Introduction:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), exclusive breastfeeding is considered ideal nutrition for infants for up to six months, followed by the gradual introduction of iron-rich solid foods in the second half of the first year. AAP further recommends breastfeeding for at least 12 months and after that as mutually desired. Lactation also benefits the mother's health and provides a special bond between the mother and the infant.
How Is Lactation Clinically Significant?
The process by which milk is produced and released from the mammary glands in the breasts of the mother is referred to as lactation. It begins in pregnancy when the hormones oxytocin and prolactin signal the glands to begin the preparation of milk for the arriving baby. Lactation is an important phase both for the infant and the mother, as it is required for the normal growth and development of the baby. Breastfeeding strengthens the baby's immune system and it is crucial to the development of the child. Many factors must be taken into account if lactation failure occurs.
There are distinct stages in lactation. The first milk produced and immediately available after labor is called colostrum. It is high in protein, immunoglobulins, sodium, etc., while being low in lactose. Colostrum is the baby's first immunization, providing mucosal immunity to the gastrointestinal tract by acting as a barrier through immunoglobulins such as IgA, IgG, and IgM, and helps fight germs.
After about 30 to 40 hours following the labor, the composition of the milk changes, and the volume also increases, along with an increase in lactose and other constituents. Gradually, the maintenance of lactation follows an autonomous pattern that is facilitated by the sucking of the baby and emptying of the breast, which are essential factors in regulating the milk flow.
What Are the Benefits of Lactation?
Lactation creates a strong emotional bond between the mother and the baby, essential for successful breastfeeding. Skin-to-skin contact during the initial hours of birth is necessary to initiate lactation. The breast crawl (baby placed on the mother's abdomen after birth) provides calm and comfort for the mother and helps the baby find a way to the breast to suckle the milk.
Infants rely on breast milk as a vital source of nutrition. Also, it contains microbiota such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, etc., along with oligosaccharides that provide antibacterial protection to the gut and help synthesize nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin K, and folate.
The foremilk contains high levels of lactose, and the hindmilk contains a high proportion of proteins and fats, which are highly necessary for the average growth and development of the infant.
Research suggests breastfeeding helps develop a healthy weight and decreases susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections, asthma, food allergies, ear infections, diarrhea, etc, in newborn babies.
Neonatal jaundice may occur in some newborn babies as they adapt to extrauterine life. This is due to the breakdown of the red blood cells, and the liver is still too immature to get rid of the bilirubin in the bloodstream. Infants can become lethargic and may not feed well. However, mothers must feed the baby as much as possible and help the baby overcome this situation.
Babies can easily digest breast milk and do not cause stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhea.
Antibodies in breast milk help develop a strong immune system in infants and protect them from various illnesses and diseases.
Unlike formula milk, the baby can be breastfed anytime, anywhere, without worrying about hygiene and safety.
Breastfeeding can decrease the mother's risk of developing breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, etc. It may also help the mother lose weight and reduce the excessive menstrual blood loss post-delivery.\
How to Increase Breast Milk After C-Section Home Remedies?
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Making a healthy diet plan, which includes taking a lot of vegetables, fruits, and foods that have more calories is best to enhance breast milk.
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Drink more water and take water-content fruits (cucumber, watermelon) and vegetables.
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Sleeping also increases the production of breast milk.
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Some herbal products like ginger and fenugreek play a role in the production of breast milk.
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Avoid taking caffeine in the diet.
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Massage the breast regularly in a circular motion.
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Regular exercise, yoga, and meditation can reduce stress and also improve the body's function.
What Are the Challenges Faced During Lactation?
A low milk supply is called hypogalactia which is an insufficient supply of milk to maintain breastfeeding.
Though lactation is a natural process, many mothers need support and education, especially during their first pregnancy, to properly position and latch the baby.
Maternal issues such as pain, emotional instability, anxiety, etc., may require some time to ease, and breastfeeding may be quite challenging for some mothers during this phase.
Breast engorgement or breast fullness is caused by the accumulation of fluid or milk in the breast. It is experienced by some mothers as pain and swelling in the breast and mainly occurs during the initial days of postpartum. It can be due to large amounts of intravenous fluids administered during labor, incomplete breastfeeding, skipping a few feedings, or a history of breast surgery.
Many women experience early or undesired weaning due to persistent pain or injury to the nipples, which may be due to improper latch, infections, oversupply, or an improper breastfeeding technique.
Low milk supply is a common problem mothers face, which may be due to hormonal issues, birth control pills, anatomical abnormalities, sucking difficulties, early weaning, etc.
Mastitis is one of the common problems in lactating mothers due to an inflammation of the breast, which causes pain and discomfort. It can be due to incomplete feeding leading to a clogged milk duct, which causes infection.
How to Manage the Challenges Faced During Lactation?
Healthcare providers can help the mothers understand the actual mechanism of breastfeeding and proper breastfeeding techniques, facilitating a good latch, improving milk flow, and thus preventing pain and discomfort.
Massaging the breasts or applying a cold compress relieves pain and pressure caused by breast engorgement. Frequently feeding the baby or expressing the milk through breast pumps or hands can be beneficial. It also helps manage the low milk supply concerns of some mothers.
Doctors or lactation consultants can assist families in making an informed decision, and counsel the mother, especially those suffering from postpartum depression, psychosis, anxiety, etc., which provides emotional support and comfort. It also helps them gain confidence to ultimately control their baby's needs and feedings.
Mastitis can be managed by antibiotics or emptying the breast milk, and abscesses can be treated by surgical drainage of the pus, followed by medications.
Conclusion:
Breastfeeding is a normal physiological process that requires practice for both the infant and the mother to be successful. Healthcare professionals must educate and encourage women to make informed decisions and continue nursing their babies. A multidisciplinary approach, including family members, doctors, and lactation counselors, can help mothers overcome obstacles and obtain the benefits of breastfeeding.
