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How to increase lactation and improve the quality of breast milk a nursing mother?

The main challenge and concern for any young mother, recently born baby is to provide your child with sufficient amount of breast milk. No sorry, not all little ones are natural, breastfeeding. And it's not the refusal or reluctance of young mothers to breast feed.

Very often the production of breast milk in women reduced, that is, hypogalactia (from the Greek:Hypo – low, gala, galaktos – milk, milk). Many believe such a situation is irreparable and transferred their children to artificial feeding.

You can understand young mothers and pregnant women worrying about whether their children get mother's milk, will there be enough milk for the child and how "enough" milk for as long as possible to give the baby the breast.

However, even though the actual problem of preventive maintenance, it can be corrected by applying the competent and responsible approach to it.

The content of the article:


Why it happens?

Primary (so called true) hypogalactia is not more than 5% of all cases and is caused by serious failures in health status, particularly in the endocrine system. In 95% of situations the problem can be solved by eliminating the root cause.

The main factors influencing the development of hypogalactia:

  • The young mother is not so positive mental attitude, aim to provide your child with a feeding of breast milk (lactation).
  • Irresponsible approach to nutrition during periods of pregnancy and breast feeding – lack mode, unbalanced diet.
  • A stressful situation, women, work-related or family problems.

  • Insufficient frequency of breastfeedingbaby.
  • Introduction in the diet of the child supplementary feeding and complementary foods in the early stages of its growth and development, when this is not necessary.
  • The breast-feeding by the clock, not at his request.

Lactation crises

It happens that in the context of the debugged of breastfeeding in young mothers abruptly and for no apparent reason reduces the quantity of her breast milk – is treated with antibiotics.

Its causes can be:

  • An abrupt increase in the appetite of the growing baby;
  • A temporary hormonal imbalance in the body mom;
  • The combination of the two above reasons.

Often lactation crises arise from mothers in the age of the baby:

  • From 3 to 6 weeks;
  • At the 3rd month;
  • At the 4th month;
  • On the 7th month;
  • At the 8th month.

The duration of lactational crises approximately 3-4 days. Threats to the health of the baby or mother they are not. For the young mother it is important to know that these situations occur and are normal. To most successfully cope with this temporary condition, you should react calmly, and the baby to the breast to make more than usual. The volume of milk produced will increase gradually and the body will go to its normal mode of functioning of the lactation.


How to know that child does not have enough milk?

The main tentative signs that the child eats not because of the lack of breast milk:

  • The child is restless, cranky, cries a lot;
  • Baby not gaining normal monthly gain of body weight;
  • Daily amount of breast milk decreased;
  • The daily volume of allocated urine baby has dropped, there is a so-called symptom, or syndrome of "dry diapers" normal baby urinates 6 to 15 times a day, urine clear or pale yellow.

Reliably verify that it was hypogalactia by determining the daily volume of breast milk. During the day is test weighing of the child is determined by the weight of the baby before and after each feeding. The difference will be equal to the volume of breast milk. The measurement is performed purposefully, just for the day, but not for one of the feedings. In different breastfeeding a baby will eat different amounts of breast milk, so the resultsadded up over 24 hours. No need to weigh the baby daily – it can cause restlessness and anxiety mom about, likely contrived shortage of breast milk.

The diagnosis of hypogalactia is confirmed by a doctor. When one suspect this condition in any case it is not necessary to introduce supplementary feeding in the form of infant formula. Even with the official confirmation of the mother can increase the amount of breast milk, by taking the necessary measures, about which we will speak in the article. Sometimes the young woman is better to consult a psychologist to calm and sensible to take action to preserve breastfeeding her child.


5 groups of foods and drugs to increase lactation

Official studies have confirmed that one of the main reasons hypogalactia – an unbalanced diet and poor nutrition. It is important to focus on nutrition for women during pregnancy and lactation. In this period, the female body needs a certain amount of vitamins, minerals, trace elements, proteins and other nutrients. Necessary and sufficient consumption of water, beverages and liquid food. All fluids per day should a woman consume from a half to 2 liters. Sometimes young mother is assigned specifically to enhance lactation:

  • Products;
  • Gabicci;
  • Complex preparations of vitamins and minerals;

  • Biologically active food additives (BAA);
  • Drugs;
  • Physiotherapy.

