Breastfeeding has long been considered the most correct and in a useful way, positively influencing the growth and development of children. After all, in addition to nutritious milk, the baby receives useful vitamins, minerals and microelements. This is exactly what the newborn’s body requires. But sometimes there are situations when the child does not eat enough, and the reason for this may be an insufficient amount of milk in the mother’s breast. What to do if the baby does not have enough breast milk and how can you find out? Let's pay Special attention this topic, since malnutrition negatively affects the child’s health, as well as his weight gain, therefore, the more the mother knows about this, the less likely it is that such a problem will arise.
How to determine if your baby has enough milk
Parents often ask themselves the question: “Does the baby have enough milk?”, the answer to which is sometimes very difficult to find. There are a number of signs that have been voiced by experts. It is precisely by these signs that it will not be difficult for a young mother to determine whether the baby has enough breast milk or not.
So, these signs are characterized by the following indicators:
1) The nature of intestinal secretions. Exactly by color feces you can determine whether the baby is eating enough and whether he has enough milk. In the first days after birth, the color of the baby's stool is predominantly greenish. Already on the third/fourth day, the color should change to light yellow, which will indicate a sufficient amount of nutrition for the baby. If a child does not have bowel movements, this may also indicate that he is not getting enough to eat.
2) Number of urinations. You can find out that the baby is full and has enough breast milk by urinating. If the number of urinations is 5-6 times a day, then this indicates correct and sufficient feeding. The baby should have small bowel movements at least 10-12 times per day. The urine should have a light tint and smell of milk. If the number of urinations is significantly less, you will need to consult a doctor for advice.
3) Monitor the feeding process. To understand whether your baby is getting enough breast milk, you need to monitor how he eats during feeding. If during the feeding process the pause during breastfeeding is prolonged, this indicates sufficient nutrition. If, on the contrary, the child constantly smacks his lips, then this indicates a low composition of milk in the breast.
If a child does not get enough breast milk, then it will be easy for parents to understand this based on the following factors:
1) When the chest becomes empty, instead of falling asleep, parents notice the baby’s whims and cries. Why does this happen? The main cause is not colic at all, but malnutrition. To recognize this, you do not need to specifically monitor his diet.
2) Frequency of feedings. Approximately every 2 hours the baby should wake up to eat. (Important: suitable for one-month-old babies). If the period of time is reduced, then these are the first signs of malnutrition.
3) Prolonged breastfeeding. The longer a baby sucks at its mother's breast, the higher the likelihood of malnutrition.
4) The child’s skin color is pinkish, which indicates his normal condition.
5) Shiny eyes. Even if the toddler cries, the presence of tears indicates that the causes of the disorder are not at all due to hunger.
As you can see, there are enough factors by which you can determine whether a baby has enough breast milk. It is also worth noting that the above signs are not always appropriate, as sometimes they can indicate other problems. These problems include colic, lack of sleep, etc.
The problem of a baby not getting enough breast milk can be determined by weighing. To understand that the baby is full, you need to weigh the little one before feeding and then after. The difference that the scales will show will be the fact of how much milk the baby sucked. It is recommended to carry out such manipulations 4-5 times a day in order to determine as accurately as possible how much milk the baby eats.
You can find out how much milk a baby should eat at a certain age from the relevant materials on this site. But find out how much you should gain infant With normal nutrition, you can right now.
– For babies from birth to two months, weight gain should be about 150-250 grams.
– From two to three months – 150-200 grams.
– From three to six months – 50-150 grams.
– From six months to a year – up to 100 grams.
But it’s just worth noting that minor deviations in the amount of milk consumed are not pathological at all. The most important things for a newborn are weight gain, healthy sleep and no signs of illness.
If your baby is malnourished: how to find out
There are also signs that allow you to determine the lack of nutrition for your baby. To understand this, you need to pay attention to a number of the following factors:
1) Losing weight instead of actively gaining it. To prevent such a situation, you must immediately visit a doctor.
2) Presence of milk in the breast. If after feeding the mother notices that her breasts remain firm, then this is the first sign of malnutrition in the toddler. Elasticity indicates incomplete emptying of the mammary glands.
3) Low number of times of urination, as mentioned above.
4) Feces of a predominantly dark color indicate a disruption in the functioning of the body.
5) Whims, especially during feeding. If the baby suckles at the breast and at the same time often breaks away from it and is capricious, and then again reaches for the food source, then, most likely, the mother does not have enough milk.
6) Presence of dark urine. If you notice signs of darkening of urine in your baby, then you need to contact your pediatrician.
7) If there is not enough fluid in the body, children begin to become dehydrated or dehydrated. The cause of dehydration is insufficient nutrition.
What to do to increase lactation
Having decided on the answer to the question of whether the baby has enough breast milk, you can begin to correct the situation. But what needs to be done to increase lactation? What methods exist for this, and is it possible to supplement feeding a baby?
The reason that babies are malnourished is the mother's low lactation. What needs to be done to increase it? To do this, the right action would be to visit a doctor who will prescribe lactogenic products, herbal teas, vitamins, etc.
Beyond consumption healthy products The following activities will be required:
1) Every day it is necessary to increase the frequency of putting the little one to the breast. This must be done both during the day and at night. Eliminate the use of pacifiers and pacifiers, as it is easier for the baby to suck on them than on the mother’s breast.
