Breastfeeding is one of the most relevant topics for women who are going to become moms and for those who are already in this status.

What affects breastfeeding?

The process of breastfeeding (BF) is natural, controlled, but definitely challenging. Especially in the first few months after birth. In order for breastfeeding to be successful, a mom must be psychologically attuned to breastfeeding. Severe stress, anxiety due to lack of knowledge or understanding of the situation does not help to establish contact between woman and child. Stress can lead to a complete cessation of lactation. GV is positively influenced by:

  • putting the baby to the breast from the first day – 30 minutes after the end of labor;
  • contribute to the maintenance of lactation in case of forced separation from the baby;
  • joint stay of mom and baby in the maternity hospital;
  • absence of labor stimulation;
  • assistance from relatives and health workers: a maximally informed woman is a calm woman.

How often to breastfeed a baby?

It used to be thought that you should feed your baby every three hours. Now the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that you do it on demand. He signals hunger by crying. In the first 30-40 days after birth to put the baby to the breast should be on the first cry.

After the specified time, a reliable contact between mom and baby will be established. And she will understand what his crying is signaling: hunger, desire to sleep, request to change the diaper, etc.

At night, breastfeeding is also done on demand of the baby. The maximum time without food at night is no more than 6 hours.

What to do if there is a lot of milk?

If there is a lot of milk, it should be decanted – not all of it, but only some of it. For example, with the help of a breast pump. Manual decanting is also acceptable.

It is not necessary to decant all or part of the milk after each breastfeeding. This can lead to hyperlactation. That is, increased production of breast milk. Why? Complete emptying of the breasts stimulates lactation. The body perceives this as a call to action, that is, to produce milk.

What to do if there is no milk?

It is necessary to try to increase its production. The more often and more active in the first days of life the baby sucks the breast (there is irritation of the nipples), the better for mom. With a weak sucking reflex, when the child does not “eat” all the milk, its production decreases. The body feels that the milk comes in excessive amounts.

In this case, the breast pump can serve as a helper. Regular pumping helps to maintain lactation.