DO YOU HAVE ENOUGH MILK TO BREASTFEED YOUR BABY?

NOV 5, 2018 9:01PM
Healthcaretoday, Breastfeeding, baby's latch, breastfeeding techniques, infrequent nursing, colostrum, breast, baby, nursing, breast milk, pregnancy, pregnant, infant,
A good latch stimulates milk letdown, leading to increase milk supply.
The delivery of the placenta tells the body to start producing milk. This happens whether a mother is breastfeeding or not. By day three to five, mother’s milk comes in and volume increases.

The first milk the baby gets after birth is called colostrum. It is rich in antibodies and other protective factors. The small quantities give babies a chance to learn how to suckle without being overwhelmed by milk.

Elizabeth Richard; Lactation consultant from Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur emphasised that frequent nursing and effective suckling signal the mother’s body to produce the amount of milk her baby needs.
​
Latch it right
However, you need to ensure your baby’s latch is correct to stimulate milk production efficiently.

“A good latch stimulates milk letdown (oxytocin hormone), leading to increase milk supply; keeping your baby contented. It also gives a cue to the mother’s body to increase milk supply according to baby’s needs.”

On the other hand, a baby that is not latching well to the nipple will not stimulate milk production efficiently.

“In addition, a bad latch can cause nipple soreness as a result of tongue-tie, which affects the baby’s ability to drain the breast adequately.”

Infrequent nursing 
If baby is sleepy, ill, or you are separated from your baby for any reason, your milk supply will start to decrease, therefore stimulation on breast with breast pump or hand expression is important.  
 
Remember the basic principles!
  • The more efficient the baby is in emptying the breasts, the more milk your body produces.
  • Your body will produce milk in response to stimulation of the breast.

Quick tips
  • Breastfeed early within an hour of birth and often at least eight to 12 times within 24 hours.​
  • Skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby enhances milk supply.
  • Ensure baby has a good latch. Get help if needed, especially if nipples are sore. 
  • Offer both breasts at every feeding in early days.
  • Ensure baby is actively sucking and transferring milk while at the breast.
  • Supply and demand; the more the baby nurses, the more milk you will produce. 
  • What comes out must have gone in. Five to six wet diapers and at least three bowel movements should be expected.
  • A supportive network which can help smooth out the bumps in the road that you're going through.  

EXPLORE FURTHER