Consider these in the products table that are beneficial for the enhancement of lactation, for each of the groups.

Group I. drugs for the correction of the diet in protein, fat vitamins, minerals, trace elements

In the mix "Femilak"included milk protein, which is enriched with a complex that includes 15 vitamins, corn oil, and taurine – an essential component of breast milk. The application of the"Family" shown during pregnancy and lactation. the reception of the mixture has a beneficial effect on the health of women and rezitieren (both before birth and after), increases milk yield and improves the chemical composition during the lactation.

"Danil Mom plus and Infa-mom"– like pozostava mixture (excluding the contents of taurine). Their properties are also similar, but somewhat inferior"Femilak".

Designed for athletes soy dry mix "Olympic" has proven itself in the use of nursing mothers to improve the process of milk production.

Group II. Products for correctiondiet Supplement prolactin

Specially created for nursing mothers milk "milky way"contains cow's milk, dry soy protein, chicory, vitamins, minerals, dietary fiber and particularly important ingredient is the extract of grass galegov. This substance has the strongest lactogenic properties. The mixture is"milky way"prescribed for young mothers from the first days of lactation.Used by women from the so-called"risk group of preventive maintenance" – at delay the formation of breast milk, short period of breast-feeding older children.

Group III. Lactogenic herbal products in the form of drinks

Some vegetable foods, and spicy flavor products serve to increase lactation:

Of the listed ingredients to produce decoctions, aqueous extracts, juices and teas. They should take fresh brewed, nastoenie or depressed. This includes tea harvest enriched lactosenegative.

Group IV. Supplements for lactation

Specifically for women with gipoholesterinemia "Lovituri" developed dietary Supplements, which include components of spicy-flavoring plants and bee waste products. Describe about the testing of 2 major BAD. Drugs were assigned to the group of pregnant women. Apalachin gave to mothers with high risk factors of rastyagivanie. Lactogen women from the same group within the same group, but obstetric history which has been burdened.

  • "Apalachin" – a drug that contains the already known Apilak (Royal jelly, combined with flower pollen). Of the 100 mothers who took Apalachin since the first days of lactation, 80 continued breastfeeding at home after discharge from the maternity ward.
  • "Lactogen" – is a preparation containing Royal jelly andcomponents of prolactin spicy taste of the crops used for medicinal purposes (oregano, nettle, ginger, carrot juice, dill). 90 of the 100 mothers studied after discharge from the maternity unit continued lactation.

A contraindication to receiving these agents is only individual intolerance to bee products.

Group V. Comprehensive vitamin-mineral preparations

The ineffectiveness of all measures associated with the drug administration groups I – IV doctor naznachenie hypogalactia with the use of drugs. Thus it is necessary to find out the reason that caused this condition, and act primarily on her.

Medicines used for the treatment of hypogalactia:

  • Vitamin preparations;
  • Preparations containing minerals;
  • Hormonal drugs;
  • Calming (sedative) funds.

Possible appointment doctor taking homeopathic medicines and physiotherapy.

The use of funds from different food groups to increase lactation

Exposes the listed products and medicines from different groups:

  • Products I and IV groups shown for women at risk for the development of hypogalactia; appointed in the second half of pregnancy or the first days after the birth of a child and thus lactation.

  • Products in group II are especially virginmegastore properties. Are assigned to women with low levels of lactation in the hospital and to mothers during lactation crises.
  • Products of group III is intended for correction of the diet in times of crises lactation.
  • The products of group V assigns exclusively by the attending obstetrician on a personal medical appointment, individually, with consideration of complaints and anamnesis.

You need to drink milk lactation?

Let us consider in detail what drinks you need to take to increase milk supply and increase the quantity of produced breast milk.

Fresh carrot juice

Root crop carrots should be washed with a brush and RUB on a fine grater, squeeze through cheesecloth from the mass of juice.

If the taste of carrot juice don't like, it can be improved by adding a selection of small quantity:

  • Cream;
  • Natural milk;
  • Of honey (if no allergies);
  • Fruity, othervegetable or berry juice.