2) It is also necessary to express milk after feeding. In the first month, a newborn tends to consume milk in small quantities, so leftovers often lead to stagnation and ultimately to adverse consequences: mastitis, decreased lactation.
3) It is necessary to increase the fluid intake of a nursing mother. Moreover, it is not easy to drink water, but it is recommended to drink herbal teas, juices, fruit drinks, etc. If you consume them warm, you can double your lactation. The daily fluid intake for mother is 2 liters.
4) If you want to increase lactation, you will need to do long feedings both during the day and at night.
5) Do a breast massage. Massage has long been considered a healing procedure that can not only relax, but also cure diseases. A daily five-minute breast massage, which can be done either independently or with help, will help increase lactation. During the massage, it is not recommended to do strong squeezing and rubbing. The procedure should be easy and painless.
Supplementary feeding
One more to go important question about whether it is possible to supplement the baby with artificial formula or other products if he does not get enough breast milk. In this case, it is also necessary to determine what is best to supplement the baby with.
So, first of all, before you start supplementing your baby with artificial formula, you need to determine the likelihood that he is not getting enough.
Already with these suspicions, consult a doctor who will give helpful advice and will appoint The right way problem resolution.
If, however, the mother cannot influence the lactation process in any way, then the surest way is to supplement the baby’s feeding. But here it is important to transfer him to mixed feeding, and not completely to artificial feeding. To do this, you need to supplement feeding no more than 2-3 times a day, and breastfeed the remaining times. Supplemental feeding in between will allow the mother to rest, and in the meantime the milk will flow. Mom will be ready for the next feeding.
Important! It is better to supplement your baby with artificial formula during the day, and at night it is preferable to breastfeed. Why is that? This will avoid problems with colic, and mother will not need to get up at night to prepare the mixture.
What else can you supplement your baby with? Sometimes mothers, in order to save money, resort to new baby feeding products. Most often it is cow's milk. But it is worth noting that supplementary feeding of cow's milk to a baby up to one year is not recommended, since it contains virtually no fat and sugar. Mother's milk is predominantly sweet in taste, which tempts babies. Cow's milk causes intestinal disorders because it contains mineral salts and sodium.
The best option for supplementing infant, are artificial mixtures. But you shouldn’t exclude main feeding at all, as this will cause intestinal disorders and lead to constipation and bloating.
Concluding all of the above, it is worth noting that to solve the problem of infant malnutrition, perhaps the main thing is to make an effort and everything will work out.
What arguments do mothers most often give to explain that the baby does not have enough milk:
Mom stops feeling the flow of milk. Milk flow (quick and strong filling of the breast with milk) is observed in nursing women in the first weeks after childbirth when lactation is established. After the third week of lactation, the woman’s body and milk production adapts to the baby’s needs, and milk begins to flow little by little, but constantly. Therefore, a nursing woman stops feeling hot flashes. Thus, it is important to understand that the absence of hot flashes is a normal physiological process and not an indicator of insufficient milk production.
The baby is restless during feeding and cries. This situation often arises not because the mother has little milk, but because the baby does not get enough to eat due to the fact that it is difficult for him to get it. This is often due to improper attachment of the baby to the breast, uncomfortable position when feeding, irregular shape mom's pacifier, etc. In addition, the baby may behave restlessly during feeding because he is teething or has a tummy ache (intestinal colic).
The baby often asks for the breast and sucks for a long time. Prolonged breastfeeding cannot be considered an indicator of milk insufficiency. The mother's breast is not only a source of nutrition for the baby, but also a means of consolation, emotional and psychological comfort. Therefore, the baby can attach himself to the breast once to eat, and two other times to calm down and communicate with his mother.
Therefore, subjective signs such as restless sleep, restlessness or crying during wakefulness or feeding, greedy and prolonged sucking, lack of milk when expressing the breast, lack of feeling of fullness in the breast, rare dense stools in the baby, are not reliable indicators of milk insufficiency.
How can you reliably determine that your baby is getting enough breast milk? This can be done in two ways:
- assess the child's weight gain;
- Assess urine output (wet diaper test).
Control weighing of the child
The method of control weighing the child before and after feeding, which was previously often offered to nursing mothers in a children's clinic, does not give any idea about the amount of milk the mother has. The fact is that if the mother feeds the baby on demand, then the amount of milk sucked in different feedings can vary greatly.
A mother can conduct a feeding test on her own at home, but to do this she needs to acquire special baby electronic scales. Next, you need to weigh the baby before and after feeding several times (at least five) a day. You need to weigh your baby without clothes (or in the same clothes) and in a freshly put on dry diaper.
In order not to get confused with the numbers, it is convenient to make a table with columns: feeding time, weight before feeding, weight after feeding, amount of milk sucked. After filling out the table, all that remains is to calculate the average volume of milk sucked. First, you need to add up the amount of milk sucked during all feedings and divide by the number of feedings. This way we will find out the average amount of milk sucked out per feeding. Then the average should be multiplied by the number of times the baby is latched to the breast per day.
For example, in 5 feedings the baby sucked 40, 50, 40, 30, 60 g. When adding these indicators, we get 220 g and divide by 5. The average for one feeding is 44 g. If the baby is fed 10 times a day, then he sucks approximately 440 g of milk.
Now it remains to find out whether this amount of breast milk is enough for the baby?
