A breastfeeding mother should maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is crucial.

Breastfeeding provides optimal nutrition, essential antibodies, and emotional bonding, promoting healthy growth and development in infants. It reduces the risk of infections, allergies, and chronic diseases while enhancing cognitive development. For mothers, breastfeeding aids in postpartum recovery and reduces the risk of certain cancers. It is a natural, sustainable, and beneficial choice for both mother and child.

 

However, there are some conditions under which a new mother might find that she is unable to provide enough breastmilk for her baby.

 

Causes For Low Breastmilk Supply

 

Low breastmilk secretion, also known as low milk supply, can be caused by several factors. Here are some common reasons:

 

• Poor Latch If the baby is not latching onto the breast properly, it can affect milk transfer and reduce stimulation needed for milk production.
• Infrequent Nursing or Pumping Milk production works on a supply-and-demand basis. Infrequent breastfeeding or pumping can signal the body to produce less milk.
• Supplementing with Formula Giving formula in place of breastfeeding can decrease the baby’s demand for breastmilk, leading to reduced production.
• Health Issues in the mother Conditions like hormonal imbalances (e.g., thyroid problems), diabetes, or insufficient glandular tissue can impact milk supply.
• Stress and Fatigue High stress levels and extreme fatigue can interfere with the body’s ability to produce milk.
• Certain Medications Some medications, including hormonal contraceptives containing estrogen, can decrease milk production.
• Poor Nutrition and Hydration A mother’s diet and hydration levels can affect her milk supply.
• Previous Breast Surgery Surgeries that involve the breast or nipple can sometimes affect milk production.
• Hormonal Contraceptives Birth control pills or other hormonal contraceptives can impact milk supply.
• Baby’s Health Issues Conditions such as tongue-tie, jaundice, fever or premature birth can affect the baby’s ability to nurse effectively, impacting milk supply.

Addressing low milk supply often involves identifying and managing the underlying cause. Consulting with a lactation consultant or the doctor can provide personalized support and strategies to increase milk production.

 

Improving Breastmilk Supply

 

Improving breastmilk quantity can be achieved through a variety of methods. Here are some effective strategies:

 

• Frequent Nursing Breastfeed your baby often, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. This stimulates milk production through the demand-and-supply mechanism.
• Proper Latch Ensure that your baby is latching on correctly. A good latch helps the baby effectively extract milk, stimulating more production.
• Empty the Breasts Make sure your breasts are emptied completely during each feeding. If the baby does not empty one breast, pump to ensure complete emptying.
• Skin-to-Skin Contact Holding your baby skin-to-skin can increase milk production hormones and promote bonding.
• Pumping Use a breast pump to stimulate milk production. Pumping after breastfeeding or between feedings can help increase supply.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Well Drink plenty of fluids and maintain a balanced diet. Foods rich in protein, healthy fats, and whole grains support milk production.
• Rest and Reduce Stress Adequate sleep and stress management are important. Stress and fatigue can negatively impact milk production.
• Avoid Pacifiers and Bottles During the initial weeks, avoid giving pacifiers and bottles to ensure the baby is feeding frequently at the breast.
• Herbal Supplements Some herbs, such as fenugreek, blessed thistle, and milk thistle, are believed to boost milk supply. Consult with your doctor before taking any supplements.
• Breast Massage Gently massaging your breasts before and during breastfeeding or pumping can help improve milk flow.
• Check for Health Issues Address any health issues such as hormonal imbalances or thyroid problems which can impact breastmilk supply.
• Consult a Lactation Consultant A lactation consultant can provide personalized advice, support, and techniques to help improve milk supply.

Implementing these strategies can help increase breastmilk production and ensure a successful breastfeeding experience.

 

When Should Breastfeeding Be Avoided?

 

Breastfeeding is generally recommended for most mothers and babies due to its numerous health benefits. However, there are certain circumstances under which breastfeeding should be stopped or avoided:

 

• Skin Cancer:
  • Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most usual form of skin cancer, often appearing as a painless raised area of skin.
  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): May appear as a rough, scaly patch or a sore that does not heal.
  • Melanoma: The most dangerous form of skin cancer, which can spread to other parts of the body.
• Premature Aging: UV rays can accelerate skin aging, leading to wrinkles, leathery skin, and dark spots (photoaging).
• Eye Damage: Prolonged UV exposure can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye conditions that can impair vision.
• Immune Suppression: UV radiation can suppress immune responses, reducing the skin’s ability to protect against certain infections and diseases.