The number of additional components should not exceed 1-2 tablespoons in relation to 1 glass of juice. Otherwise galactogogue properties will be reduced. Should take half a glass 3 times per day.

Milk, finely grated carrots

Carrot RUB on a grater with the smallest canvas. In a mug, glass or Cup, put the resulting puree in the amount of 3-4 tablespoons. Pour 200 ml of milk, a comfortable drinking temperature, stir. You can use cream instead of milk. Take a glass of the mixture 2 to 3 times a day. In the evening portion in the absence of intolerance and, if desired, dbausername of honey: one or two teaspoons. It will promote good relaxation and a full night's sleep.

Drink from the seeds of salad

20 grams seeds of lettuce you need to cut non-metallic pestle in a glass or porcelain dish. Add 1 Cup of fresh boiling water and leave to infuse for 2-3 hours. You can improve the taste of the drink by adding one to two teaspoons of honey to 1 Cup of liquid. Strain through cheesecloth. welcome drink: three times or twice a day for half a Cup.

A drink made from cumin

This drink needs to be cooked. For the preparation you should take:

  • Cumin seeds – 15 grams;
  • Sugar – 100 grams;
  • 1 medium lemon (or 2 grams of citric acid).

All mix, pour 1 liter of water, put on fire. Boil while stirring, reduce the heat and cook for five or ten minutes. Drain after removing from heat and leave to cool slightly. welcome drink: three times or twice a day for half a Cup.

A drink made from cumin on fat cream

Prepared in a ceramic pot. Pour and fill the pot:

  • Cumin (ground seeds) – 2 tablespoons;
  • Cream ten pyatnadcatiletnij fat – 2 full cups.

Preheat the oven to heat slightly below average. Put the pot to simmer for 30-40 minutes, then cool to a comfortable temperature. Take a drink during Breakfast and dinner on half a glass.

Caraway kvass

To prepare to take food:

  • Black (rye) bread – 1 kg;
  • Cumin seeds – 40 grams;
  • Sugar – 500 grams;
  • Yeast – 25 grams;
  • Water – 10 liters.

Bread cut into cubes or shredded, dry and slightly fry on a dry pan or on a baking sheet in the oven. Bread piecespour in glass bottle, then pour cool boiled water, to remove for maceration for 3-4 hours at room temperature. Then get a bottle,strain the infusion, and then add the sugar, caraway seeds and yeast. To remove the bottle in a warm place and leave to ferment for 10-11-12 hours.

Infusion of dill seed

1 tablespoon dried dill seeds pour 1 Cup freshly boiled water and leave to infuse for 2 hours, then strain.

To take depending on the individual reactions:

  • Half a Cup of the infusion twice a day.
  • 1 full tablespoon means 6 times a day.

Proper technique: to make smaller throats, holding each Glotov in the mouth for a few seconds.

The infusion of anise seeds

2 teaspoons anise seeds pour 1 Cup freshly boiled water. Insist for 1 hour, strained and cooled. Should take half an hour before Breakfast, lunch and dinner (three times cetirizin day) for 2 tablespoons.

A drink of herbal

Mix vegetable raw materials:

  • Mashed anise fruit – 10 grams;
  • Fennel fruit – 10 grams;
  • Oregano herbs – 10 grams.

Take 1 teaspoon of the resulting collection pour 1 Cup boiling water, leave to infuse for 2 hours, then strain. Should take half a Cup 2 or 3 times per day.

Honey and radish juice

Fresh radish to grate on the fine grater and squeeze through a double cheesecloth juice.

Mix the ingredients:

  • Radish juice – 100 grams;
  • The water boiled, chilled and lightly salted – 100 grams;
  • Natural honey – 1 tablespoon.

Take 1/3 – 1/2 Cup 2-3 times a day.

Foods that increase lactation milk

For a sufficient level of breast milk the mother should qualitatively to eat. Should comply with the necessary daily calorie foods, drink plenty of fluids (up to 2 liters a day) to consume the right amount of protein. Stimulate lactation contribute to the normal diet of homemade cooking.

In a nursing mothers diet should include soups, broths, and cereal dairy crisp cereal, meat products, fresh fruits and vegetables, vegetable dishes and cereals, dairy products. Food should be tasty and varied. We recommend that you drink milk, yogurt, weak tea, with milk, natural juices, herbal and fruit teas, tinctures, teas, compotes and jellies.

