Young mothers often encounter such a problem when they do not have milk after childbirth, and the baby at this time requires feeding. Some inexperienced (primiparous) women in such cases begin to use a bottle and purchased mixtures, but more knowledgeable mothers in this matter resort to quick ways to increase lactation.
The most popular methods that can speed up the production of breast milk are described below. In addition, after reading this article, it will become clear why milk did not come after childbirth. And how to prevent this phenomenon.
Breast milk
Breast milk is a nutrient fluid produced by the female mammary glands and necessary to saturate the baby’s body during infancy. Due to its composition, it completely fills the nutritional needs of the child. In addition, milk helps to strengthen the baby's immunity and performs the function of regulating growth.
Breast milk after childbirth and throughout the coming months of the baby’s life is the main source of nutrition. The composition of this fluid includes such substances:
- lactose (6.8%);
- fat (3.9%);
- minerals (0.2%);
- protein (1.0%);
- solids (11.9%).
The composition of milk may vary. In particular, this process is affected by the stage of lactation (pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, colostrum, etc.). In addition, changes in breast milk occur during each meal of the baby - from beginning to end.
How does milk work?
As mentioned above, breast milk is not only the main source of nutrition for the baby. It is also necessary for the formation of its immunity, normal growth and development. That is why young mothers are so upset when there is no milk after childbirth. Indeed, most tend to breastfeed for as long as possible in order to give their baby everything they need for their health.
But why can not prepared milk formulas have such an effect as breast milk?
Useful components
Breast milk consists of many useful components. Among them, proteins, fats and carbohydrates occupy a special place. However, besides them, various enzymes and hormones are also present in breast milk that contribute to the normal development of the baby and the proper functioning of all systems of his body.
For example, in a laboratory study of breast milk, it can detect insulin-like, epidermal and nerve growth factors, human growth factors I, II, III, leptin, prolactin, adipopectin, beta-endorphins and other hormones.
Enzymes in breast milk compensate for the deficiency of the baby’s own enzymes, and also help the infant's body absorb fats. Acids formed during cleavage in the gastrointestinal tract of a child have an antiprotozoal and antiviral effect. Lipase, activated by bile salts, contributes to the destruction of protozoan pathogens.
You can still list the beneficial properties of breast milk for a long time, but to fully describe its advantages, it is enough to note that this product was created for children by nature itself, and not a single scientist has been able to repeat its composition exactly. What is a “set” of immune factors that help the child’s body to resist infections and various pathogens.
How does milk arrive?
There are several stages in the production of milk by the female mammary glands. The first occurs during pregnancy. Often in the last months of bearing a baby, colostrum is secreted from the woman’s chest. This liquid is very different in composition from milk and is not as nutritious.
Many young mothers confuse breast milk and colostrum, since the latter continues to stand out for some more period after childbirth. On what day the milk arrives in the breast depends on the individual characteristics of the body. As a rule, this will take about 3-5 days.
Prior to this, the baby is forced to eat colostrum, which, despite its "imperfect" composition, is for him an absolutely indispensable source of saturation. Starting from about the sixth day of lactation, his food will be replaced by mature milk. However, in some cases, this conversion may take a little longer. As a rule, delays are observed in primiparous women; after subsequent birth, the appearance of mature milk is already much faster.
Lactation Problems
Unfortunately, many women have problems with the excretory and secretory functions of the mammary glands, which is why there is no milk for a long time after childbirth. Most often, young mothers are diagnosed with lactostasis, agalactia and hypogalactia. All these conditions are characterized by insufficient milk production or its complete absence.
Hypogalactia is the most common disorder that occurs after childbirth. It represents a decrease in the function of the mammary glands. And reducing the duration of lactation to 5 months. As a rule, to correct hypogalactia, adjusting the technique and feeding regimen is sufficient.
Hypogalactia Treatment
This disease is observed in 3% of all young mothers. The treatment of this disorder is usually carried out without any medical intervention, however, in rare cases, special lactogonous drugs are prescribed.
During the feeding period, a woman should strictly adhere to a certain regime if she wants her lactation to return to normal. It is important to observe the same intervals between feedings, drink plenty of fluids, and alternately apply the baby to each breast.
If this is secondary lactation (after the second, third, etc. childbirth), general strengthening therapy is carried out, a course of electrophoresis procedures, massage and ultraviolet therapy are prescribed. At the same time, the nurse must follow a high-carb diet prescribed by a doctor.
Hypogalactia Prevention
In order not to wonder how much milk will pass into the breast after childbirth, and whether this quantity will be enough to feed the baby, women can independently prevent hypogalactia. This will significantly reduce the risk of developing problems with breast secretion and excretory function.
A huge influence on further lactation is exerted by how pregnancy and childbirth proceeds. It is noted that women who gave birth by stimulation or using anesthesia do not have milk much more often after childbirth than others.
In the prevention of these disorders will help:
- early attachment of the infant to the chest (6-8 hours after birth);
- adherence to exact intervals between feedings;
- the same duration of feedings;
- proper nutrition of the mother;
- drinking plenty of fluids.
In addition, a young mother should try to adhere to a specific daily routine (although it is not so easy to do this with a small child). A woman must definitely have a rest, avoid various nervous overloads and stresses.
Recommendations
It is worth noting that unnecessary experiences quite often cause women to “disappear” in women after childbirth. Even if at the first stages of fluid in the chest was enough, with improper feeding, violation of sleep and nutrition, intervals and duration of food intake, it can begin to gradually decrease.
In such periods, various lactogonous preparations are excellent, but only a specialist should establish the course of treatment.