Breast milk is the best food for a newborn baby. Do not worry if its amount has dropped dramatically. This is not a reason to transfer the baby to the formula. Lactation can and should be improved.
Instructions
Step 1
Normal lactation should be taken care of before delivery. When choosing a maternity hospital in which your baby will be born, ask about the first attachment of the baby to the breast. It is best if this happens a few minutes after birth. Early attachment helps to establish a psycho-emotional connection between mother and baby, and also triggers the lactation mechanism.
Step 2
The amount of milk is influenced by the baby's feeding schedule. Apply the baby on demand and do not tear it off until he releases the breast by himself. If you see that the child is not eating enough, do not rush to feed him with formula. Increase the frequency of feedings. The brain will receive a signal that the baby needs more food, and lactation will begin to increase with each attachment.
Step 3
The reason for the deterioration of lactation can be the mood of the mother. Try to rest more, get enough sleep, walk in the fresh air. Feed your baby in a comfortable position. Instead of bending over and sitting for half an hour with back discomfort, place a pillow under your baby. During feeding, throw away all problems and worries, tune in to the wave of the baby.
Step 4
Drinking plenty of fluids is essential for good lactation. A nursing mother should drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day. It is not necessary to drink only water, include in your diet dairy products, tea with milk, juices, herbal teas (cumin, anise, lemon balm). If you have established a feeding regime, drink a mug of warm liquid half an hour before latching on the baby. It is also worth diversifying the daily menu. Try to eat meat, fish or poultry, cottage cheese, hard cheeses, vegetables, fruits and nuts every day.
Step 5
Try a breast massage before breastfeeding. Wet a diaper or towel with hot water and apply to your chest for a few minutes. Position your chest so that it is between your left and right palms, and at the same time make circular movements in a clockwise direction. The heat helps the ducts to open and the massage helps the milk move better. For the same purpose, you can feed your baby directly in a warm bath.
Step 6
Lactation is a cyclical process. Crises in which the amount of milk produced is reduced is normal. Most often, they occur in the first three months after the birth of a child and last 3-4 days. Do not be alarmed if yesterday your baby ate "to the full", but today he is crying loudly because of the lack of milk. Increase the frequency of breastfeeding and do not supplement with formula. After a couple of days, everything will work out by itself.