If a nursing mother observes all the principles of nutrition during lactation, but the milk produced is not enough, you should pay attention to individual products.

To improve you need to include in the diet:

  • Soups on meat and vegetable broths;
  • Dairy products;
  • Dishes made from buckwheat, rice, oat cereals;

  • Greens, especially lettuce;
  • Fresh vegetables – carrot, pumpkin, radishes, onions;

  • Fresh fruit and dried fruit;
  • Meals of brown rice;
  • Berries of a black currant;

  • Hazelnut;
  • Fennel;
  • Watermelons.

In soups and side dishes is good to add seeds of anise, caraway, fennel.

Complement the meal with drinks, enhancing lactation, for example:


What foods are banned?

In addition to previously mentioned food-allergens during breast-feeding should refrain from those that inhibit the production of milk. Basically, it's grass and leaves of medicinal plants.

To the lactation process to go smoothly, you need to abandon the following herbs:


4 of the most effective folk remedies

Enhance lactation will help tested folk recipes, not one generation used by women. Offer 4 powerful tools, with a powerful lactogenic action.

Oil of black cumin to increase lactation

Thyme, as mentioned above, is one of the powerful lactogenic plantfunds. Regular consumption of black seed oil promotes the formation of breast milk and its accumulation in the mammary glands.

Of black cumin seeds to prepare drinks that increase milk supply:

  • Caraway tea: take 1 tablespoon cumin (ground seeds) salvaescaleras liters of boiling water. Insist 10 minutes, filter and drink immediately, you can add milk, honey.
  • Caraway infusion: fall asleep in a thermos 1 tablespoon cumin (ground seeds) and pour 1 Cup freshly boiled water. The thermos closed, leave to infuse for 10-11-12 hours. Then strain and take 2-3 tablespoons 5-6 times a day.
  • Caraway drink: take 1 tablespoon cumin (ground seeds), place in an enamel bowl and pour 1 liter of chilled boiled water. Add the peeled and sliced lemon (you can substitute 2 grams of citric acid), 100 grams of sugar. Put on low heat and cook while stirring for 10 minutes. Strained, cooled and taken half a Cup 2 to 3 times a day.

  • With cumin cream: 2 cups cream pour into ceramic bowl, add, stirring, 2 tablespoons cumin (ground seeds), cover with a lid and put in oven on low fire for half an hour. Strained and cooled. Take 1 glass morning and evening.
  • Caraway kvass: cut slices of rye bread, dried and slightly fry it, then pour 10 liters of boiling water. Insist for 3-4 hours, add in the liquid portion of 25 grams of Baker's yeast, 1/2 kg of sugar and 2 tablespoons of caraway seeds. Remove in a warm place for 10-11-12 hours. Caraway kvass is ready to drink half a Cup twice a day.

Find out more: Useful properties and application of black seed oil

Nettle for increasing lactation

To increase the amount of breast milk broth nettle. Recipe: 1 tablespoon of crushed leaves of nettles is poured into 100 ml of boiling water. Taken three times a day for 1 tablespoon.

Fennel for lactation

Active ingredients of fennel have a stimulating effect on the production of estrogens – female sex hormones. Estrogens, in turn, contribute to the production of the hormone prolactin, responsible for the production of mammary glands of breast milk. In addition, fennel has a calming effect that helps a woman to be in psychological equilibrium. And thanks to the vasodilator property of fennelthere is a rush of blood to the mammaries. As a consequence, free flow of milk. All factors together are beneficial to increase lactation young mother.

Scientists have conducted studies in goats and mice as test subjects. The results showed efficient amplification of lactation against reception of preparations of fennel.

International Association of lactation consultants conducted a study of the effect of fennel on lactation in the group of five lactating women. Within 10 days nursing mothers were allowed to take an infusion of fennel and then canceled. The results showed that during administration of infusion, the volume of milk produced from all five of the women increased, and after the cancellation – after 3-5 days decreased.

