Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 75% of women who have just given birth will breastfeed their babies, but not a few stops in the first few months. Even though the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia strongly recommends giving breast milk (ASI) in the first two years of birth, where the first six months are exclusive breastfeeding. One of the most common reasons is an insufficient supply of breast milk.
Causes of Low Milk Supply
Most women will have adequate amounts of breast milk. However, several factors can affect a woman's milk supply and the let-down reflex. The let-down reflex is a stimulus that makes the milk flow smoother, which occurs when the breast nerves are stimulated by the sucking of the baby's mouth. The let-down reflex will trigger the release of 2 hormones, prolactin, and oxytocin, which can help produce and distribute milk.
Some examples of causes of low milk supply are as follows:
1. Emotional factors
Feelings of anxiety, stress, and even embarrassment can interfere with the let-down reflex and cause reduced milk production. Creating a calm and quiet environment while breastfeeding can promote a more enjoyable breastfeeding experience.
2. Certain medical conditions
Certain medical conditions can interfere with a woman's milk supply. Examples are hypertension caused by pregnancy, diabetes, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
2. Certain medications
Medications containing pseudoephedrine, such as sinus and allergy medications, and certain hormone control pills can reduce milk production.
3. History of breast surgery
Not having enough glandular tissue due to actions on the breast, such as breast reduction surgery, cyst removal, or mastectomy, can interfere with breastfeeding. Breast surgery and nipple piercings can also damage the nerves involved in milk production.
Signs of sufficient milk supply
Most breastfeeding mothers will naturally produce a third more milk than the baby needs, so cases of insufficient milk supply are rare. However, it should also be noted that many things can cause a baby to cry, be fussy, and be distracted while breastfed. This can interfere with the breastfeeding process and cause the baby not to get the amount of milk it should.
The needs of each baby are different. Most newborns need 8-12 feedings in 24 hours, some even more. As he gets older, his baby will start learning to suckle more effectively, meaning consuming more breast milk will take him less time.
The following are signs that the baby is getting enough breast milk:
- Gain weight as expected, about 5.5 - 8.5 ounces per week until four months of age.
- Have 3-4 bowel movements a day from 4 days old.
- Must change diapers, frequent urination two times in 24 hours from 2 days of age, and five or more times after day 5.
Breast milk is essential to ensure the health and growth of children.
Tips to Increase Breast Milk Production
Here are some ways you can do to increase milk production:
- Breastfeed more frequently and let the baby decide when to stop. When the baby suckles the breast, hormones that trigger milk production will be released. The more often we breastfeed, the more milk will be produced.
- Pumping breast milk between breastfeeding schedules can also increase milk production. Do a breast pump when it is felt that there is still milk left or if there is a missed breastfeeding schedule.
- Providing milk to the baby through both sides of the breast can stimulate them to produce more milk.
- Consumption of certain foods and herbs can increase milk production. Among them are garlic, ginger, fenugreek, fennel, and others.
Breast milk can be pumped and stored in the right way.
Breast milk is the best nutritional intake for the baby, especially in the first six months of life. This is because all the nutritional needs of babies to grow and develop can already be found in breast milk.
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Reference:
Santos-Longhurst, A. & Nwadike, V. R. (2018). 5 Ways to Increase Breast Milk Production. [online]. healthline.com/health/parenting/how-to-increase-breast-milk