Breastfeeding is a special physiological period, and taking care of the breasts during lactation is of great significance to the health of both the mother and the baby. Lactating mothers should pay special attention to the following issues:
1. Lactating mothers should ensure an adequate intake of nutrients to meet the physiological needs of both the mother and the baby. Otherwise, it may lead to insufficient milk supply, affecting the growth and development of the baby. It may also result in excessive fat consumption, leading to body thinning and future breast atrophy.
2. Lactating mothers should maintain a good mental state, have a positive mood, follow a regular lifestyle, and get sufficient sleep. They should avoid the impact of various mental stimuli and negative emotions, which can hinder the secretion and excretion of breast milk.
3. During breastfeeding, the breasts should be emptied as much as possible. If the baby cannot fully empty the breast milk during each feeding, a breast pump should be used to remove the remaining milk, to avoid milk stasis. Otherwise, it may lead to bacterial infection and acute mastitis.
4. During breastfeeding, the baby should be fed alternately on the left and right sides to avoid breast asymmetry caused by excessive feeding on one side.
5. Pay attention to hygiene and health during breastfeeding, to avoid acute inflammation of the breast caused by milk stasis, trauma, or the baby biting the nipple. Lactating mothers should avoid contact with toxic substances such as benzene, lead, mercury, organophosphates, various radioactive substances such as X-rays and isotopes, and should be cautious or avoid using various medications.
6. During breastfeeding, it is recommended to wear a soft cotton bra. The breasts during lactation are prone to sagging due to the effects of gravity. Wearing a bra can provide a certain degree of support and lift, preventing breast sagging. Using a cotton bra can prevent fiber particles from synthetic fabrics from entering the breast ducts, avoiding milk secretion and excretion disorders caused by this.
7. Breastfeeding should not exceed 1 year, and it is generally recommended to breastfeed for 6 to 10 months. Prolonged breastfeeding can cause ovarian function inhibition, leading to excessive breast atrophy and decreased libido.