In the Moscow Center for family planning and reproduction was carried out a similar study, but on 2 groups of women. Nursing mothers 1st group was given natural product – tea with fennel HIPP company, 2nd group were not given supplements. Mothers of the 1st group the frequency of feedings increased 3.5 times, 2nd group – is not changed.

Recipes fennel:

  • Tea Is "Classic". 1 tablespoon fennel fruit pour 200 ml of boiling water, insist 2-3 hours, strain. Let cool and take 2 tablespoons before eating 3-4 times a day.
  • Fennel in cream sauce. 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds mixed with 1 Cup of sour cream, put in a fireproof dish in the oven for an hour. Taken in the form of heat, preferably overnight.
  • Milk fennel. 2 tablespoons of crushed fennel seeds pour warm milk. To improve the taste, allowed to add a pinch of nutmeg or salt. Insist, filter. Taken 10 minutes before Breakfast. Instead of milk you can use yogurt or natural yogurt.

Fennel seeds to increase lactation

Dill has long been used as a remedy to enhance lactation.

  • Cooking dill infusion: take 1 tablespoon crushed fennel seeds, pour 1 Cup freshly boiled water. Insist 2 hours, filter and take. Or a half Cup in the morning, the glass half – in the evening; or like this: 1 tablespoon, but to distribute on 6 receptions in all day.
  • Infusion of seeds and greens: take 1 tablespoon: dill seeds and chopped dill. The mixture pour 2 cups of boiled water at room temperature and put in a water bath. Heat, stirring, for 15 minutes. Then cooled, after which it is filtered. Take half a Cup 3-4 times a day.

Other recipes

  • Grated carrots with milk andhoney. Medium carrot RUB on a small grater, pour a glass of fresh cow's milk or cream. Take 1 glass morning and evening. In the evening added to the drink 2 teaspoons of honey.

  • The infusion of the herbal. Take 1 tea spoon of crushed vegetative raw materials: fennel, anise seeds, marjoram. Pour a glass of boiling water, insist 2 hours, filter and take half a Cup twice or thrice a day.


Useful tips how to increase lactation

The establishment of lactation occurs by 3-4 months from the date of birth of the child. For the first time the state of the mammary glands can change: they grow, or seem to be "empty, changing in size during the day. With the establishment of regular lactation breast milk is produced by mammary glands only during the period of breastfeeding.

It is important to know that the quantity of produced breast milk of nursing mothers directly related to the level of prolactin in her system. To influence the volume of produced milk in the first months of feeding, when there was established lactation. Here are a few useful recommendations to increase lactation.

To feed the child need at his request

In former times it was believed that an infant needs to be strictly on schedule. Now this view has long been refuted. You need to feed your baby when he demands it. Sometimes the baby wants to eat within 30 minutes after feeding, but sometimes he and 6 hours of calm and well-fed.

To attach the baby to the breast often need to feed can be a long

At the time of the baby sucking at the breast in a woman's body produces hormones and oxytocin is responsible for milk production prolactin. Therefore, the longer the baby suckles, the higher the level of prolactin at mom's. Therefore, the more milk will produce breast.

You can understand some moms complaining about the hours sucking child chest. It is not that the child is hungry, but often that he needs contact with mother. So you can not forcibly take your child from breast, how long he wouldn't want it to suck. Even if a child is worried about something, he may feel the need to suck the breast. So the kid feels safe and calms down somewhat. Sometimes the baby may for 6-7 hours, require a mother's breast, starting to suck, then just being near the breast. For this reason do not worry, because this child's behavior is normal.

Be sure to feed the baby at night

Before it was considered the norm that the child observed the nightsix-hour break between feedings. Mothers, of course, safer when the baby sleeps all night. Sometimes moms try to "teach" the child not to eat at night. He must not do so. Modern pediatricians and neonatologists advised to feed the baby at night if he asks. Some children continue to Wake at night for feeding.

It is especially important to provide the child with night feedings if he needs them, in the first months of his life. At this time, the process of lactation mom is not yet installed, and the production of prolactin actively occurs at night. Thus, night feedings stimulate production of more milk.