For approximate calculation The volumetric method is used to determine the daily volume of food for a child over 10 days of age. This method takes into account the actual body weight of the child. Thus, the daily amount of food for a child from 10 days to 2 months should be 1/5 of body weight; from 2–4 months – 1/6 body weight; from 4–6 months – 1/7 of body weight (but not more than 1 l) and from 6–12 months – 1/8–1/9 of body weight.
For example, a child is 3 months old and weighs 5 kg 200 g. To determine approximately how much milk he should receive per day, you need 5,200: 6 = 866 (1/6 of body weight). That is, this child should suck approximately 865 g of milk per day.
In addition, you can estimate your weight gain over a week. To do this, you need to weigh the child, and then repeat the weighing after 7 days. According to the standards of the World Health Organization, infants in the first six months should normally gain from 125 to 500 g per week, that is, from 500 g to 2 kg per month.
Wet diaper test
In order to conduct this test, the mother will have to give up disposable diapers for one day and count the number of times the baby urinates per day.
The following table will help you evaluate the results:
From the 14th day, the result is assessed as follows: if there are 12 or more wet diapers - there is enough milk, 8-10 wet diapers - lactation is reduced, 6 or less - the child does not have enough milk and urgent measures need to be taken.
If, using the above methods, the mother has determined that the baby really does not have enough breast milk, in no case should you rush and start supplementing the baby with formula milk without consulting a pediatrician. The baby will eat up the formula and ask for the breast less often, and this, in turn, will lead to an even greater decrease in milk production.
Why is milk becoming scarce?
The reasons for insufficient milk production are most often associated with errors in the organization of breastfeeding:
- insufficiently frequent breastfeeding;
- improper latching on the breast by the baby;
- supplementation or bottle feeding;
- Constantly sucking on a pacifier between feedings.
Not enough milk: take action
When milk supply decreases, the mother’s attitude and willingness to do everything in her power to maintain and normalize the lactation process is very important. The following recommendations can help her with this:
Correctly attach the baby to the breast.
For good lactation and effective sucking of the baby, it is important to properly attach the baby to the breast. If the baby does not breastfeed correctly, he cannot suck out enough milk, the breasts do not empty well and the milk supply decreases.
In order for the attachment to be correct, the baby’s mouth should be wide open and his chin should touch the mother’s chest. With the correct latch, the baby's lower and upper lips should be turned out (not tucked inward), and the baby should grasp not only the nipple, but also the areola - the dark area around the nipple. When sucking, the baby's cheeks puff out rather than retract.
Feed on demand.
For good lactation, you need to put the baby to the breast often. This is the so-called on-demand feeding, in which the breast is offered to the baby at the first sign of anxiety and as often as he wants. The interval between feedings should be no more than 1.5–2 hours. To maintain full lactation at first, 10–12 applications per day are necessary. The more your baby sucks, the more milk will be produced in the following days.
Care must be taken to ensure that both breasts are offered the same number of times. If one breast feeds less than the other, it will produce less milk.
The duration of feeding should be set by the child himself, that is, it will be individual for each baby, but on average at least 15–20 minutes. You should not take the breast from the baby before he releases it himself, otherwise he will not receive the very valuable hind milk, rich in healthy fats and nutrients, and the breasts will not receive a “request” to produce a new portion of milk.
Be sure to feed your baby at night.
Night feedings are an excellent way to maintain lactation, since at night the production of the hormone prolactin, which stimulates lactation much more actively than during the day. At night, it is recommended to put the baby to the breast 3-4 times, with two feedings occurring between 3 and 7 am.
Establish a daily routine and rest.
The psychological factor plays an important role in milk production. Accumulated fatigue, physical exhaustion, stress - all this can lead to a decrease in milk supply, as the production of the hormone oxytocin decreases. Therefore, in order to improve lactation, a nursing mother must first pay attention to her regimen. It is important to organize your day so that you have time for proper sleep and rest. Sleep should be at least 8–10 hours. If your baby often wakes up and asks for the breast at night, you can organize a co-sleep with him. At the same time, the mother will have the opportunity to sleep and relax more, since she does not need to go up to the baby. At sleeping together Another mechanism for triggering milk is triggered, namely physical contact between mother and baby. Tactile skin-to-skin contact promotes the production of hormones necessary to increase lactation. That is why, when milk supply decreases, it is recommended that the mother often carry the baby in her arms or in a sling, pressing him to her skin.
Walking on fresh air necessary not only for the baby, but also for the mother. Lack of oxygen also negatively affects milk production, so it is recommended that a nursing mother spend 1.5–2 hours a day in the fresh air. Experts have proven that a mother’s mood also affects the production of breast milk. Don't constantly think about the lack of milk and worry about feeding. Anxiety and inner constraint hold back his exit. We must try to eliminate stressful situations and remain calm. You can turn to your relatives and husband for help and support, who will help you care for your baby or take on some of the household chores.
Maintain drinking regime.
For sufficient milk production, a nursing mother must follow a drinking regime. You need to drink enough to not feel thirsty. In this case, the amount of fluid entering the body should be at least 2–2.5 l/day. For good lactation, it is recommended to drink warm drinks 30 minutes before feeding.
Do not use a pacifier.
The pacifier is shaped differently from the nipple, and sucking on the pacifier uses different muscles than sucking on the breast. Having gotten used to the nipple, the baby may begin to get confused and take the mother’s breast incorrectly.
Do not overdrink or overfeed the child.
