Mother, don't worry if the milk doesn't come out shortly after giving birth, okay? This condition occurs quite often and is usually not something dangerous. To handle it, you can ask your doctor for advice and apply several ways to facilitate milk production.
Breast milk (breast milk) is the main source of nutrition that has various benefits for baby's growth and development. Therefore, mothers are recommended to give your little one breast milk at least until he is 6 months old (exclusive breastfeeding).
Unfortunately, breastfeeding is not always smooth or easy to do. Sometimes, there are certain conditions that can hinder the process of breastfeeding. One of them is breast milk does not come out immediately after giving birth.
The process of formation of breast milk
After giving birth, the mother's body will produce the hormone prolactin which functions to produce breast milk. In the first few days after delivery, your body will produce colostrum, the first milk that is yellowish in color and has a watery texture.
Colostrum has actually been produced by the body since the end of pregnancy. It is usually recognized by the involuntary discharge of fluid from the breast.
Colostrum contains immune substances or antibodies that are very good for protecting the baby's body from bacteria and viruses that cause disease. Because the flow is slow or does not come out as profusely as breast milk in general, colostrum also functions to help your little one learn to suckle.
Well, for 3-4 days after colostrum comes out, your normal breasts will start to feel firmer. This is a sign that colostrum has turned into breast milk and the milk supply usually starts to increase at this time.
Some Causes of Breast Milk Not Coming
Some pregnant women may experience a condition that breast milk does not come out. This can be caused by a disturbance in the production of the hormone prolactin which functions to stimulate the formation of breast milk. This is what then makes the milk does not come out at the time it should.
The following are some of the factors that can cause breast milk to not come out shortly after giving birth:
- Stress or fatigue after giving birth, for example due to postpartum depression, prolonged labor, or emergency caesarean section
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, thyroid disorders, anemia, and retained placenta
- Bleeding after delivery that causes Sheehan's syndrome
- Side effects of drugs, including certain herbal medicines
- The wrong way of breastfeeding, for example, the baby's attachment is not right on the mother's nipple
- Habit of smoking or consuming alcohol
Milk not coming out or taking longer to come out is generally not a serious condition to worry about.
However, if your breast milk doesn't come out after a few weeks or it causes a problem with your baby's health, you should consult a pediatrician or a lactation consultant.
Ways to Streamline Breast Milk
In addition to the handling and advice from the doctor, you can try some of the efforts to increase and facilitate the following breastfeeding:
- Breastfeeding immediately after the baby is born (early initiation of breastfeeding).
- Feed your baby every 2-3 hours for the first few weeks, as this can stimulate the body to produce more milk.
- Make sure your baby's mouth is properly attached to the breast.
- Make sure that your little one does not only feed from one breast.
- Avoid smoking and consuming alcoholic beverages.
- Avoid giving your baby a pacifier for at least 3-4 weeks after he is born.
- Get enough rest and reduce stress.
- Drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and prevent decreased milk production.
- Eat nutritious food.
- Gently massage the breast in a forward motion from the chest towards the nipple, as this will increase the amount of milk.
Breast milk can sometimes come out longer than people in general. This is normal and nothing to worry about. However, if you're still worried about breast milk not coming out soon after delivery, don't hesitate to consult your doctor or a lactation consultant.