Breast milk is an invaluable source of nutrients for a child's development. Therefore, as soon as they realize that they show signs of low breast milk, mothers should seek solutions promptly.
Breast milk and baby
Signs of low milk mother is what?
Body characteristics of each mother are enough to breastfeed for at least 6 months after birth. That is the research conclusion of the World Health Organization. However, each mother's capacity to store milk is not the same. If the mother does not provide the necessary amount of milk according to the baby's needs, it is a sign that she is less milk.
How is the phenomenon of low breast milk recognized?
Mother's symbol
The mother's body does not produce much milk
Normally, about 3 days after birth, the amount of breast milk secreted will increase gradually to ensure enough milk for your baby. If after several days, the mother's milk volume is still as low as the first day after birth, it is necessary to seriously see if it is a sign of low milk or not.
Mother's chest flattened
Full breasts are a clear sign of abundant milk. Without milk, the mother's breasts will be small and soft, with no chest tightness. Mother will also feel drowsy, tired, slow eating, difficulty breathing, ...
Mother is blocked with milk
In this case, the mother has adequate milk. However, the milk is clogged, the breasts are so tight that they are painful, the ribs are distended, ... You will find stress, inhibition, and extreme discomfort.
Expression of the baby
The baby's feeding time is quite short
If the mother has enough milk, the baby will usually suckle very well. The mouth will open wide, suck slowly and steadily. Even if the amount of milk is abundant, the baby sometimes swallows milk quite clearly.
Conversely, if the breast milk is low, the baby will not suckle for long. Baby is not feeding or is not interested, not concentrating at feeding. At such times, the baby usually only takes a short feed and then stops feeding.
Babies grow slowly, often fussy and cry
Breast milk is an invaluable source of nutritious food for young children. If the mother does not milk, the baby is not provided with adequate nutrients, leading to slow growth. About 5 days after birth, a baby's weight gain of 20-30 g per day is considered standard. If your baby has not reached this increase, you should see if you have signs of low breast milk!
The number of diaper changes is small
If the baby adds little energy, the amount of "discharged" is also less. Therefore, the baby's low amount of feces and urine, and changing diapers a few times a day can implicitly indicate that your baby is not getting enough milk.
Baby is dehydrated
Besides, if your baby's urine is dark, his mouth is dry or his skin is yellow, his body is dehydrated. Lack of breast milk is a common cause of dehydration in babies.
Cause mother less milk
Any changes in the body can affect the mother and baby directly.
Cause from mother
Hormonal changes: A mother with a hormonal imbalance in the postpartum period often lacks milk for her baby. A mother with little milk often comes from the main cause of stress, lack of sleep after giving birth
Problematic mammary glands : If they are not fully developed during pregnancy, the mother's breast will not have enough milk-producing tissue (roughly called the milk-producing gland). Or before, a mother who has undergone surgery or radiotherapy to the breast will find it difficult to produce enough milk for her baby. Painful nipples due to unfamiliarity with the feeling of the baby suckling or breastfeeding is causing the mother's pain.
Taking pills during and after pregnancy: During pregnancy and postpartum, mothers may have taken drugs that affect milk production.
She had to undergo surgery or radiation therapy in the breast.
Causes from babies: poor feeding
If your baby is separated from the mother too soon and fed with formula, the baby will have difficulty breastfeeding.
If the baby is not breastfed regularly, the mother's milk glands are not stimulated to work properly. At this time, a decrease or cessation of milk production will occur.
3 ways to overcome when detecting signs of low breast milk
Breastfeeding the right way
Mothers should breastfeed their babies evenly on both sides of the chest to stimulate even milk glands on both sides, to avoid clogged milk .
Breastfeeding on demand, not fixed according to the standard time frame. The best time frame is the child's biological clock. Usually 2-3 hours, babies will need to be breastfed once. If the baby sleeps too much, the mother should wake up and encourage the baby to feed regularly.
Breast exercises to regulate milk regularly
During the first few days of breastfeeding, the body, especially the mother's breast, has not yet adapted to the secretion of milk. Therefore, mothers should create conditions for the breasts to produce milk regularly. Along with breastfeeding, mothers should often express milk for storage when needed.
Full rest
Childbirth takes away a lot of the strength of the mother. Mother needs to rest, provide enough nutrients to be able to produce enough milk for the baby.
Wishing you soon to recognize the signs of a little milk to fix it in time!
See more:
Mothers should eat milk-rich dishes after giving birth!
Experience sharing to bring milk to rush and wet clothes for mothers for cesarean section
Lack of milk for your baby - 6 signs that make a mother think she is lacking milk