Breast milk is the best food for babies. For newborns, breast milk is the most loving gift. Breast milk contains more than 400 nutrients, which not only helps babies resist various diseases but also helps them establish their own immune system, greatly reducing the chances of babies getting colds, gastrointestinal infections, diarrhea, asthma, and more.
At the same time, breastfeeding is beneficial for mothers' postpartum recovery. Studies have shown that breastfeeding can burn 500 calories per day, which also helps mothers lose weight and regain their figure. In the long run, breastfeeding can reduce the risk of future heart disease, breast cancer, and other gynecological diseases for mothers.
Correct Methods of Breastfeeding
Emphasize hygiene
Before breastfeeding, mothers should wash their hands and nipples with warm water, and then dry them with a warm towel to prevent sweat, dirt, and bacteria on the nipples from entering the baby's body during feeding. In addition, gently massage the breasts before feeding to remove the first few drops of milk before starting breastfeeding.
Adopt the correct posture
In the first few days after delivery, due to fatigue and weakness, it is recommended to breastfeed while lying in bed. Afterwards, it is generally preferable to breastfeed in a sitting position, sitting on the edge of the bed or on a chair, relaxing the whole body and breastfeeding comfortably. Hold the baby with one arm, and use the index and middle fingers of the other hand to gently hold the upper part of the nipple, slightly pressing with the index finger to move the nipple away from the baby's nose to prevent the breast from blocking the baby's nostrils. This also prevents the baby from choking or spitting up due to rapid sucking.
Time the feedings
In the first 3-4 days after birth, feed the baby every 2-3 hours, about 8 times during the day and possibly 2-3 times at night. When the baby is 3 months old, feed every 4 hours, 5 times during the day and 1-2 times at night. It is recommended that mothers establish a fixed feeding schedule to prevent underfeeding or overfeeding. Additionally, mothers should not immediately feed the baby when they cry; it is important to determine whether the baby is hungry, needs a diaper change, or is uncomfortable before taking appropriate action.
How to Ensure Adequate Breast Milk Production
Insufficient breast milk production is most commonly caused by improper feeding, followed by factors related to the mother herself. For example, excessive bleeding or other discomfort during childbirth can lead to insufficient breast milk production. Psychological stress or trauma can also cause inadequate breast milk production. To ensure sufficient breast milk production, the following measures should be taken after delivery:
Initiate breastfeeding early: The earlier the baby is stimulated to suckle, the more it can promote milk secretion. Even if breast milk has not yet been produced, after a few feeding attempts, milk secretion can be stimulated. The first feeding should ideally begin within half an hour after delivery.
Feed on demand: Milk production requires frequent stimulation from suckling. Initially, breast milk is not abundant, and it is easily digested, so the baby may quickly become hungry. Feed every 2-3 hours, about 8-10 times within 24 hours. As milk production increases, the interval between feedings can be extended to 3-4 hours. The feeding schedule should gradually become regular based on the baby's needs.
Maintain emotional stability: Some mothers may have sufficient milk production, but due to emotional instability or other reasons, their milk production may significantly decrease or even stop. Mental state and emotions can affect the secretion of certain hormones in the body, thereby affecting milk production. Therefore, it is important to maintain a regular lifestyle, ensure sufficient sleep, and have a positive and open mindset, as these are important conditions for smooth milk secretion.
Insufficient Breast Milk? Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help
Acupoint massage: During the process of new milk secretion after delivery, breast congestion and pain may occur due to poor milk duct circulation (especially in women with a history of breast hyperplasia), making it difficult to extract milk and increasing the risk of milk reflux. Acupoint massage using traditional Chinese medicine techniques can help mothers unblock milk ducts, promote milk secretion and discharge, and prevent milk accumulation and reflux.
Acupoint application: When breast milk production is insufficient, specific Chinese herbal medicines can be formulated according to the individual's constitution and symptoms. These herbal medicines can be applied as a paste on acupoints such as the Yu Yi, Ru Gen, and Shen Zhong to stimulate the acupoints and promote lactation.
Chinese herbal decoctions: During childbirth, the mother's qi and blood are depleted, and postpartum emotional disturbances are the two main factors leading to insufficient breast milk production. Based on the individual's constitution and syndrome differentiation, Chinese herbal decoctions can be given to regulate the body, promote smooth qi and blood circulation, and stimulate milk secretion.
