May 30, 2022. 00:00
The author:
University of Utah Health Communications
Information in Spanish
Breastfeeding is the best way to give babies the right nutrients and antibodies they need. Decades of research have shown many developmental benefits of breastfeeding. But breastfeeding can sometimes be challenging. Because newborns and infants are constantly learning and their mood swings are unpredictable, a breastfeeding mother can experience many changes in her milk supply.
Supply and demand
Frequent feeding is the key to maintaining the amount of breast milk for most breastfeeding mothers. This begins in the hospital within the first hour of birth with the removal of colostrum. This helps to start the breastfeeding journey for both mother and baby.
The newborn will be fed frequently - about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours - but inconsistently. They can eat every hour or two during several feedings, but then take a break. As babies grow, their feeding will become more regular and spaced - about every 2 to 4 hours. This will gradually change over time as other foods are included in their diet, which should not happen until the child is at least six months old.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for at least six months, and then breastfed with the introduction of other foods until the child is at least 12 months old.
Development and prosperity
The development and well-being of the baby can affect the supply of breast milk. A baby going through the growth phase can consume more milk. This can make the breastfeeding mother feel that she is not producing enough because the baby requires more breast milk. Eventually, the body will catch up.
The opposite can happen if the baby or mother does not feel well. A sick baby can breastfeed less, which can slow down breast milk production. Maternal illness can also negatively affect supply. If the mother has concerns about the supply of baby or breast milk, she should contact her doctor.
“It is important to look at what is happening with both the baby and the mother.
Elizabeth Kirts, MPH, IBCLC, ICCE.
A breastfeeding mother may experience conditions or infections that may affect breastfeeding, such as:
- Cracked or damaged nipples can lead to infection. There are many causes of cracks or blisters, but the most common is due to improper locks.
- Clogged milk ducts can cause pain or discomfort in the breast, which can lead to infection if not treated immediately.
- Lactational mastitis is a breast infection caused by internal inflammation of the breast that can lead to chest pain, swelling, fever and chills.
Diet and nutrition
Maternal nutrition and hydration play an essential role in breast milk production. A well-balanced and nutritious diet is important during breastfeeding. The colorful diet rule remains the same. The plate should contain half of fruits and vegetables, and the other parts should contain proteins and carbohydrates. Plus, you need to add an extra 500 calories a day.
Drinking the right amount of water is crucial for proper hydration during pregnancy and after childbirth. But don’t overdo it! Drinking excessive amounts of water is a myth. “A good rule of thumb - drink to thirst, not a certain amount,” says Elizabeth Kirts, MPH, IBCLC, ICCE, lactation consultant and business operations manager for the Women’s and Children’s Services at the University of Utah Health. “Drinking too much water could potentially reduce the supply of breast milk.
Stress and postpartum depression
Other factors, such as stress or postpartum depression, can affect breast milk production. The birth of a child can cause many changes for the mother and her family. For example, new routines and returning to work can cause more stress and potentially affect the supply of breast milk.
There are also major hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy and after childbirth. This can sometimes lead to baby blues or postpartum depression. Up to 85% of women suffer from baby blues for a week or two, but if it lasts longer, it could be postpartum depression. Postpartum depression affects one in eight new mothers.
If you are not breastfeeding
Not all babies and breastfeeding mothers are the same. Although most women can breastfeed, there are circumstances in which some breastfeeding women cannot breastfeed, such as:
- Low amount of breast milk
- Health condition
- Physiological reasons
- Psychological reasons
- Medications
- Babies with anatomical problems
- Babies with health conditions
“It’s important that the family has a good feeding experience,” says Kirts. “This can be partial breastfeeding, formula feeding or formula feeding with an additional breastfeeding system.
The good news is that there are other options to help babies get the proper nutrition they need. If you have problems breastfeeding, you are not alone. Your doctor, breastfeeding consultant and other women’s health services can help you on your breastfeeding journey.