Medicine today 

Insufficient milk secretion: how to increase lactation? The onset of mature lactation in a nursing mother

Every mother who is determined to feed her baby with breast milk wants the feeding period to be streamlined and give only positive emotions to both her and the baby. Situations often occur when milk production slows down and the woman thinks that it disappears completely, there is an alarming feeling that she will not be able to fully feed the baby. Therefore, the question: "When is mature lactation established?" relevant at all times.

What is mature lactation

The formation of the lactation process occurs long before the baby is born and is first attached to the mother's breast - milk production begins in the third trimester of pregnancy under the influence of hormonal changes.

In the first days of life, the newborn receives the most valuable nutrient - colostrum. After 3-5 days, milk appears, but this does not mean that the time has come to establish mature lactation.

Physiologically, the breastfeeding process is so complex that it will take a lot of time for both of its participants to get used to it.

At this stage, the woman has unpleasant sensations:

  • body temperature rises;
  • there is a feeling of fullness in the chest, it becomes heavy;
  • tingling sensation in the mammary glands;
  • often throws it into the heat, then into the cold.

This is due to the fact that the body of a nursing mother has not yet tuned in to the baby's appetite and directs all efforts to "milk production".

During this period, it is very important to apply the baby to the breast at his first request, so that painful seals do not form in it due to excess milk.

After 3-4 weeks (for some it happens later - up to 2 months), the woman discovers that the hot flashes in the chest are not felt at all and it is soft. And if the baby still eats and adds weight allowance, then this period is marked by the establishment of a mature, full-fledged lactation.

Signs of mature lactation

Often, mothers, especially those who have given birth to their first child and do not have sufficient experience, think that since the breast is soft, it means that the child does not gorge itself. This is the most common complaint you have when you visit your pediatrician.

Medical negligence is considered if he immediately decides to feed the baby with milk formulas. A competent specialist must find out the reasons why the woman determined that the child is hungry and, on the basis of this, give an opinion - whether she is right or not.

Lack of milk in the breast may indicate the onset of mature lactation, which has the following symptoms:

  • Soft breasts, no hot flashes.

The body begins to produce exactly as much milk as the baby needs to saturate it; it simply does not accumulate in the breast.

  • No chest leaks.

The explanation is the same - the needs of the baby are met during feeding.

  • You cannot express milk from your breast.

With mature lactation, neither hand nor newfangled ones can empty the breast as effectively as a baby does.

If a newborn cries after feeding, first of all it is necessary to exclude (they can disturb up to 6 months), a full diaper, overheating or hypothermia, and not immediately decide to stop breastfeeding.

Frequent breast demand is also not a sign of hunger, for newborn babies, the mother's breast is not only food, but also a means of communicating with the mother, calming down, it gives a feeling of comfort and security.

Some women conduct an experiment- after feeding, they offer the baby a bottle with the formula - if he takes it, then he is not satiated with breast milk. This is a common misconception that does not have any logical relationship - in the first few months, the sucking reflex is developed so strongly that the baby will not be able to refuse the bottle, even if he is not hungry.

Phases of lactation development

The process of formation and development of breastfeeding is long, it is divided into 3 main phases:

  1. Mammogenesis. The stage of hormonal changes when the mammary gland develops. This stage occurs in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.
  2. Lactogenesis. Directly the beginning of milk production in the mammary glands in the postpartum period.
  3. Lactopoiesis. Establishing lactation, maintaining the production of the amount of milk necessary for the full development of the child.

Lactogenesis, in turn, has its own developmental stages, at each of which the composition of breast milk undergoes colossal changes:

  • in the last stages of pregnancy, the expectant mother notices a yellowish discharge from the mammary glands. This substance is colostrum, which the newborn will receive during the first days of life.

Colostrum is rich in composition:

  • high protein and low fat;
  • complex of vitamins;
  • antibodies;
  • milk sugar - lactose.

It is released after childbirth in a small amount, but this is enough to make the baby full - the volume of his stomach is still very small.

The main purpose of this substance is the adaptation of the newborn to new conditions for receiving food - outside the womb, supplying his body with all nutrients. In addition, colostrum has a laxative effect - it helps a child to free the intestines from original feces (meconium) for the first time in his life.

  • after 3-5 days, transitional milk appears, preserving the benefits of colostrum, but already having a different ratio of substances contained in it. It is necessary to prepare the baby's digestive system for mature milk.

