Lactation is the time a woman develops breast milk. Usually this occurs immediately after childbirth and continues until the mother breast-feeds the child. Many mothers worry about whether their lactation will be normal and established. After all, everyone knows that breast milk is the most useful for the baby, so lactation is an important period in the life of both mother and baby, allowing you to give maximum health and closeness to the little man.
In order for the lactation period to last as long as possible and not bring problems or inconveniences, it is necessary to observe some fairly simple rules.
Positive attitude
Even before the baby is born, a woman must be configured to breastfeed her baby. Do not think that something may not work out, because breastfeeding is a natural process provided for by God himself. Immediately after the birth of the baby, attach it to the chest, if there are no medical contraindications for this. In fact, the percentage of women who are not allowed due to serious medical problems to have a baby in their breasts after birth is very small. The desire to breastfeed will help to establish and establish lactation faster.
Full relaxation and proper nutrition
During lactation, it is very important to fully relax and eat right. Stress and fatigue have been proven to reduce milk production. Proper nutrition will help provide the baby with all the necessary vitamins and nutrients, as well as strengthen the health of a nursing mother. A diet during lactation is not needed, you just need to adhere to the rules of a healthy diet. At first (the first two to three months), foods that increase gas formation in the intestine should be avoided, as this can lead to colic in the child. More vegetables, fruits, be sure to meat, dairy products, cottage cheese and fish. Avoid fried, smoked, canned food for long periods and semi-finished products. After all, harmful substances, as well as useful ones, enter the baby’s body with breast milk.
Breast care
During lactation, the female breast needs special care. A contrast shower will make your breast skin more elastic, and a light massage clockwise will increase blood circulation. Before each feeding, the breast must be washed with warm water and patted with a clean towel. If you have a lot of milk, and it remains after the child eats, then it must be expressed. So you will avoid lactostasis (stagnation of milk in the chest) and an unpleasant feeling of overflow. Frequent attachment of the baby to the chest cancels the rule of pumping. During lactation, wear a comfortable supportive bra so that the mammary gland does not sag. Keep the bodice not too tight or too loose.
Feeding schedule
The first month after birth, apply the baby to the chest as often as possible to establish stable lactation. In the future, use the free feeding method, that is, feeding the baby on demand. Give breasts when you know that the child is hungry, trying to maintain an interval between feedings of at least 2 hours. Putting the baby too often on the chest exhausts the mother and deprives her of proper rest and communication with other family members. If a child cries because he is bored or wants affection, take him in his arms, sing a song, play. The baby's chest should not be associated with entertainment or a sedative, but with the possibility of getting milk to satisfy hunger. It’s not worth waiting for time from one feeding to the next, as all children are different, and during the day the appetite can change. But giving breasts every half hour also does not make sense. It is proved that if the baby is actively breastfeeding for 5 minutes, then he can be fed for 2 hours.
Lactation is a great time for mom and baby. Try to make both you and the child comfortable and comfortable. Then breastfeeding will not be a heavy burden, but a pleasant pastime with a little native man.