Pulmo Sleep Center Eliksir

Breastfeeding and lactation are crucial for the earliest development of the baby and emotional bonding with the mother. Mother's milk is tailored to the baby's needs, and in the early stages of her life, there is no better way to feed the child than breastfeeding.

This process is sensitive to many environmental influences, which is why it often happens that the mother runs out of milk, exacerbating breastfeeding problems. The most important steps in establishing and encouraging lactation are taken by the mother, while some factors are also dependent on the baby's mood, frequency of breastfeeding, and environment.

In the following text, we explain what lactation is and what it depends on, how to improve milk production in breastfeeding mothers, how often a newborn should eat, and how to prevent the disappearance of milk in breastfeeding mothers.

What is lactation?

Lactation is the process of milk secretion that ensures successful breastfeeding, thus laying the foundation for healthy and successful baby development. The two key hormones regulating lactation and breastfeeding are prolactin and oxytocin.

Prolactin is responsible for milk production, and the level of this hormone in the body is up to ten times higher immediately before and after childbirth. The increase in prolactin levels also occurs when the baby stimulates the nipple and thus directly affects milk production in the breast.

While prolactin produces milk, the release of milk occurs thanks to the hormone oxytocin. This hormone plays a crucial role in labor contractions, uterine contraction after childbirth, and breastfeeding, and in addition to its physiological functions, it is important for emotional bonding, so it is also called the “love hormone”.

Oxytocin is specific because, unlike prolactin, it is sensitive to the mother's mood and can “quiet down” if the mother is under stress. Conversely, just hearing the baby's cry and thinking about breastfeeding is enough to activate this hormone.

Another significant factor is the lactation inhibitory feedback, which acts locally in the breast. When the breasts are full, its high concentration in the milk stops further milk production. Also, when the breasts are empty, its absence stimulates the production of new milk. This is a local, or autocrine control of milk production, while oxytocin and prolactin perform hormonal endocrine control of milk production.

How do breastfeeding problems arise?

Breastfeeding problems have led to the discouraging statistic that only one in eight women breastfeeds her baby, mostly due to a lack of milk and the problems associated with this condition.

Breastfeeding the baby is largely associated with the mental state and physical health of the mother, and a lack of milk can be caused by stress, nervousness, or an unhealthy lifestyle before and during pregnancy. If the baby does not receive enough milk during feeding, breastfeeding can be painful, which further creates discomfort and dissatisfaction. For these reasons, many mothers opt for supplementing the baby with formula.

Continuous pain should be distinguished from pain caused by cracked nipples – fissures in the nipple skin that occur during the first feedings, before the baby and mother “practice” breastfeeding and proper latch. These small fissures are normal, and skipping one feeding with an injured breast will be enough for the wound to heal.

Encouraging lactation and recommended habits

Sometimes, the anxiety about running out of milk can cause this problem, so it is important for every mother to be aware that her calmness is the main prerequisite for successful breastfeeding. In addition to avoiding stress, it is important to incorporate some healthy habits into daily life that will contribute to the quality of lactation and the baby's health.

Frequency of breastfeeding – how often should the baby eat?

To help the baby get used to breastfeeding and the mother's body to produce milk, it is necessary to follow some breastfeeding rules from the very beginning. The first breastfeeding should occur within the first two hours after birth, and after that, the frequency of breastfeeding depends on the baby. You should never wait more than six hours between feedings, nor should you be surprised if the baby wants to breastfeed every two hours.

Follow the signals your baby gives

Babies let you know when they are hungry, and it is up to mothers to recognize this and feed the baby whenever it requests. Therefore, during this period, there is no set number of feedings, as the baby dictates the frequency of breastfeeding based on its needs.

Diverse diet and rest for successful breastfeeding

A healthy diet is of great importance for all breastfeeding mothers, as they need a significantly higher amount of energy than usual during this sensitive period. This means consuming healthy foods, avoiding overeating, and increasing caloric intake by 300-500 kcal daily, which translates to a glass of milk or yogurt, a boiled egg, and a slice of bread. Cigarettes are a significant enemy of successful breastfeeding, so quitting smoking is recommended even during pregnancy planning.

Although most women aim to regain their pre-pregnancy figure as soon as possible, strict diets are not advisable during this period as they lead to reduced milk production. Rest is also crucial, as fatigue and overexertion can disrupt breastfeeding and the amount of milk produced by lactation.

How to know if the baby has fed enough?

If you are wondering how to properly breastfeed the baby, start with a comfortable position for you and the baby. Position the baby at the breast so that it can easily latch on, and observe how it behaves. You will know that breastfeeding is going well if you do not feel pain, see that the baby slowly relaxes while feeding, and notice that it gradually demands more milk. Frequent feedings will ensure that the baby is full and simultaneously encourage faster and more frequent milk production.

The beginning of breastfeeding and lactation are processes that every mother faces, and their success primarily depends on healthy habits, listening to the baby, and a calm life free of stress and anxiety. If you focus on the fact that your baby needs the milk that you can provide, breastfeeding will proceed well, and your baby will have an excellent foundation for healthy development.