Supply concerns are usually more often than not related to a lack of breastfeeding education than milk production.
I came across an Instagram post that was addressing some issues with formula and many felt it was mom shaming (which is wasn't because breastmilk is scientifically superior to formula). The real issue I noticed was the amount of women that were asking "what about those of us that don't produce enough milk?"
Breastfeeding is 10% milk production and 90% determination.
Supply concerns are usually more often than not related to a lack of breastfeeding education than milk production. Moms, husbands, grandmas, aunties, friends, social media strangers, etc are unaware of how breastfeeding and production really work, how much babies (especially breastfed) consume, how to determine if baby is getting enough, and what to do when there is a legitimate concern.
Early Milk Production
Breastmilk production actually begins during the 16th week of pregnancy and is not released fully until the placenta has detached from the uterus. Newborns stomach's are TINY...like the size of a marble or cherry. They don't need a ton of milk and will eat frequently for that reason (and more). There are a few keys to helping with your supply in the early moments, hours, and days after the birth.
Frequent Skin to Skin Skin to skin is beneficial for not only bonding with your baby but also increasing oxytocin, also known as the happy hormone. Prolactin is key for milk production and oxytocin for letdown, or the release of milk through the milk ducts. Fun fact: oxytocin is also responsible for orgasms and a major component in creating effective contractions during labor. So holding your baby all day, everyday (yes, literally...you can't spoil a baby) is okay!
Stimulation Within First Hour of Birth Nipple stimulation (#oxytocin) as soon as possible after the birth of your baby is crucial to begin building the supply. It's best within the first hour, especially after a cesarean section when mom and baby are affected by artificial medications like epidural. Stimulation can be done by latching baby. hand expression, or pumping. Once you start, you shouldn't stop...
Nurse On Demand/Pump Consistently The consistent removal of milk is the key to maintaining your supply sis!! You cannot miss a feeding or opportunity to pump/hand express. Nursing on demand means you are latching baby at every sign of hunger cues, fussiness, etc. Pumping consistently means every 2-3 hours. Move milk to make milk: the more you [re]move milk the more you make. When you don't, a protein (FIL-feedback inhibitor of lactation) builds up in your breasts and tells your body it doesn't need to make more milk, which is the exact opposite of what you want!
Avoid Pacifiers Pacifiers, although seemingly helpful, can be detrimental to allowing your baby to build and maintain your supply. The short explanation is that baby could be suckling at the breast for skin to skin, stimulation, and removal of milk vs. an artificial nipple. The longer explanation is in my last blog post.
Breastfeeding education is, in my opinion, the number one factor necessary for success. If you don't know the inner workings of breastfeeding it's hard to know how to troubleshoot, and it's even harder to know if things are actually going well or if intervention is needed. I highly suggest every woman takes a breastfeeding class during pregnancy and identifies a lactation professional they can contact if needed.
If you are experiencing breastfeeding issues, please schedule a consultation asap! I am available for virtual support during COVID.
Comments