🤱 Breastfeeding: Letdown, breast engorgement, and milk shortage

Breastfeeding can be a little difficult in the first week after your baby is born. Usually, there is a little milk in your breasts at all times. But it is only after 24 hours after your baby is born that your milk really starts to "come in." Often, your breasts will feel a little engorged in the first few days, but some mothers may not have enough milk.

😟 Milk shortage (Insufficient Supply)

It has been found that many mothers stop breastfeeding because they do not have enough milk. The main reasons for this are not breastfeeding on time, not breastfeeding often enough, and the baby not latching on properly. This means that the latch does not work properly. Also, mothers who are under a lot of stress and have difficulty relaxing can also have this problem. For milk to come in, that is, for milk to start coming in, a "Let-Down Reflex" must occur.

What is the "Let-Down Reflex"?

This is like a signal that the milk is starting to come in. This reflex can be triggered when the baby starts to suckle, when the sound of his mouth, when he smells it, when you look at him, and even when you think about him. At this time , the pituitary gland in the mother's brain releases a hormone called oxytocin . This hormone causes the small muscles in the milk ducts in the breasts to tighten and the milk starts to come out. Some mothers may feel a tingling sensation or a slight pain in the breasts at this time. If this reflex is not working properly, the baby will not get enough milk. Also, the mother's body thinks that the baby does not need the milk. Then the milk production may gradually decrease. Sometimes this reflex can be absent. This means that it takes a while for the milk to start coming in.

When there is not enough milk, the baby constantly asks for milk, tries to suck on the hand, the stool becomes hard, the number of wet diapers decreases, and the weight does not gain properly.

But remember, there is always a little milk in your breasts. Mothers make more milk than they think.

What should you do?

• Try relaxation techniques. Things like meditation and listening to music can help you develop your "let-down reflex."
• Breastfeed your baby as often as he wants. Breastfeed your baby close to your chest, with your baby's chin on your nipple ( the "chest to chest, chin on breast" method ). This method makes it easier to latch on.
• Breastfeed more often than usual.
• Give milk at least once at night.
• After you've finished breastfeeding, squeeze out the rest with your hands. Milk will only be produced as the breasts empty.
• Get plenty of rest. Eat well. Drink plenty of water. If you feel overly tired, see a doctor.

😥 Engorged Breasts

What is breast engorgement?

For some mothers, within a few days of having a baby, their milk supply suddenly increases, causing their breasts to become swollen, hard, and painful. This is called breast engorgement. During this time, the amount of blood, other fluids, and milk supply to the breasts increases.

What will you notice?

• The baby may not be able to latch on properly because the breasts and nipples are very swollen.
• It may be a little difficult for you to relax and be happy because you are in pain.

What to do when breasts become engorged? (How are engorged breasts managed?)

• Feed the baby whenever he wants, as long as he wants.
• When breastfeeding at one time, let one side empty completely. You may not need to give the other side. Only give the other side if the baby doesn't seem to be getting enough.
• Before breastfeeding or expressing milk, take a warm towel or shower. This will help the milk come in more easily. Also, staying under warm water for a while will help reduce this tightness.
• Don't give the baby anything else to drink.
• Before feeding, express a little milk by hand (this is a must if your baby can't latch on properly). If there is some milk left on the other side after feeding, express that too. This will help your baby latch on easily.
• While breastfeeding, gently massage the hard lumps on the sides of the nipple.
• After breastfeeding, apply an ice pack (Cold Packs). Many people use cabbage leaves that have been washed and stored in the refrigerator for this. They put a hole in the cabbage leaf and place it on the nipple. Usually, the leaf is changed about every 2 hours. Some people like to apply heat packs (Hot Packs) instead of ice packs.
• If your breasts are engorged, or if your baby sleeps for more than 4 hours, wake him up and breastfeed.
• Use a good, comfortable bra. Remove the bra completely before breastfeeding.
• If it is very painful, take a painkiller like ibuprofen or paracetamol as prescribed by your doctor.

Remember, breastfeeding regularly is the best thing you can do for your engorged breasts. As you breastfeed like this, your breasts will gradually become soft and healthy again.