It was during this period that a feeling of heaviness in the chest appears, as if it was about to burst. This stage lasts about 3 weeks.

  • at the last stage, the breast of a nursing mother is no longer so "filled", hot flashes are less often felt - mature lactation begins to form.

Breast milk already has the composition that adapts to the needs of a particular child, it changes constantly:

  • milk is more nutritious in the daytime;
  • in hot weather it has a thinner consistency, in cold weather it is thick;
  • its taste changes with each feeding due to the use of a variety of foods by the mother;
  • in the first minutes, the baby receives foremilk, almost 90% water, to quench his thirst. Then it becomes more concentrated and nutritious in composition (hind milk) so that the baby is full and receives all the essentials for growth and development.

At each stage of lactation, breast milk also differs significantly in composition - in the first 6 months it provides the child's body with all "building materials", after this period it is necessary to introduce complementary foods, since breastfeeding can no longer fully provide the child with important components. But it is still very valuable due to the content of growth factors in the composition, which are not found in any type of complementary food, nor in the highest quality highly adapted mixture.

How to help lactation to settle

A rare mother does not face problems at the stage of the development of mature lactation. The most common one is that it occurs when a child makes big leaps in development, he needs more food, and the body of a nursing mother has not yet had time to adapt to the new conditions of milk production.

It is a mistake to believe that it has become less - it simply has not become more. During this period, the baby is capricious, asks for breast more often and sucks for longer. You should not give up breastfeeding in favor of milk formulas, a few days will pass and the process will improve - the mother's body needs a little time to tune in to the child's increased nutritional needs.

To help establish lactation, a nursing mother must follow a few simple rules:

  1. Provide body contact to the child as often as possible, it serves not only as a means of calming the baby, but also stimulates a powerful release of hormones responsible for lactation.
  2. Provide the baby with unlimited access to the breast, feed him on demand. The most important feedings are nighttime, when the concentration of lactation hormones is at its maximum. By offering the breast to the baby during these hours, the mother will speed up the process of becoming a mature lactation.
  3. Teaching the child to properly grasp the breast - not only the nipple, but also the areola, then the sucking process will be more effective.
  4. Do not wean the baby from the breast until he lets her go, if he lets go of one, offer the second one right away.

To successfully overcome a lactation or hunger crisis, it is necessary to adhere to the following tactics:

  • mandatory informing of the mother-wet nurse about the possibility of such crises for a calm perception by the woman of a temporary decrease in lactation;
  • an explanation to the mother that in order to overcome the crisis, it is necessary to increase the number of attachments of the baby to the breast in a timely manner (up to 10-12 times);
  • reintroduce night feeding;
  • be sure to check the correctness of the feeding technique;
  • to establish appropriate rest and sleep for the mother, to attract relatives for help during this period.

With this tactic, lactation increases rather quickly (3-4 days). At the same time, if the mother is not prepared for such a situation, when the first signs of a decrease in lactation appear, she (even without the appointment of a pediatrician) will try to add complementary foods to the child with a mixture. In order to help a woman who has complained about insufficient lactation and starvation of the baby, the consultant must first of all find out the following questions:

  • whether the baby really does not have enough breast milk or so it seems to the mother;
  • whether the baby's starvation is associated with insufficient milk supply to the baby during normal lactation in the mother or with a decrease in lactation.
  • insufficient increase in body weight - less than 500 g in 1 month. or 125 g in 1 week;
  • the release of a small amount of concentrated urine: rare urination (less than 6 times a day); urine is intensely yellow, with a pungent odor.

Credible signs that your baby is not getting enough breastmilk include:

  • the baby is not satisfied after breastfeeding;
  • cries often;
  • very frequent feedings;
  • very long breastfeeding;
  • refuses to breast;
  • tight, dry, or green stools;
  • loose stools in a small amount;
  • no milk when expressing;
  • there is no sensation of milk coming after childbirth.

When the consultant identifies reliable signs that may be associated not only with the fact that the baby is receiving an insufficient amount of milk, but also with other factors, it is necessary to look for absolute signs of underfeeding.