Who is at higher risk?

 

Certain groups of people are at a higher risk of being harmed by UV radiation due to several factors such as skin type, geographic location, lifestyle, and pre-existing conditions. Here are the main groups at increased risk:

 

• Medical Conditions in the mother
  • HIV Infection Mothers who are HIV-positive should avoid breastfeeding to prevent transmission of the virus to the baby.
  • Untreated Tuberculosis Mothers with untreated, active tuberculosis should not breastfeed until they have been treated for at least two weeks and are no longer infectious.
  • Herpes Simplex Virus Mothers with active herpes lesions on the breast should avoid breastfeeding from the affected breast until the lesions have healed.
  • Substance Abuse Mothers who use illicit drugs or abuse certain substances should avoid breastfeeding.
  • Certain Medications Some medications are not safe for breastfeeding. Consult with your doctor before taking any medication to ensure it is safe for the baby.
• Medical Conditions in the Baby
  • Galactosemia Babies with galactosemia, a rare genetic disorder, cannot metabolize galactose in breast milk and should be fed a special formula.
• Temporary Situations
  • Radiation Therapy or Chemotherapy Mothers undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy should stop breastfeeding, as these treatments can harm the baby.
  • Severe Illness If a mother is severely ill (e.g., with sepsis or other serious infections), she may need to stop breastfeeding temporarily until she recovers.
• Environmental Exposures
  • Exposure to Toxic Substances Mothers exposed to certain toxic substances (e.g., lead, mercury, or certain industrial chemicals) should avoid breastfeeding.
• Infected Nipples or Breast Abscesses
  • Severe Breast Infections Mothers with severe breast infections or abscesses may need to avoid breastfeeding from the affected breast until treated and healed.
• Smoking and Alcohol
  • Heavy Smoking While even light to moderate smoking is discouraged, heavy smoking can negatively impact breast milk and should be avoided.
  • Alcohol Consumption Excessive alcohol consumption can be harmful to the baby.

By understanding these risk factors, individuals can take more informed steps to protect themselves from the harmful effects of UV radiation.

 

Preventive Measures

 

Staying protected from the harmful impacts of UV rays is crucial for maintaining skin and eye health. Here are some effective strategies to reduce your risk:

 

• Use Sunscreen
  • Broad-Spectrum Protection: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
  • SPF 30 or Higher: Apply generously and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
  • Apply Properly: Cover all exposed skin areas, including often-missed spots like the ears, feet, and the back of the neck.
• Wear Protective Clothing
  • Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Opt for tightly woven fabrics to block UV rays.
  • Wide-Brimmed Hats: Choose hats with a brim of at least 3 inches to shade the face, ears, and neck.
  • UV-Blocking Sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Seek Shade
  • Avoid Peak Hours: Stay in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
  • Use an Umbrella or Sunshade: When outdoors, use a sunshade or umbrella to provide additional protection.
• Protect Children
  • Use Child-Safe Sunscreen: Choose a sunscreen formulated for children, with gentle ingredients and SPF 30 or higher.
  • Dress Them in Protective Clothing: Dress children in hats and UV-protective clothing.
• Be Mindful of Reflective Surfaces
  • Avoid Reflections: Water, sand, snow, and concrete can reflect UV rays, increasing exposure. Wear sunscreen and protective clothing in these environments.
• Consider UV Protection Products
  • UV-Blocking Window Films: Install films on windows to reduce UV exposure indoors.
  • Use UV-Blocking Fabrics: Look for clothing and gear labelled with UV protection ratings (UPF).

A breastfeeding mother should maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats. Staying hydrated is crucial. She should avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, and harmful substances. Regular exercise, adequate rest, and managing stress are important for overall well-being, ensuring she can provide optimal nutrition and care for her baby. Visit the best lactation hospital in Chennai for tailored solutions to ensure successful breastfeeding.