Breast Milk Problems
Breastfeeding is one of the most crucial components of taking care of infants and ensuring their proper growth and development. Not only does breastfeeding create an emotional bond between the mother and the infant but it also helps the baby grow faster and stronger. Breast milk naturally contains several beneficial nutrients that are essential to the normal development of the bones of the baby’s limbs and his/her teeth. Breast milk is also a rich source of antibodies that strengthen the baby’s natural immune system and thereby help defend him/her against several infections in the first two years of their life. In addition to this, breastfeeding also helps the mother’s body regain its hormonal balance and aids in the contraction of the uterus to its normal size. It thus prepares the uterus again for the natural course of pregnancy and childbirth.
Low Breast Milk Production
However, sometimes mothers complain that they cannot produce enough breast milk to meet the baby’s requirement. This may happen because of certain nutritional deficiencies in the mother’s diet. Also, excessive consumption of alcohol, tea and coffee may hamper the normal production of breast milk. It is also fairly common for new mothers to feel physically exhausted and mentally stressed out, which may lead to this problem. The most evident symptom of this condition is the appearance of small, swollen red spots around the nipples that hurt n being touched.
How to increase production of breast milk?
It is necessary that the mother should eat a diet rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and fats. Eating whole grains and cereals, soy products, dairy products, nuts and seeds, fresh fruits and vegetables on a regular basis could help solve the problem. You should also sleep for at least 6 to 8 hours every day in order to let your body recuperate from the stress of pregnancy and childbirth. Mild forms of exercise such as yoga and short, brisk walks may also help in de-stressing the mind and the body. Consuming a few raw cloves of garlic and a few slices of raw onion during every meal is a popular remedy. You could also crush and apply a mixture of garlic and onion juice on the sore area around the nipples to prevent infections and stimulate increased milk production. An infusion of a teaspoon of fennel seeds soaked in a cup of warm water should also be drunk twice every day. Also, chew a few almonds every morning in order to solve the problem.