Reasons why a baby may not be getting enough milk:

  • factors associated with breastfeeding technique:
    • improper attachment to the chest;
    • lack of night feeding;
    • long intervals between feedings;
    • insufficiently long breastfeeding;
    • late onset of breastfeeding;
    • the use of pacifiers and feeding bottles;
    • introduction of complementary feeding and supplementation;
  • psychological factors in the mother:
    • physical fatigue;
    • lack of confidence:
    • excitement, stressful situations;
    • negative attitude towards breastfeeding;
    • negative attitude towards the baby;
  • factor of the general condition of the mother:
    • extragenital pathology;
    • the use of contraceptives;
    • pregnancy;
    • the use of alcohol, drugs, smoking;
    • starvation;
    • retained placental lobules (rare);
    • insufficient development of the mammary glands (very rare);
  • child's condition:
    • illness;
    • developmental anomaly.

Reasons for the refusal of the baby from the breast

A crying baby is the only way to report any discomfort (hunger, fatigue, dirty diapers, etc.). Crying a lot can be a barrier to successful breastfeeding. Parents most often associate crying with starvation and without timely and correct help from a medical professional, they cannot understand the situation, begin to feed the baby, which leads to premature extinction of lactation and artificial feeding. In addition, if the baby cries a lot, this can disrupt the relationship between the mother and the baby, cause psychological stress in the family as a result of negative emotions in the woman, and can contribute to a decrease in lactation.

Reasons on the part of the child

Causes from the mother

The action of sedatives
Difficulty coordinating sucking

Excess milk in the mammary glands

Changes that can upset a baby (especially at the age of 1-2 months):
Separation from mother
New face or many new, babysitting faces
Changes in the family environment

Menstruation
Changes in body odor
Changes in milk odor

Apparent rejection: newborn "takes aim"
A baby at the age of 4-8 months turns away - something distracts his attention

After a year - excommunication from іrud

Acute infectious (respiratory or intestinal) disease
Traumatic brain injury (pressure on the injury site)
Thrush
Don't cut through your teeth

Improper breast attachment
Bottle feeding, including dolactation feeding
Engorgement of the mammary glands
Pressure on the head from behind during attachment to the chest
Improper breast support during breastfeeding
Frequency of feedings is limited (long intervals between feedings)

To eliminate the reason for which the child refuses to breast, the woman should:

  • to constantly be near the baby: mainly to take care of the baby herself, not only during breastfeeding, but also at any other time to hold him in his arms (for children of the first months - close skin contact), to involve other family members in performing other seminal duties (preparation food, laundry, cleaning, caring for older children, etc.), if the mother went to work - take a temporary leave;
  • breastfeeding is necessary on demand. The mother should allow her baby to breastfeed as often as possible. Some babies in this situation tend to breastfeed more actively after spoon feeding rather than when they are very hungry. Feeding in different positions can be tried. If the mother feels that her oxytocin reflex is triggered, she should also offer the baby the breast;
  • help to pick up the breast as follows: pump a small amount of milk into the baby's mouth, apply free swaddling, comfortably place the baby near the breast and allow him to examine the mother's breast, avoid pressure on the baby's head from behind and properly support the mammary gland, perform correct attachment to the breast, which will provide effective milk sucking;
  • if necessary, cup feed between breastfeeding: express breast milk and give it from a cup or spoon. In the absence of sufficient lactation, give formula milk also from a cup or spoon. The use of nipple feeding bottles and artificial sedatives (pacifier) ​​should be avoided.

How to increase lactation?

  • rest for at least 48 hours (no hard work, house cleaning, washing, cooking, receiving visitors);
  • temporarily increase the frequency of feedings to 10-12 times a day, if the baby is calm and maintains the intervals between feedings of 3-3.5 hours, even with a lactation crisis, wake him up, offer breast every 2-2.5 hours;
  • give both breasts during each feeding .;
  • temporarily introduce night feeds to stimulate prolactin production;
  • expressing milk after each feeding;
  • practice close contact between mother and child (for newborns, direct skin contact) for 6-8 hours;
  • use relaxation techniques (massage, auto-training, music therapy) to improve the emptying of the mammary glands;
  • if it is necessary to supplement, do not use any imitators of the mother's nipple, use alternative means for supplementary feeding (cup, spoon, pipette);
  • use lactogenic foods and herbal teas (decoctions, infusions and drinks from herbs and seeds - lemon balm, a thousand liters of oil, dill, caraway seeds, anise, fennel, walnuts, carrot juice with milk, etc.).