Giving your baby water to drink creates a false sense of satiety in the baby and reduces the need to breastfeed. Therefore, you should not do this without first consulting a pediatrician, because breast milk is both drink and food for a child.
Often, a decrease in milk supply can occur without any external reason. These conditions are called lactation crises and are caused by the peculiarities of hormonal regulation. Most often, such crises appear in the 3rd, 7th, 12th weeks of a child’s life. During these periods, the mother experiences a temporary change in hormonal levels (a decrease in the production of the hormone prolactin), which affects milk production. A nursing woman's body adapts to the new milk needs of a growing baby. Lactation crises are a temporary phenomenon, and they usually last no more than 2–3, rarely 5 days. They can be easily dealt with by putting the baby to the breast more often.
If, despite all the efforts on the mother’s part, the baby does not eat enough and is not gaining weight well, you should seek advice from a pediatrician or lactation consultant.
How can you tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk? What signs of deficiency are true, and what to do in a situation where there is really little milk? You need to take a closer look at the baby’s condition and make sure that he takes the breast correctly.
Breastfeeding mothers, especially those with their first child, often feel as if there is not enough milk in their breasts. In a world where everything can be counted and measured, it is difficult to accept the fact that the amount of food for a newborn is determined only by how the mother’s body reacts to the child’s appetite.
It is very important to put your baby to the breast correctly and listen to your feelings. Reliable indicators of adequate or insufficient nutrition are frequency of urination and regularity of bowel movements, and, in the long term, normal weight gain.
The needs of a newborn are determined by two factors: body weight and age. In the first days after birth, mothers worry whether the baby has enough breast milk, since the breast produces very little food for the newborn - nutritious colostrum. The volume of milk required can be imagined if we consider that a baby is born with a stomach with a capacity of 7 ml. Already on the 4th day it will increase to 40 ml, after 10 days it will be approximately 80-90 ml, and by the age of one month it will be equal to 100 ml.
- 10 days-6 weeks - the child needs a volume of milk equal to 1/5 of his own body weight per day;
- 1.5-4 months – 1/6;
- 4-6 months – 1/7;
- 6-8 months – 1/8;
- 8 months – 1 year – 1/9.
On-demand feeding technique
On-demand feeding techniques are the foundation of successful breastfeeding In the first months of life, contact with the mother is of enormous importance for a child.
Many people think that education begins later, but no, it begins from the first days of life. And refusal of breastfeeding without good reason, due to difficulties at the stage of lactation formation, leads to the loss of some intimacy with the newborn.
He, like any person, wants to be heard and understood: that is why the technique of feeding on demand has gained such approval.
Trust nature, listen to your child, overcome difficulties. A bottle of formula and a pacifier may be a necessary addition, but they will not replace the closeness that breastfeeding provides.
Feeding “on demand” is recognized by pediatricians as the optimal scenario for healthy and complete lactation. The mother's body is configured to provide the baby with food and is able to produce as much milk as required.
Putting the baby to the breast when he asks - The best way achieve a balance between milk production and the needs of the newborn.
How often to put a newborn to the breast
Let the child determine how much milk he needs. When lactation begins, you need to put the baby to the breast every time he asks. This will launch the natural mechanism that regulates milk production.
If the mother is guided by some artificially created schedule, she will soon be faced with the question: there is not enough breast milk, what to do? You just need to trust the child with the right to decide how much he will eat, even if at first he asks for the breast 25 times a day. No worries - by 3 months he will reach a regimen of approximately 6 feedings per day.
Regarding the duration of feeding sessions. For a newborn, everything is unusual and frightening, but near the mother’s breast he feels as protected as possible. So even if it seems that the baby is just sleeping with the nipple in his mouth, there is no need to take it away. In addition, the longer he sucks, the better it stimulates lactation.
Signs of milk supply
How do you know if your child is getting enough nutrition? – Watch the child, not the clock! This phrase is familiar to many mothers who have sought advice from lactation specialists.
Neither the duration nor frequency of breastfeeding guarantees that the baby is full. Reliable information can only be obtained by observing the condition of the newborn and the course of natural physiological processes.
Urinary frequency
In the first days after birth, when the baby eats colostrum instead of breast milk, the daily volume of urine will be small. It will take 2 diaper changes, with each baby peeing 2-3 times. You can determine when it's time to change a diaper by weight. A diaper containing urine will weigh the same as a new one with 3-4 tablespoons of water in it.
When a baby switches to full-fledged milk, he gets more fluids and will pee more often. This can happen 12 times per day, so you will need 5-6 diapers.
For the purity of data, it is important that the child is fed only with mother's milk. and extra drinking lead to increased urine production.
Frequency of stool appearance
Pay attention to the consistency and color of the stool - if the feces contain mucus or blood, then this is a cause for concern If your baby doesn't get enough breast milk, it will be noticeable in his stool. What should a nursing mother expect?
In the first 3 days after birth, the baby will poop dark green meconium 1-2 times a day - this is everything that has accumulated in its intestines during pregnancy.
On the 3rd day, the stool should lighten; normally, the baby’s stool is liquid, mustard-colored, almost odorless. If so, this is a serious cause for concern.
But don’t be confused if the child has a real one. Its reasons are described in detail here. If the stool is dark brown and thick, the baby may not have enough milk during breastfeeding, but before introducing supplementary feeding, you should consult a specialist.
