How To Increase Milk Production While Breastfeeding?

As a woman enters the pregnancy phase one of the common worries includes breastfeeding. Many women successfully breastfeed their newborns until a certain age while a few can struggle. Breastfeeding is a process that involves lactation. 

What is lactation?

Lactation is the natural process of producing and releasing milk from the mammary glands in the breasts. It typically starts during pregnancy when hormonal changes prepare the glands for milk production in anticipation of your baby’s birth. In some cases, lactation can be induced without pregnancy through the use of the same hormones the body produces during pregnancy. Lactation concludes when the milk production comes to a stop. 

How is breast milk produced?

Breast milk is produced by the mammary glands inside your breasts. These glands are made of different parts that work together to create and release milk, that include:

• Alveoli: 

These small, grape-like sacs produce and store milk. A group of these sacs is called a lobule, and each lobule is connected to a larger section known as a lobe. 

• Mild ducts:

Each lobe is linked to a milk duct, and you can have up to 20 lobes, each with its own duct. The milk ducts transport milk from the lobules to your nipples. 

• Nipple:

Your nipple has several small openings (up to about 20) that release milk. When your baby, hands, or a breast pump stimulates the nipple, nerves send signals to your brain. This triggers the release of milk from the alveoli, through the milk ducts, and out of your nipple. 

• Areola:

The dark area around the nipple, called the areola, has sensitive nerve endings that signal your body to release milk. For milk to be released, the entire areola needs to be stimulated. 

You can picture the lactation system like a tree. The nipple is the trunk, the milk ducts are branches, and the alveoli are like the leaves. 

What are the possible causes of low breast milk supply?

Several factors can lead to a low breast milk supply while breastfeeding, such as delaying breastfeeding, and nursing frequently enough, a poor latch, or certain medications. In some cases, breast surgery may also impact milk production. Additional factors that can influence milk production include:

• Maternal obesity 
• Premature birth 
• Blood pressure during pregnancy 
• Uncontrolled diabetes 

 If you are struggling with breastfeeding, reach out to the gynecology specialist in Coimbatore as the doctor can assist you in improving your baby’s latch, pumping issues, and also provides tips to boost your milk supply. 

When is the breast milk supply considered low?

A milk supply is considered low if you are not producing enough to meet your baby’s typical growth and development needs. 

Low breast milk supply is usually temporary and can improve with the right breastfeeding support. Milk production works on a supply and demand basis, the more milk that is removed from the breast, the more your body will produce. If less milk is removed, the body makes less. 

What are the tips to increase breast milk supply production?

• Start feeding as soon as possible:

This is essential for successful long-term breastfeeding. Delaying the start of breastfeeding is a major cause of low breast milk supply. Hold your baby skin to skin right after childbirth, and they will likely start breastfeeding within the first hour. If they don’t, you can hand express the colostrum and feed it to your baby with a teaspoon. 

• Breastfeed your baby often:

Try to nurse at least eight to 12 times a day, or about every two to three hours. Don’t wait for your baby to cry or fuss before offering the breast, feed when they’re awake and alert. If your baby seems sleepy, you can try gently tickling their feet or switching breasts and positions frequently to keep them engaged. 

• Ensure your baby latches properly:

Ensure your baby is properly latched and positioned. A good position is with their tummy against yours and their nose level with your nipple. Watch for signs of swallowing. If your baby is sucking but not swallowing, you can encourage milk flow by gently squeezing your breasts. 

• Empty your breasts with every feed:

Completely emptying each breast during feedings helps increase breast milk production. 

• Be cautious towards feeding problems:

Offer both breasts during each feeding. If your baby only nurses from one side, pump or hand express the other breast to relieve pressure and maintain your milk supply. 

• Don’t skip feeding sessions:

If you miss a breastfeeding session, pump or hand express to help maintain milk supply. 

What food to increase breast milk supply before delivery?

Although you can’t boost milk supply during pregnancy, it is important to focus on eating well for both you and your baby. Maintain a balanced, nutritious diet and stay hydrated to support your body needs. Make sure your meals include all five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, and protein. 

How to identify if the baby is getting enough milk supply?

It is important to consider the overall picture to make sure your baby’s growth and development are on track. Your baby is getting enough breast milk if they: 

• Have 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24 hour period, along with a few stool ones. 
• Wake up on their own for feedings and nurse actively at the breast. 
• Have 8 to 12 feedings in a 24 hour window
• Within 2 weeks gaining birth weight 

When does your breasts start lactating?

Lactation can start as early as a few weeks into the second trimester of your pregnancy. As estrogen and progesterone levels rise, your body prepares for breastfeeding by increasing the number of milk ducts in your breasts. These ducts will carry milk from the alveoli to your nipples. Around the middle of your pregnancy, your body begins producing colostrum, which is the baby’s first milk. You can always learn ways to increase breast milk supply to prepare your body for breastfeeding. 

What is the difference between colostrum and breast milk?

Colostrum is the first type of breast milk produced by the mammary glands toward the end of pregnancy or after birth. Its appearance and nutritional content can differ slightly from regular breast milk. It is common for colostrum to have a deep yellow or orange color, but it also can be white, clear, or creamy. It usually has a thicker consistency and may sometimes have faint traces of blood. The production of colostrum can start as early as 12 weeks of gestation. 

While breast milk produced after a couple days usually has a slight yellow tinge and looks like regular milk. Both colostrum and breast milk have different compositions when it comes to nutrition while both are equally important.

What are the conditions that may affect your ability to lactate?

The ability to produce milk and the duration of lactation can vary widely. Some people can breastfeed for years, while others may struggle to produce enough milk for their baby. Here are some common factors that can affect lactation or breastfeeding:

• Medications 
• Levels of hormones 
• Past history of breast surgery 
• Trauma to nipples or breasts

Are formula fed babies healthy? 

Unfortunately not all mothers can feed their babies due to several reasons, but formula offers the same level of nutrition as breastmilk and it is highly recommended by the experts to mothers who cannot breastfeed their babies. Formula fed babies are also considered highly healthy and normal as breastfed babies. 

Important Takeaway:

Breastfeeding can be one of the most challenging aspects of being a new parent, and sometimes health conditions or other difficulties can make it harder to do. Reach out to the best hospital for pregnancy in Coimbatore to ensure you have a healthy delivery and smooth breastfeeding journey for your newborn.