Homemade juices, infusions and teas to increase lactation

  • a drink made from lemon balm, nettle, oregano. The herbs are mixed in equal proportions. One tablespoon of the mixture is washed down with 2 cups of boiling water and insisted in a thermos for 2 hours. Drink 1/2 cups 2-3 times a day;
  • infusion of dill seeds. One tablespoon of dill seeds is poured with a glass of boiling water and insisted in a thermos for 2 hours. Filter, drink 1-2 tablespoons 3-6 times a day (depending on tolerance);
  • anise infusion. Pour two teaspoons of seeds with a glass of boiling water and leave for 1 hour. Cool and filter. Drink 2 tablespoons 3 times a day half an hour before meals;
  • cumin drink. To prepare 0.5 l of the drink, take 10 g of caraway seeds, 50 g of sugar, medium-sized lemon juice. Caraway is poured with water, boiled over low heat for 5-10 minutes, filtered, sugar and lemon juice are added. Drink half a glass 2-3 times a day;
  • nut milk is an effective means of increasing the secretion and improving the quality of milk. Peeled nuts are crushed with sugar until a mass of doughy consistency is obtained, the mass is placed in boiled milk, stirred and infused for 2 hours. To prepare one serving of the drink, you need 0.5 liters of milk, 100 g of peeled nuts, 25 g of sugar. Take 1/3 cup 20 minutes before each breastfeeding;
  • carrot juice Freshly prepared juice is drunk for half a glass 2-3 times a day. To improve the taste, you can add milk, honey, fruit and berry juices to carrot juice (1-2 tablespoons per 1 glass of juice);
  • milkshake with carrot juice: 125 ml of milk (curdled milk or yogurt), 60 ml of carrot juice, 10 ml of lemon juice and 15 g of sugar, beat with a mixer just before use and drink 1 glass 2-3 times a day. In the evening, instead of lemon juice, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of honey to the cocktail (to eliminate nervous tension and good sleep). Sometimes a good result is given by the appointment of a woman with medicinal vitamins and fortifying preparations (apilak, multivitamins, mineral complexes, nicotinic acid, dry yeast extract), as well as physiotherapeutic procedures (UFO for mammary glands, ultrasound, massage, acupuncture).

It is necessary to explain to the woman that excessive fluid intake does not lead to an increase in lactation, since there is an idea among mothers that this remedy helps to increase lactation.

With excess fluid intake, the amount of milk may indeed temporarily increase, but the nutrient content in it decreases, and the load on the mother's body increases, which leads to a subsequent decrease in lactation.

Relaxation - the resumption of completely extinct lactation. Such a situation may arise, for example, in such cases:

  • during the temporary separation of the mother and child due to the departure of the mother, during which she did not support lactation;
  • the baby is artificially fed, but the mother wants to breastfeed him;
  • a temporary illness of the mother, during which she did not feed the baby and did not express milk;
  • artificial feeding is not suitable for the baby and there is a need to resume breastfeeding;
  • the mother has adopted the baby and wants to feed him with her milk.

The lactation process is characterized by the production and secretion of breast milk in the mammary glands. This important physiological process begins its formation in late pregnancy, preparing a woman for future motherhood.

The stage of mature lactation is characterized by a stable production of breast milk in the same volume without significant hot flashes. In order for this to happen, hormonal changes are carried out in the body of a young mother.

Stages of lactation formation

The mechanism of lactogenesis is very complex, and in order for the mammary glands to start producing breast milk, the female body goes through several successive stages.

Preparatory stage

During pregnancy in a woman's body, under the influence of hormonal factors, a functional restructuring of the mammary glands occurs. During this period, the growth and branching of the ducts of the mammary glands is carried out, the alveoli and lobes of the mammary glands develop. There is also a rapid growth of lactocyte cells responsible for the production of breast milk. 11-12 weeks before labor begins, these cells produce small amounts of colostrum.

The stage of formation of the lactation process

This stage of lactogenesis includes such sequential stages as:

  • Launching lactation. The start date of this stage is the moment the baby is born and the placenta is separated. A delay in the start of lactation may be associated with incomplete separation of placental tissue.
  • Milk production. The first rush of breast milk is observed 35-40 hours after the birth of the baby. During this period, the amount of colostrum produced decreases and the amount of milk increases. At this stage, the woman's endocrine system is responsible for milk production, so lactation increases regardless of whether the newborn is applied to the breast or not.
  • The stage of transition to mature breast milk. This stage is characterized by the complete replacement of colostrum with high-grade breast milk.
  • The stage of adaptation of the female body. During this period, the body of a nursing woman gets used to its new function, and also adapts to feeding a particular child. The duration of the adaptation period is 4-6 weeks. Another important feature of this period is that from this moment on, control over the level of breast milk production is carried out in an autocrine way. This means that the more milk the baby eats, the more it will be produced in the mammary glands.

Mature lactation stage

The duration of this period is the first 3 months of the child's life until the complete end of lactation. The level of milk production depends on the needs of the newborn baby. During this period, the so-called lactation crises often occur, characterized by a temporary decrease in the production of breast milk. If a similar situation has arisen, then there is no need to rush to feed the baby with an artificial mixture.

A physiological process that occurs due to the discrepancy between the age-related needs of the child and the level of milk production in the mammary glands. The crisis passes on its own in 5-7 days without outside interference.

Stage of suppression of lactation (involution)

The timing of the onset of involution is individual for each nursing mother. This usually occurs when the child is between 2.5 and 4 years old. The entire stage of cessation of lactation is divided into the following stages:

  • The active stage, which is characterized by a sharp decrease in the production of breast milk and a decrease in the number of cells responsible for this process. Mother's milk at this stage is similar to colostrum, which is so necessary for a baby at this age. A characteristic sign of the onset of involution is the absence of milk inflows during long breaks between feedings. When a woman stops lactation, her breasts are not at risk of congestion and mastitis.
  • The stage of direct involution. The characteristics of this stage are based on the complete destruction of the mammary alveoli, which are responsible for the production and accumulation of breast milk. The duration of the stage is 2-3 days, after which the ducts of the mammary glands are narrowed, and the outlet openings are completely closed. 35-40 days after the start of the process, the mammary glands cease to be lactating, and the glandular tissue turns into adipose tissue.

Characteristics of mature lactation

The so-called mature lactation is characterized by a stable flow of breast milk into the mammary glands, without the risk of spontaneous hot flushes. Features of the course of this period are individual for each woman. For some mothers, mature lactation is accompanied by crises, and for some it proceeds smoothly and without interruption.

Another characteristic sign of the onset of this period is the softness of the mammary glands when touched. The development of such lactation takes from 1 to 3 months from the moment the baby is born. Changes are also taking place in a woman's feelings. If earlier she felt heaviness and slight discomfort in the mammary glands, then during this period she experiences absolute lightness. Some women confuse this sensation with a lack of milk.

When lactation is established, the mother's body adjusts to the needs of the newborn and produces as much milk as the baby needs.

The process of mature lactation is formed gradually and has 3 stages:

  • Initial stage. The potential for mature lactation is revealed even during the gestation of a child. 2 weeks before giving birth, female. The sensitivity of the mammary glands increases, and the shape changes.
  • Formation of active lactation. At this stage, under the influence of hormones, the process of active production of colostrum is activated.
  • Transitional stage. Replacing colostrum with full-fledged milk takes 4 to 9 days from the moment the baby is born. A week after the beginning of the synthesis of the first milk, the formation of mature lactation occurs.

Feeding the newborn should be done on demand, avoiding the hourly schedule.

The onset of mature lactation can be recognized by the following signs:

  • the mammary glands become soft to the touch and are no longer heavy;
  • a young mother ceases to feel pain during hot flashes of breast milk;
  • before feeding, there is a feeling of incomplete filling of the mammary glands;
  • any discomfort that previously accompanied lactation disappears.

Important! A distinctive feature of mature lactation is that the amount of milk produced does not depend on the concentration of hormones in the blood, but on the degree of emptying of the mammary glands during feeding.

How to speed up the onset of mature lactation

The timing of this process is individual for each young mother. For some women, the formation of mature lactation takes a long time, and therefore, they wonder about the acceleration of this process.

  • A young mother is advised to eat healthy food, avoiding overeating and hunger. It is recommended to eat rationally and balanced. It is useful to eat fresh vegetables and fruits.
  • During the period of breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid increased emotional stress and stress;
  • Lifting weights and physical activity that can cause overwork is strictly prohibited;
  • The young mother is recommended to visit the attending physician and coordinate with him the use of decoctions based on anise, fennel and dill. Also, it is recommended to use dried fruit compote, fermented milk products and food rich in animal protein.
  • Milk flushes depend on the individual needs of the newborn, so the mother should not go to extremes if she thinks she is not producing enough milk.

It is recommended to discuss taking medications that stimulate lactation, as well as expressing breast milk with your doctor in order to avoid serious mistakes.

In matters of the formation of correct feeding, it is recommended to rely on the opinion of specialists in this field. Even “valuable” advice from close relatives causes significant damage to the health of the newborn and the mother.

Irina Ferganova
Pediatrician

It is no coincidence that WHO has developed rules to create favorable conditions for the development of normal lactation, which is the key to long-term breastfeeding (that is, these preventive measures in most cases will help not to “lose” milk).

1. Early attachment of the baby to the mother's breast (in the first 30 minutes after uncomplicated labor and for at least 30 minutes). This ensures a quick activation of the mechanisms of milk secretion and a more stable subsequent lactation.

2. Feeding at the first request of the baby. It has been shown that with free feeding, the volume of lactation is higher than with feeding by the hour. Free feeding is the key to ensuring full lactation and contributes to the establishment of close psycho-emotional contact between mother and child.

3. The duration of latching to the breast of a healthy child in the first days should not be limited. The child needs not only to fill his stomach, but also to satisfy his sucking reflex (it is known that sucking triggers the processes of inhibition in the central nervous system, so children calm down from the breast) and to be enough with the mother. If the mother has little milk, having emptied one breast, it is necessary to transfer the baby to the other breast.

True, in the future, excessively frequent attachment of the child to the mother's breast at his slightest concern can lead to overfeeding. Therefore, it is important for the mother to learn to recognize the "hungry" cry of the baby and the cry caused by other reasons: colic, overheating or cooling, etc.

4. Night feeds are most important to stimulate lactation. Since mainly the production of the hormone prolactin occurs at night, which ensures the production of milk.

5. For the formation of normal lactation, it is necessary to teach the mother the technique of breastfeeding. The baby must be taken in his arms so that he is turned to the mother with his face and the whole body (the baby's belly should be at the level of the mother’s belly, it is necessary to support the child from behind by the shoulders, and not by the head). The correct grip of the nipple by the baby during feeding is important. The baby's mouth should be wide open, the chin pressed against the mother's breast, the baby's lower lip should be located under the nipple (turned outward), the chin - so the baby will capture not only the nipple, but also a significant part of the areola (pigmentation around the nipple). To make it easier to grasp the breast, you can touch the nipple to the upper lip of the baby, while the baby opens his mouth, and quickly attach it to the breast. If the baby begins to chew on the nipple, the breast should be carefully removed by inserting the little finger into the corner of the baby's mouth. You can remove the breast every time the baby starts to fiddle with the nipple. The child will understand that the mother only breastfeeds in the position that is comfortable for her.

6. It is important to strive for exclusive breastfeeding in the first 4-6 months of life, that is, during this period a healthy child does not need to be given any food other than breast milk (except for cases due to medical indications).

Likely signs of insufficient lactation:

  • restlessness and crying of the baby during or immediately after feeding;
  • the need for frequent breastfeeding;
  • the child sucks on the breast for a long time, makes a lot of sucking movements, in the absence of swallowing;
  • the mother's feeling of complete emptying of the mammary glands during active sucking of the child, when expressing after feeding there is no milk;
  • restless sleep of the child, frequent crying, "hungry" cry;

Signs of insufficient lactation:

  • low weight gain of the child (the smallest "effective" interval for assessing weight gain is considered to be 2 weeks);
  • rare urination (less than 6 times a day).

If prevention hasn't helped a

Scientists believe that true hypogalactia (low milk production in a woman up to its absence, associated with disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine glands) is rare, in no more than 5% of nursing mothers. In other cases, they talk about secondary hypogalactia, when a decrease in milk production is caused by a woman's lack of a psychological mood for breastfeeding (dominant lactation), emotional stress, early and unreasonable introduction of supplementary feeding with infant formula, the need to go to work, a child's illness or a mother's illness, and other reasons ...

In some cases, secondary hypogalactia is of a transient nature, manifesting itself in the form of lactation crises - there is a temporary decrease in the amount of milk that occurs for no apparent reason. Lactation crises are based on the peculiarities of hormonal regulation of milk production. Lactation crises usually occur at 3-6 weeks, 3, 4, 7, 8 months of lactation. Their duration is 3-4 days, and they do not pose a danger to the health of the child. In such cases, more frequent latching of the baby to the breast in combination with feeding from both breasts is sufficient. Expressing milk after breastfeeding will also help increase lactation. Irritation of the nipples, which repeats the sucking of the baby, causes a "hot" sensation in the breast. A contrast shower has a good reflex effect on the area of ​​the mammary glands, as well as gentle rubbing of the breast with a terry towel.

A nursing mother needs emotional peace and relaxation (daytime sleep is required), as well as a varied and complete diet. The food must contain proteins (meat and fish, if the last child tolerates), fats (half - animals, such as butter) and slowly digestible carbohydrates (cereals, pasta made from durum flour). You need foods rich in vitamins and minerals (fruits and vegetables). Smoked meats, canned foods, hot spices retain water in the body and thereby somewhat reduce milk production, moreover, they can cause allergies in the baby.

An increase in fluid intake (at least 2 liters of fluid in the form of tea, compotes, juices) will unwittingly lead to an increase in milk production. In addition, you can use natural stimulants of lactation: lactogonic herbs - fennel, lemon balm, mint or special lactogonic products (Lactavit). You can resort to homeopathic remedies (Mlekain). Acupuncture, acupressure, physiotherapy helps to stimulate lactation.

Equally important is the psychological support of the mother in the matter of breastfeeding by all family members.

Note that you should not introduce infant formula into your child's diet at the first case of a decrease in milk production, and especially without a doctor's recommendation. But, if you still have to feed the child with a mixture, then you need to offer it after breastfeeding, and only after the breast has been completely emptied.

We hope that these tips will save milk for more than one baby. Successful lactation!

Breastfeeding is a unique opportunity given to a woman by nature to give her baby everything necessary for normal physical and mental development, to protect him from diseases, and from birth to form an inextricable, close connection with him. In order to take advantage of this opportunity, a nursing mother should try to maintain good lactation as long as possible (the formation in the mammary glands and the release of milk from them).

The term hypogalactia is derived from two Greek words: hypo (little, not enough) and galactos (milk). It means insufficient milk secretion by the mammary glands of a woman breastfeeding a baby. By the time of occurrence, hypolactation is early and late. It is considered early if it occurs within 10 days after childbirth, and late - if from 11 days onwards.

Types of hypogalactia, depending on the causes of its occurrence:

  1. Primary or true hypogalactia accounts for less than 5% of all cases of milk deficiency in lactating women. It is usually early.
  2. Secondary hypogalactia, the causes of which are always not isolated and are closely related. It develops after 1-2 months after childbirth (sometimes later), and the deterioration of lactation is usually preceded by a sufficient secretion of milk.

Depending on how much the mother does not have enough milk to meet the baby's daily need, 4 degrees of hypogalactia are distinguished:

  • I degree - milk deficiency does not exceed ¼ (25%) of the daily requirement;
  • II degree - half (50%) of the volume of milk required by the child per day is not enough;
  • III degree - the lack of milk reaches 75% (3/4) of the daily requirement;
  • IV degree - the deficit exceeds ¾ (75%) of the daily requirement for milk.

Causes of primary hypolactation

  • neuroendocrine disorders in the mother's body that have arisen during pregnancy and childbirth or have occurred earlier;
  • complicated course of pregnancy and childbirth;
  • late attachment of the baby to the breast, absence or weakness of the sucking reflex in a premature or immature baby.

Causes of secondary hypolactation

  1. Psychological:
  • the mother's lack of a psychological attitude and desire to feed the baby with breast milk;
  • worries about the lack of skills to latch on to the breast, express milk and establish a feeding regimen. These worries are aggravated by the inattentive and indifferent attitude of the medical staff in the maternity hospital, and then in the children's clinic, which is not often, but it happens;
  • the impact of advertising in magazines and on television promoting modern formulas that can replace breast milk;
  • stressful situations, fatigue, overwork.
  1. Physiological and pathophysiological:
  • prolonged separation of the mother from the baby, for example, due to the illness of one of them;
  • the appointment of a woman with hormonal drugs that inhibit the formation of milk;
  • non-compliance by the nursing mother with the daily regimen, unbalanced and inadequate nutrition;
  • violation by the mother of the child's feeding regime, early erratic and untimely introduction of complementary foods in the form of soups, mashed potatoes, cereals, cottage cheese;
  • diseases of the mother: diseases of the genital organs (adnexitis, cysts, tumors, etc.) and extragenital pathology (heart defects, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, etc.);
  • diseases of the child, which are unconditional contraindications to natural feeding: malformations, severe prematurity, etc.
  1. Social:

Which of the women is at risk of developing hypogalactia?