The frequency of bowel movements during the development of breastfeeding reaches 5 times a day. Everything is individual: some more often, but little by little, sometimes after each feeding. Some less often, but in impressive portions. Normally, for a baby up to 1.5 months - at least 2 times a day. After 1-1.5 months, the bowel movement pattern may change - this is not a problem if the stool is still mustard-colored and creamy in consistency.
Characteristic sucking
An experienced nursing mother understands that the baby is getting enough milk by the way he sucks. How does this happen? If a newborn holds the nipple in his mouth, and the movement of his lips and cheeks shows that he is trying to suck, this does not mean that he is eating. When he doesn't have enough breast milk, the baby will do the same.
A sure sign that there is enough food is noticeable gaps in the movements of the chin at the moment when the mouth is as open as possible. Correct algorithm breast sucking is like this: mouth wide open - pause - mouth closes. The motion is similar to how adults drink drinks through a straw. A pause in the movement of the chin means that the baby is swallowing milk. The longer it is, the more milk goes into the tiny tummy.
Thus, the time that the baby spends with the breast in his mouth does not play any role - only how he sucks and whether he is able to swallow milk is important.
Weight norm
After giving birth, the baby needs about 4 days to get rid of meconium and swelling, after which weight gain begins. The norm is an increase in body weight of 125-250 g per week. To keep the data clean, you need to weigh your baby either naked or in a dry diaper.
6 false signs of low milk supply and 1 reason to be concerned
Some mothers believe that if there is no feeling of breast fullness, then there may not be enough milk for feeding (this opinion often exists among inexperienced nursing mothers with small breasts) - There is no feeling of breast fullness - this is normal; in the first days or weeks after childbirth, few people feel it. Some women do not feel full during the entire period of breastfeeding, and this does not in any way affect the quality of lactation.
- The baby cries immediately after feeding. One of the reasons may be hunger, but there is a high probability that he is worried about colic or other discomfort. You should not feed your baby by the hour: let him suckle as much as he wants. Do it.
- Feeding is frequent and feeding sessions last a long time. There is no single correct lactation schedule– the needs of each baby are individual. Some people want to eat more often, but little by little, while others want to eat less often, but in larger portions. You need to focus on the fact that the child actually sucks the breast and swallows milk, as well as on the volume of stool (2-3 times a day). If it seems that something is wrong and the baby is malnourished, you need to consult a doctor, and only he can advise how to supplement the baby’s feeding if there is not enough milk. It is not advisable to introduce complementary foods on your own.
- Many mothers express milk to estimate the volume and are upset when the results obtained do not meet some standards. In the vast majority of cases, a nursing woman has enough milk in her breasts, and problems arise because the baby is not properly attached to the nipple or is not sucking effectively. Reasons why baby refuses breastfeeding, freaks out and cries, are described in this.
- If you offer a bottle to a baby immediately after feeding, he will also eat formula. This does not necessarily indicate that he is hungry. By checking the quality of feeding in this way, parents risk influencing it in a negative way.
- A sharp increase in appetite - the baby asks for the breast more often and sucks longer - means another growth spurt, and not a lack of milk. The baby should be put to the breast on demand, and milk production will very quickly adapt to the increased needs.
If the baby does not wake up on his own for night feeding, this does not mean that he is full. Infants have a very fast metabolism, and they are not able to eat for 7-9 hours.
Please note that weight and height standards are periodically revised approximately every 10 years, and what was the norm 10 years ago is no longer considered the norm now. Dr. Komarovsky talks about this and much more:
Techniques for dealing with deficiency or how to increase milk production
I always scold young mothers who, at the slightest difficulty, run for a bottle of formula. You don't need this! Understand that the healthiest thing for a newborn is mother’s milk..
And bringing lactation back to normal is not that difficult, you just need to make an effort and be patient for a few days. But don't neglect breastfeeding, it gives immunity and protection that are difficult to overestimate.
The baby rarely asks for the breast, looks lethargic and apathetic, and does not gain weight well. Most likely, he lacks natural food. But supplementary feeding with artificial formula should be a last resort, before moving on to it, you should try to establish lactation. What to do if there is not enough breast milk?
- Put the baby to the breast as often as possible, do not remove it while it looks like he is suckling.
- End the feeding session only when the baby wants it.
- Offer both breasts at each feeding. Start the next feeding with the breast that was the last one.
- If the newborn sucks sluggishly, you need to change breasts more often. Every time it is noticeable that he has stopped swallowing, he should be transferred to the other breast.
- Do not give your baby a pacifier - it reduces the effectiveness of sucking during feeding. If you eventually have to give complementary foods, it should be done from a cup or spoon, without a pacifier.
- Take care of mom. In order for milk to be produced in sufficient quantities, she should not be nervous. It is important to eat well, get as much rest as possible and drink enough fluids.
Using these recommendations, you can solve the problem of lack of milk in the breast and stabilize impaired lactation. If this fails, you should refer to the information provided in the article. This is not a cause for concern: perhaps the baby is taking the nipple incorrectly or something else has happened that is easy to fix.
From parents' stories
Tatyana, 27 years old, mother of Lesha, 9 months
As time passes, I understand that all this is funny, but I will write for those who are as mistaken as I once was. I myself have small breasts, and I was always secretly worried about how I would be able to feed the child. I gave birth, there was very little milk, so it seemed to me.
