Only breast milk provides adequate nutrition for an infant. This is especially important in the first months of a baby's life. If there is no other way out, of course, they use formula, but the best option is still natural breastfeeding. Therefore, natural questions arise: how long after giving birth does a woman get milk and when can I start feeding it to her baby?
How long to wait for milk after childbirth
It is important for every young mother to know when exactly after childbirth comes milk. Especially this question torments those who give birth for the first time. It must be understood that breast milk begins to form with colostrum. The time required for its appearance is individual. In some women, colostrum appears in large quantities at the end of pregnancy, in others - immediately after childbirth or 3-4 days after the birth of a child, but sometimes it has to wait for a week. In each of these cases, you can establish normal breastfeeding, in which the baby will receive enough food.
Even if there is little colostrum, from a few drops to 100 ml, the newborn needs it, because it contains important nutrients, vitamins, enzymes and hormones - all this is produced by the mother's body, based on the needs and age of the baby. Colostrum is also involved in the formation of the baby's immunity, helps to establish digestion and remove meconium - the original feces.
During the first days after giving birth, it seems as if the breast is empty: there is still little milk in it, preparations are underway to establish stable lactation. Over time, colostrum is converted into transitional breast milk, and later into full milk. The process lasts 6 days from the beginning of its isolation.
The appearance of milk after natural childbirth
It is generally accepted that it is the natural onset of labor that most closely matches the hormonal rhythm and the woman's willingness to breastfeed. Therefore, those who give birth naturally, milk appears on the same day, and lactation is getting better pretty quickly. Still, the cases are different. Even if the birth was natural, it can be difficult to form colostrum, especially in women who become mothers for the first time. Therefore, the main thing is that a woman really wants to breastfeed her baby, does not have psycho-emotional prohibitions. Then milk will certainly appear in her.
When milk comes from a cesarean section
Women who have a caesarean have more problems starting lactation. Their milk comes in 2-4 days after giving birth, sometimes even after a week. On the other hand, statistics do not reveal significant differences in the timing of breast milk formation after vaginal delivery and cesarean delivery. If necessary, you can feed the baby with mixtures - this will not interfere with establishing stable lactation when the milk flow finally occurs.
How to speed up the appearance of milk
To establish natural breastfeeding and stimulate the appearance of milk, it is important for the mother to maintain physical contact with the baby, “eye to eye”. The best option is to keep them in the same room, which makes it possible to attach the baby to the breast on demand, and this can happen up to 10 times per night. Even if there is no milk in the breast yet, the baby will “order” it in the amount he needs, so it will appear. This process is activated at night, because at night the highest production of the hormone prolactin.
To strain the breasts, it is helpful to massage them correctly - this opens up the ducts and milk channels. It is important to drink more, including weak tea with sugar.
If milk is difficult, you should tell your midwife or breastfeeding specialist. They will help you find the best solution for your specific situation.
You will immediately understand that milk has appeared: the breast at this time becomes more poured, heavy and hot. If you have a lot of milk, it is recommended to express it by hand or with a breast pump, and to wear nursing bras with breast pads to prevent leaks.
Tips for a Healthy Lactation
Experts recommend continuing to breastfeed the baby until at least six months of age. To ensure that there is always enough milk so that it does not suddenly disappear, adhere to the following rules:
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- Apply the baby to the breast often for 15-20 minutes. - so it will stimulate the formation of milk. It is important to do this at night, because, emptying the chest in the dark, the baby literally "orders" itself the right amount of food for the next day.
- Taking a warm shower and gently massaging your breasts will improve milk production.
- Maintain close physical contact with your baby, communicate with him - this is extremely important for establishing lactation.
- You can drink lactogonic herbal teas and mixtures. They also stimulate the formation of breast milk in the right amounts.
- Only feed your baby with formula if he / she is undernourished. This is indicated by a lack of weight, attempts to suck more, although the breast is already empty (Why does the baby not gorge on breast milk (how to understand what is not eating enough, signs, reasons and what to do)).
When establishing lactation, remember that the main thing in this process is to want to feed your baby with your milk. Be confident in your own abilities - and you will definitely be able to achieve full breastfeeding.
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Video consultation by Nina Zaichenko:colostrum is the first milk after childbirth. What is Colostrum? Why do you need colostrum? Does a newborn need colostrum? When does milk come after childbirth? Is colostrum considered a nutritious diet? Useful properties of colostrum. Colostrum composition. The first days after childbirth. Feeding myths:
