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Medical Video: Breastfeeding Position and Latch
Breast milk usually begins to flow in three to four days after giving birth if you are a new mother, and can be even faster if you have given birth before. In the next few days, your breasts will begin to feel full as a sign that the milk production has begun to stabilize. But, what if the milk does not come out too after giving birth?
What causes breast milk not to come out after giving birth?
In some cases, breast milk can not come out more than three days - sometimes even up to five days. Breast milk may not come out due to several factors, ranging from premature birth, mothers who are stressed or experience severe bleeding during childbirth, have gestational diabetes, to obesity and others.
However, the incidence of breast milk does not come out at all after giving birth, including rare. This is because a small portion of colostrum (first ASI) usually appears first before your baby is born. And just because your milk comes a little late, doesn't mean that in the end you won't have enough milk or your milk supply is low - but a high risk factor.
Whatever the conditions, it is very important to get help to facilitate the production of breast milk as quickly as possible, and make sure your baby is eating enough. If the milk does not come out on the third day or more, your baby's weight can begin to fall. This can cause the physical and mental development of the baby to be hampered. Your baby can also experience dehydration or jaundice. You might notice that meconium (the first stool) of babies who lack food does not change color.
Tips to stimulate milk production if the milk does not come out after giving birth
There are several surefire ways to launch breast milk production if your breasts don't let go of milk.
1. Mother and baby skin contact
Research has shown that there are no medical reasons to separate healthy mothers and babies after a newborn, even if only temporarily. In fact, skin contact with mother and child actually helps to stimulate oxytocin and prolactin, a hormone involved in breast milk production.
You can hug your baby directly in contact with the skin and offer your breast to follow how often your baby wants to eat in the early days. This technique makes it easy for your baby to get a lot of colostrum, while also avoiding you from mastitis, the condition of blisters.
2. Breast massage
Breast massage can help facilitate blood circulation and the production of breast milk in nursing mothers. One of the reasons why breast milk does not come out after giving birth may be caused by a malfunctioning milk duct.
Through breast massage, the mammary glands that may be clogged or clot will slowly decompose. ASI can come out smoothly. If your first milk production is smooth, the breast will be "motivated" to produce more.
Massaging the breast also helps you to feel more relaxed and comfortable. That way, the mind becomes calmer and you can rest well. You can also avoid the problem of breast milk not coming out due to stress or lack of sleep.
3. Pump the ASI by hand
If breastfeeding in the first hours after birth is not possible, the next best alternative to overcome breast milk that does not come out is by pumping the breast by hand. Pump your breasts with your hands for 10 to 20 minutes every two to three hours until the baby starts to suckle. This trick will help maximize prolactin production receptors and minimize the impact of breastfeeding that is late.
To note, pumping the breasts with a tool is usually not recommended before your milk production has been properly stabilized.
Most importantly, don't panic!
No need to over panic if the milk doesn't come out. Your body is designed to produce milk automatically by responding to hormones in your bloodstream. So, your body will start producing milk, even if you don't breastfeed your baby or squeeze your milk.
Your doctor may recommend that you get a breast milk donor or use formula milk for the time being to meet your child's intake until your milk production is completely smooth and stable.