Obstetricians-gynecologists predict the likelihood of developing hypogalactia in every woman. They then assess the level of risk throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. A woman's reproductive and somatic health is an important factor that determines whether the baby will receive breast milk after birth, and how long and in what quantities the mammary glands will secrete it.

Doctors classify women with the following diseases, pathological conditions and history as a risk group for the development of hypolactation:

A woman who is breastfeeding a baby notices a decrease in the amount of milk immediately. First, after a feed, she is unable to express the remaining milk as she did before. Before breastfeeding, there is no feeling of fullness of the breast with milk, and it does not flow out in a trickle when pressing on the breast. The subcutaneous venous network of the mammary glands is not as pronounced as before.

The child also reacts immediately to underfeeding:

  • worries during sleep, but especially during and immediately after feeding;
  • drinks water greedily between feedings;
  • rarely and abundantly urinates, stools are rare and scanty, "hungry";
  • poorly gaining weight.


Important: when one or more of these signs appear, you do not need to immediately feed the child with a formula! Hypogalactia can only be confirmed by a pediatrician after a series of control weighings. He will select a mixture suitable for the child and calculate the amount necessary for supplementary feeding.

What is a lactation crisis

Lactation crises are recurring short (conventionally 3-4 days) periods of decreased milk secretion caused by hormonal changes in the body of a lactating woman. And they, in turn, are caused by the growth of the child and, accordingly, his growing needs for breast milk. If this does not happen smoothly, but in jumps, the mother's body "gives out" lactation crises. But a nursing woman should not wait for the onset of such unpleasant moments, since they may not be at all. If lactation crises occur, then most often at the 3rd or 4th week and at 3-4, 7-8 months of the baby's life.

Note: the main thing to do if there is not enough breast milk is not to be nervous and not to panic! And in no case start feeding your baby from a bottle with a nipple!

Lactation crisis is not true hypogalactia. And you can cope with it with the help of the simplest measures: each feeding to apply the baby to one, and then to the second breast and increase the number of feedings per day.

Prevention of hypolactation

Prevention of breast milk deficiency is a serious undertaking that includes several stages:


What to do if breast milk is low. Hypogalactia treatment methods

  1. Regime and hygiene measures:
  • frequent latching of the baby to the breast during the day, the exclusion of a long night break between feedings;
  • a woman's strict adherence to the daily regimen and rest during the entire lactation period;
  • a complete and balanced diet of a nursing mother using special dietary products (dry mixtures) for nursing mothers, if prescribed by a doctor;
  • wearing only cotton underwear, which will prevent the formation of cracked nipples;
  • after each feeding, expressing without residual milk from the breast that was sucked by the baby. Washing this breast with hot water from the shower while simultaneously massaging it and expressing the remaining milk. Frequency rate of the procedure - 2 times a day for each breast, duration - 10 minutes.
  1. Herbal medicine with a shortage of breast milk involves the use of herbal decoctions and infusions to stimulate the secretory function of the mammary glands. Lactogonic action is exerted by caraway seeds, anise and dill, fennel fruits, hop cones, nettle herb, walnuts, beans. But before using any recipe of traditional medicine, it makes sense to consult a pediatrician and obstetrician-gynecologist in order to avoid undesirable consequences.
  2. Drug therapy involves the appointment of a nursing mother with a shortage of breast milk vitamin preparations containing nicotinic acid, tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), B vitamins, ascorbic acid, etc. Glutamic acid, the biostimulating drug Apilak, the hormone oxytocin and other drugs are used. Special regimens for the therapy of hypolactation with drugs have been developed. But they can only be used strictly according to the prescription of a pediatrician or obstetrician-gynecologist.
  3. Physiotherapy procedures, namely UFO and ultrasound, are used in combination with other activities.
  4. Alternative medicine methods, such as homeopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, have proven to be good in the fight against hypogalactia. But any of them requires prior consultation with a specialist doctor.

Important: the most important thing in the treatment of hypogalactia is a woman's desire to breastfeed her baby and her firm belief that she should and will be able to do it. Otherwise, neither the most qualified doctors nor the proven methods of traditional and alternative medicine will help.