I listened to mothers with such problems... I discovered another reason for concern: there was no feeling of “fullness” in the breasts. Well, yes, it increased, but it was not like what they write there. Fortunately, I finally decided to contact a lactation specialist, and not torment myself with doubts while sitting at home.
It turned out that everything is in order, the baby should eat as much as he wants, and if he poops and pees normally, it means he is full. In general, I advise everyone: when doubts arise, contact professionals, do not trust third-hand information.
Yulia, 28 years old, Samara, mother of Milana, 6 months
We had problems at the very beginning, at 1 month, that is, I thought so. Mom advised me to switch to “Malysh” and not fool myself. It seems like she only fed me for a month, and nothing. But I decided to find out why this was happening and went for a consultation.
It turned out that we mistook for a lack of milk a natural breastfeeding crisis, when a child experiences a growth spurt. The doctor said that everything will get better in a week or two, but for now need to put the baby to the breast more often. And guess what? The milk actually increased in just a few days.
Conclusion
To determine whether a baby has enough breast milk, no special measurements are needed, just watch the baby carefully. The main indicator that he is eating normally is good mood, activity and regular excretion of urine and feces in sufficient quantities. If the baby releases the nipple on its own and calmly falls asleep after feeding, it means that he is full. If he sleeps until the next feeding - 3-4 hours - this is also good sign.
A child who is within the normal height and weight range for his or her age is properly nourished. All physiological indicators are individual; when there is a suspicion that the baby does not have enough milk, you need to seek help from a specialist. You can find out answers to frequently asked questions to pediatricians regarding the topic of the article from the video:
Worries about whether her baby has enough milk happens at least once to every young mother, especially in the first months after childbirth. Unfortunately, for many mothers, doubts about the sufficiency of milk end with the transfer of the baby to artificial feeding. Often, when faced with the first difficulties, a woman makes a hasty conclusion about her hopeless “non-dairy” (although the amount of breast milk may be quite sufficient) and, with the “support” of grandmothers or friends, who often have no experience of successful breastfeeding, begins to supplement the baby with formula or completely refuses breastfeeding. Most often, this happens due to a lack of knowledge about the mechanism of lactation and the criteria by which a mother can independently verify whether her baby has enough milk.
What you need to know about lactation
The main role in the mechanism of lactation is played by two hormones - prolactin and oxytocin. They begin to be produced by the pituitary gland immediately after childbirth.
Prolactin is a hormone responsible for the secretion of breast milk. The amount of milk a mother has depends on it: the more prolactin the pituitary gland produces, the more milk in the mother’s breast. Active production of prolactin is promoted by regular and complete emptying of the mammary gland and vigorous sucking of the breast by a hungry baby. The more often and more actively the baby sucks the breast and empties it well, the greater the release of prolactin and, accordingly, the greater the amount of milk will be formed. This is how the “supply and demand” principle works, and the baby receives as much milk as he needs.
Prolactin is produced most at night and in the early morning hours, so it is very important to maintain night feedings in order to provide the baby with milk during the next day.
The second hormone actively involved in the lactation process is oxytocin. This hormone promotes the release of milk from the breast. Under the influence of oxytocin, the muscle fibers located around the lobules of the mammary gland contract and squeeze milk into the ducts towards the nipple. Decreased oxytocin production makes it difficult to empty the breast, even if there is milk in it. In this case, the child has to make significant efforts to extract, so during feeding he may behave restlessly and even get angry. When trying to express milk, in this case, the mother will be able to squeeze out only a few drops from the breast, remaining fully confident that she has little milk. The amount of oxytocin produced depends on emotional state moms. The more positive emotions and pleasure a woman receives, the more this hormone is produced. While stress, anxiety and other negative emotions reduce the production of oxytocin, since this releases a large number of the “alarm hormone” adrenaline is the worst “enemy” of oxytocin, blocking its production. This is why a comfortable and calm environment around her and her baby is so important for a nursing woman.
Why did breast milk run away?
Lactation is a very fluid process, which is influenced by many different factors (the mother’s health, the frequency of feedings, the severity of the baby’s sucking reflex, etc.). cannot be produced “on schedule”, and for certain reasons its quantity may decrease. Insufficient milk production in the mother is called hypogalactia. Depending on the causes that cause it, primary and secondary hypogalactia are distinguished.
Primary hypogalactia is a true inability to lactation, which occurs in only 3-8% of women. It usually develops in mothers suffering from endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, diffuse toxic goiter, infantilism and others). With these diseases, the mother’s body often experiences underdevelopment of the mammary glands, as well as disruption of the processes of hormonal stimulation of lactation, as a result of which her mammary glands are simply not able to produce a sufficient amount of milk. It is quite difficult to treat this form of hypogalactia; in such cases, hormonal drugs are prescribed.
Secondary hypogalactia is much more common. A decrease in milk production is mainly associated with improperly organized breastfeeding (irregular attachment to the breast, long breaks between feedings, improper latching of the breast), as well as physical and mental fatigue, lack of sleep, poor diet, and illnesses of the nursing mother. The causes of hypogalactia can also be complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, prematurity of the baby, taking certain medicines and much more. A decrease in lactation can be caused by a mother’s reluctance to breastfeed her baby or her lack of confidence in own strength and a desire for artificial feeding. In most cases, secondary hypogalactia is a temporary condition. If the cause that caused the decrease in milk production is correctly identified and eliminated, lactation will normalize within 3–10 days.
All of the above situations are true forms of hypogalactia, which are still not as common as false, or imaginary, hypogalactia, when a nursing mother produces enough milk, but at the same time she is convinced that she does not have enough milk. Before sounding the alarm and running to the store for a package of formula, the mother needs to figure out whether she really has little milk.
Does the baby have enough milk?
You can quickly and reliably determine whether your baby has enough milk by counting the number of times he urinates. Do a “wet diaper” test: to do this, you need to count the number of times your baby urinates in 24 hours, without using disposable diapers and changing the diaper every time your baby pees. The test is considered objective if the child is exclusively breastfed and is not supplemented with water, baby teas or other liquids. If the baby has soiled 6 or more diapers, and the urine is light, transparent and odorless, then the amount of milk he receives is quite enough for him. normal development, and supplementary feeding is not required in this situation. If urination is rare (less than 6 times a day), and the urine is concentrated and has a strong odor, this is a sign that the baby is starving and it is necessary to take active measures to restore lactation.
Another reliable criterion for assessing the sufficiency of nutrition and normal development of a child is the dynamics of weight gain. Although the child’s growth is uneven, in the first six months of life the baby should gain weight of at least 500–600 g every month. If a mother is concerned about the rate of weight gain of her child, it is more advisable in such cases to weigh the baby once a week, while observing strictly defined conditions (weigh you need to completely undress the baby without a diaper in the morning before eating). According to WHO, a weekly weight gain of 125 g or more is evidence that the baby is getting enough nutrition. From the age of 5–6 months, the child’s growth rate decreases, and he can gain 200–300 grams per month.
How to get breast milk back?
Only after the mother, based on reliable criteria, is convinced that her baby really needs more milk, does she need to take measures to stimulate lactation. In most cases, “escaped” milk can be returned. The most important criterion for success is the mother’s self-confidence and desire to breastfeed. Only confidence in the correctness of her actions and a commitment to long-term breastfeeding will help her show the necessary persistence and patience and resist the “well-meaning” advice of relatives and friends to feed the “hungry” baby with formula.
In order to increase lactation, it is necessary to solve two main problems: firstly, to find and, if possible, eliminate the cause of the problem (for example, fatigue, lack of sleep, improper attachment of the baby to the breast, etc.) and, secondly, to establish hormonal the “demand-supply” mechanism, increasing the number of feedings (“requests”) of the baby, in response to which the mother’s body will respond by increasing the “supply” of milk.
∗ Breast stimulation. Considering the decisive role of hormones in the lactation mechanism, the most important and effective way to increase milk production is to stimulate the breast by sucking the baby and emptying it completely. If milk production decreases, the mother should first take the following measures:
- increase the frequency of putting the baby to the breast: the more often the baby sucks the breast, the more often signals for the production of prolactin will be sent to the brain and, accordingly, more milk will be produced. It is necessary to give the baby the opportunity to suckle at the breast for as long as he wishes; artificially limiting sucking can lead to the fact that the baby does not get the most nutritious “hind” milk and does not receive enough fat and protein (hence there may be poor weight gain). If there is not enough milk in one breast, you should offer the baby the second breast, but only after he has completely emptied the first. In this case, you need to start the next feeding from the breast that the baby sucked last;
- make sure that the baby is properly attached to the breast: effective stimulation of the nipple and emptying of the breast occurs only when the baby completely grasps the areola. In addition, if the breast is latched incorrectly, the baby can swallow a large amount of air, which can fill most of the stomach volume, while the amount of milk sucked will decrease;
- maintain night feedings: the maximum amount of prolactin is produced between 3 and 7 am. To ensure the production of a sufficient amount of milk the next day, there should be at least two feedings during the night and early morning periods;
- increase the time spent together with the baby: to stimulate milk production, it is very useful for a nursing mother to spend as much time as possible with her baby, carry him in her arms, cuddle her; co-sleeping with the baby and direct skin-to-skin contact are very useful for lactation.
∗ Psychological comfort. In the life of any mother, there are inevitably worries and worries. The main thing is that her short-term momentary worries do not develop into constant anxiety. Nervousness, the burden of responsibility, and the fear of doing something wrong can cause chronic stress. In this state, the blood of a nursing mother is constantly maintained high level the hormone adrenaline, which, as already noted, has a blocking effect on the production of oxytocin and thereby prevents the release of milk. In reality, the breast may produce enough milk, but if the mother is nervous or irritated, she cannot “give” it to the baby. To avoid such situations, a nursing mother needs to learn to relax. Massage can help with this, warm shower or a bath with aromatic oils (lavender, bergamot, rose), pleasant music and other ways to create a calm and comfortable environment around you and, of course, the most important antidepressant - the little man who is infinitely loved and in need of his mother’s love and warmth.
∗ Good rest and sleep. As a rule, a woman sitting at home with a baby bears the entire burden of housework, to say nothing of the fact that a nursing mother “only dreams of” a full 8-hour sleep. However, lack of sleep and physical overload are one of the most common reasons decrease in the amount of milk in the breast. In order to improve lactation, the mother needs to reconsider her daily routine and be sure to find a place in her busy schedule for nap and daily walks in the fresh air.
∗ Nutrition and drinking regime. Of course, for full milk production, a nursing mother needs additional energy, nutrients and fluid, and it is important that nutrition and drinking regimen are complete, but not excessive. The calorie content of a nursing mother's diet should be about 3200–3500 kcal/day. The optimal frequency of meals is 5-6 times a day, it is better to have a snack 30-40 minutes before feeding. When milk production decreases, it is advisable for a nursing mother to include in her menu foods that promote milk production: carrots, lettuce, parsley, dill, fennel, seeds, Adyghe cheese, feta cheese, sour cream, as well as lactogenic drinks: carrot juice, blackcurrant juice (if the baby has no allergies).
The drinking regime is much more important for maintaining lactation at the proper level and stimulating milk production when it decreases. A nursing woman needs to drink at least 2 liters of fluid per day (this volume includes purified and mineral water without gases, compotes and fruit drinks from seasonal berries and fruits, tea, fermented milk products, soups, broths). Drinking a warm drink 20–30 minutes before feeding promotes better emptying of the breast (this may not be strong green tea or just warm boiled water).
∗ Shower and massage. Enough in effective ways To increase lactation are a hot or contrast shower and breast massage. These procedures increase blood flow to the breasts and improve milk secretion.
It is better to take a shower in the morning and evening after feedings, while directing streams of water to the breast, do a light massage with your hand clockwise and from the periphery to the nipple, for 5-7 minutes on each breast.
To increase milk flow, you can massage your breasts. To do this, you need to lubricate your hands with olive or castor oil (it is believed that these oils have a stimulating effect on lactation), place one palm under the chest, the other on the chest. You should massage the mammary gland with light circular movements clockwise (2-3 minutes each), without squeezing the breast with your fingers and trying not to let the oil get on the areola of the nipple, so as not to cause bowel upset in the child. Then the same light strokes are carried out with the palms from the periphery to the center. This massage can be performed several times a day.
Most often, an increase in the number of feedings, adjustments to the mother’s daily routine and diet give positive results within a few days, and lactation improves. If the above measures do not bring tangible results within 7–10 days, the nursing mother should discuss with her doctor medication and physiotherapeutic methods of increasing lactation.
What is a lactation crisis?
Already in the process of established breastfeeding, a nursing mother may encounter such a physiological phenomenon as a lactation crisis, when her milk supply suddenly, for no apparent reason, decreases. This is usually due to a discrepancy between the amount of milk and the baby's needs. The fact is that the baby’s growth may not occur evenly, but in spurts; the most typical growth spurts are at 3, 6 weeks, 3, 4, 7 and 8 months. As the baby grows, his appetite also increases; in such a situation, the mammary gland simply does not have time to produce required amount milk. At the same time, the baby can receive the same amount of milk as before, but this amount is no longer enough for him. This situation is reversible. With an increase in the number of feedings and no additional feeding with formula, after a few days the mother’s breasts will “adjust” and provide the baby with sufficient nutrition.
All parents want their baby to grow healthy and gain weight well. But when breastfeeding, it is difficult to see the amount of milk that the baby drinks. It is not always possible to understand that the baby is not eating enough. How do you know if your baby is getting enough breast milk? Your pediatrician will tell you about this. Employees of the Daughters-Sons online store will recommend special mixtures and teas that activate the lactation process.
How can you tell if your baby is getting enough breast milk?
A newborn cries at the slightest discomfort: wet, cold, tired, overheated, hungry. Young mothers worry whether the baby is fed, whether he gets enough food for normal height and development, since they are not always able to understand the causes of infant cry.
- wakes up earlier than an hour after feeding;
- sucks for a long time and superficially;
- often breaks away from the chest and cries;
- does not fall asleep when feeding;
- is gaining weight poorly.
These signs may be indirect and signal other problems. Bad dream, frequent crying, the baby's nervous state can be caused by pain. The baby may suck poorly due to a short frenulum, and often wake up due to fear, cold, or the need to feel the mother’s warmth. Neonatologists say that sucking not only saturates, but also provides psychological comfort to the little man.
Important!
Control weighing will tell you whether the newborn is gaining weight. It is carried out before and after feeding. However, babies who are fed on demand may latch on differently throughout the day. Sucking not only satiates them, but also soothes them.
How to understand that a child is full?
Is your baby getting enough breast milk? This question worries every nursing mother. There are several irrefutable signs that everything is fine with breastfeeding:
- the breasts swell before feeding and become soft after feeding;
- milk oozes from the second breast;
- you can hear the baby swallow loudly, suck rhythmically and fall asleep at the breast;
- manages to wet about 10 diapers or 6 diapers per day (light-colored urine);
- soils diapers 1-8 times a day (stools are plentiful, without an unpleasant odor).
In order to produce enough milk, feed often, on demand, do not wean the baby from the breast before he wants it, drink a lot. Bebivita tea for nursing mothers with natural extracts of fennel, cumin, and anise will help improve lactation. A good lactogenic effect is provided by the Lactamil mixture. It makes breast milk optimal for feeding the baby and prevents the mother from gaining excess weight.
Important!
According to WHO standards, a baby fed exclusively on mother's milk should gain from 125 to 500 g per week. The baby's weight should be checked every two weeks.
conclusions
To gain strength, a newborn needs mother's milk. This is the most valuable nutritional product created by nature. If the baby does not finish eating, the mother should contact a specialist, find the causes of the problem and try to improve lactation. Special mixtures and teas that can be purchased in our online store will help improve the lactation process.