Care for Maintenance of Lactation

【Major Points】

Start breastfeeding early, keep breastfeeding often, and do it as much as possible. Last but not least, stay in a good mood.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet, get enough rest and relax.
Family support can help mothers to breastfeed for longer and decrease their anxiety and hopelessness.

How dose milk production work?

The secretion of milk is based on the balance between supply and demand. When the newborn sucks on the breast, it will stimulate the sensory nerves over the nipple and areola. The sensory stimulus from the newborn's sucking will transmit the message to the hypothalamus in the mother's brain, which then activates milk secretion. The hypothalamus will trigger the pituitary gland to release prolactin and oxytocin. The prolactin stimulates mammary gland cells to produce milk, and oxytocin causes the mammary ducts to constrict and secrete milk. Therefore, newborns need to suck on the breast frequently to stimulate continuous milk production.

Ways to promote lactation:

Skin contact on the delivery table between mother and newborn not only enables the mother to secret milk easier but also has a positive impact on the baby's breathing, heartbeat, and blood sugar stabilization.
Keep rooming-in and breastfeeding after delivery as soon as possible. Mothers should be encouraged to feed the baby at least every 2-3 hours in the first 1-2 months. The duration and frequency of breastfeeding should not be restricted. Instead, it should be based on the baby’s needs.
When a mother needs to be apart from her newborn for any reason, milking regularly is imperative to keep continuous lactation. (It's suggested 3-4 hours a time, at least 6-8 times a day)
Check your baby is latching on correctly. A good latch is vital for comfortable breastfeeding (including the area on both nipple and areola for the newborn to suck on).
A balanced diet during the breastfeeding period is recommended. Drink at least 2000 CC of water daily, eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and lean protein sources with small amounts of sugar and saturated fat.
Sufficient rest and relaxation are essential. A tired body will affect appetite, mood, and hormone secretion, which inhibits the oxytocin reflex. So when the baby sleeps during the day, the mother can join too.
The oxytocin reflex can be stimulated by applying warm compression before milking, massaging, expressing milk with other breastfeeding mothers, looking at the baby's photos or listening to the baby's cry. The best way to maintain lactation is to start breastfeeding early and do it continuously. All while getting adequate rest and avoiding stress.

Reference

Ihudiebube-Splendor, C. N., Okafor, C. B., Anarado, A. N., Jisieike-Onuigbo, N. N., Chin weuba, A. U., Nwaneri, A. C., ... & Chikeme, P. C. (2019). Exclusive breastfeeding knowl edge, intention to practice and predictors among primiparous women in Enugu South-E ast, Nigeria. Journal of Pregnancy, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/9832075
Suárez-Cotelo MDC, Movilla-Fernández MJ, Pita-García P, Fernández Arias B, Novío S. (2019). Breastfeeding knowledge and relation to prevalence. Revista da Escola de Enfe rmagem da USP, 53, e03433. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S1980-220X2018004503433
Westerfield, K. L., Koenig, K., & Oh, R. C. (2018). Breastfeeding: common questions and answers. American Family Physician, 98(6), 368-373.

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