Homeopathic remedies

There is no consensus about the usefulness of homeopathic remedies. Evidence-based medicine was not involved in the study of these drugs, so the doctors they are unpopular. However, the reception of the user harm to the body brings. Many moms have noted a positive effect on lactation after application of homeopathic medicines. This may be due to a placebo effect or the natural end of lactation crisis. However the fact of increasing the level of prolactin under the influence of these funds.

Harm to cow milk during lactation

Modern studies confirm that there is no such food that would have influenced the prolactin levels. In particular, there is a perception about the benefits of a large number of cow's milk to increase lactation.

Let's call reasons that reveal its fallacy:

  • Receiving cow's milk does not increase prolactin levels.
  • Cow's milk cannot be "recycled" in women's breast milk.
  • The use in food of cow's milk can cause allergic reactions in children.
  • In the use of mom fat cow's milk, dairy products, and especially in large quantities, the child may experience intestinal cramps and persistent constipation.

Learn more: Cow's and goat's milk to the child why it is harmful and dangerous?


Mistakes young mothers

You should remember 2 basic rules for breastfeeding moms:

  • Do not schedule feedings;
  • Not to give the child as supplementary feeding milk mixture.

Some moms can make a conclusion that the baby is hungry and "supplementation"his formula. However, there is not only necessity but of expediency. Moreover it harms the health of the baby and breastfeeding. Milk formula can cause baby with his immature bowel severe painful attacks of colic and constipation. The taste of formula milk is sweeter than breast milk and bottle to suck the mixture is much easier than breast milk. Therefore, the risk of losing milk supply completely.

But other than these two mistakes, young mothers allow even more errors:

  1. Do not give water to the lure. If the child is breastfed, give extra water he didn't need until then, until you introduced solid foods first. Many mistakenly believe that milk is baby food, and he should be given water as a drink. In fact, breast milk provides the need as in food and liquid. 80-90% of breast milk is water, so "Dopinat" the baby should not be even in the heat or with dry ambient air. It would be much better if you attach the baby to the breast, and thus further stimulate lactation.

  2. If the child is crying – it does not mean that he is hungry. Often the crying of a baby is perceived as a signal about the need for food. However, a child can disturb a lot of other reasons: a wet diaper, various pains, cutting teeth. The kid might be scared, bored, just wish to be together with mom. When the baby cries at night, he may have increased intracranial pressure. There are many causes of child crying, so you should not make an unambiguous conclusion "crying means hungry."

  3. Soft Breasts is not a sign of lack of milk. As we have already mentioned, the production of milk takes place at the time of feeding the baby. If the breast is not swollen by the time the next feeding remains soft, it does not mean that it is "empty". On the contrary, it is a good sign meaning that in mammary ducts there is stagnation of milk. It can also mean that established lactation.

  4. About the pumping. Pumping is required only in case of stagnation of milk – lactose. In other cases, this action is not considered appropriate. After the end of lactation in the mammary glands remains a portion of the "back" of milk, which has a high nutritional value. Decanting milk, mothers lose a useful part of the diet of the child. The best option would be to attach the baby to the breast additionally later feeding.

  5. The old rulesweight gain has lost its relevance. You should not write off the modern achievements of medicine. Use the old tables of weight gain and growth by age periods is impractical. Used in these "rules" were applicable to children-"iskusstvennom", not to mention the fact that they were a few decades ago, based on the level of knowledge, outdated today.

  6. Say "no" to the nipple of the pacifier. Pacifier is contrary to nature itself, which relates only to suck its mother's breast. Pacifier use when the child is anxious and crying, and the parents don't know what to do. Need to find out the cause of crying if you need to contact the pediatrician. But the sucking reflex of a baby to satisfy only attachment to the breast. Needless to say that further weaning from the pacifier will cause the child serious stressful situation.

  7. Do not rely on the control weighting. There is a method of determining the amount eaten by the child the milk – Checkweighing. The child is placed on the scales before feeding, then after. Note, however, that not each feeding the child eats the same amount of milk. Daily values may be eaten mainly in the first half of the day. Then the child may eat little and often. But if the mother sees that two or three consecutive times the child ate 10 grams, it can cause serious panic, which is completely unfounded.

  8. Do not introduce solid foods early. You should not give the child solid foods until they reach 6 months. New foods can only hurt, because in the child's body before that age produces enzymes that can digest only breast milk.


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