent latching of the baby to the breast
Regularly latching on to the breast stimulates the milk production process. The more the infant drinks, the stronger the prolactin reflex.
The mother should latch her baby to the breast every 1-1,5 hours during the day and every 3 hours at night.
At night, a woman’s body reaches the highest concentration of prolactin, which in turn is the most effective in stimulating lactation. If a mother experiences a lactation crisis, the most important thing is to rest and to regularly latch on to the breast.
It is important to feed both breasts while breastfeeding, and start with the last breastfeeding. The most important rule during a lactation crisis is to avoid formula milk. Administering it, especially from the bottle, can result in irreversible consequences. The baby drinking formula becomes lazy. Sucking a bottle does not require any special effort from him. As a result, the infant is no longer motivated to drink from the mother’s breast. In this case, lactation ceases.
Fighting stress
It turns out that the mother’s mental state is of great importance during breastfeeding. Research shows that stress stops lactation. The task of a woman is therefore to minimize stressful situations. She should believe in her own abilities and think positively, even if there is a temporary lactation crisis. A woman should feel joy at having a child. Pleasure to yourself is also an important factor. Peace of mind and relaxation ensure the success of breastfeeding.
In the fight against stress, herbal teas of lemon balm and chamomile can be helpful. They have relaxing properties. It is also important to support your partner and relatives.
Adequate diet
Breastfeeding requires a woman to get adequate nutrition. Avoid fatty and hard-to-digest foods, choosing those that are easier to digest, rich in vitamins and substances that improve health. A breastfeeding mother should take care of a varied menu rich in lean meat, fish, dairy products, groats, fruit and vegetables. Too rigorous approach to reducing the amount of food consumed can turn out to be disastrous and lead to stressful situations. This is harmful to the nursing mother and may cause lactation arrest. Therefore, nutrition should be approached with a healthy distance.
Regular hydration of the body
In addition to eating, water is needed for food production. Specialists recommend drinking still mineral water, fresh vegetable or fruit juices, grain coffee and herbal teas. In addition, hydration should be as balanced as diet. You should drink enough to not feel thirsty.
Massaging the breasts
Breast massage has a positive effect on the lactation process. The area from the chest to the nipples is massaged.
Using the advice of specialists
A woman who cannot cope with a lactation crisis on her own may benefit from the help of a specialist. Breastfeeding problems are solved by lactation consultants and pediatricians.
How to stimulate lactation after cesarean section?
A caesarean section does not rule out the possibility of breastfeeding, but lactation usually occurs a little later than in vaginally delivered mothers. The mother’s hormones, as well as contact with the baby, are important in the process of milk production. A physical closeness with a baby speeds up the stimulation of lactation.
Is it possible to stimulate lactation in the case of an adoptive mother?
It is extremely difficult, but feasible, to acquire the ability to breastfeed by an adoptive mother. Knowing your baby’s approximate due date, you should stimulate your breasts with a breast pump a few weeks in advance. Then the baby should be placed on the breast immediately after giving birth. This situation has the greatest chance of success, and requires great determination. It is much more difficult to stimulate the lactation process in adoptive mothers, who received the baby a few months after giving birth and were bottle-fed.
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