All About Breastfeeding
February 8, 2010
Hormone prolactin, secreted from the pituitary gland, is responsible for the production of milk in the breasts right after childbirth. The lobes inside the breasts become large for the secretion.
Once the baby gets the habit of sucking it, regular production of prolactin is maintained which makes milk production regular.
Importance of Breast Milk
The colostrum, a thick yellow milk form, is secreted initially. It is full of nutrients for the newly born. Breast milk contains protein, fat, vitamin C, and iron, sugar in form of lactose, vitamin D and water.
The milk contains less fat than cow`s milk but the energy than it provides is much higher than the cow`s milk. Immunoglobulin present in the mother`s milk provides protection against infectious diseases.
Breastfeeding, when done correctly, helps women relax and lower their maternal stress.
Doing It the Right Way
Stress and anxiety will affect the hormone oxytocin, which functions to cause the breasts muscles to contract in order to secreate the milk. The result is milk may not be able to come out, giving a conclusion that the mother is unable to breastfeed.
One needs to relax. The baby is brought near the nipple. It is important that the baby sucks the areola of the breasts. If the baby accidently bites on to the nipples, the milk ducts will be obstructed causing much difficulty in breast feeding.
Difficulties
Deficiency of milk in breasts is rare. Very small breasts might not be able to produce enough milk. Very large breasts may suffocate the baby during breastfeeding.
Breasts may swell due to milk production. The tenderness is relieved once the newly born consumes it. Nipples may become cracked because of constant sucking of the nipples by the baby.
In rare cases, the mother may not be able to breast feed. Then, the breasts may swell due to milk accumulation. Drugs like bromocriptine help in diminishing production of milk
Excess release of oxytocin may make the womb contract. This causes abdominal cramps and vaginal bleeding.
Breastfeeding may stop periods for 6 months but it is not a foolproof way of contraception. Only progesterone containing pills should be taken, if chosen. Otherwise, condoms remain a trusted option.
When solids are introduced in diet of the baby, the production of milk reduces gradually and finally stops. It takes about 1 year.
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