Lactation - (from Latin lacto - to feed milk), the process of milk formation in the mammary glands. Lactation is a complex process that occurs as a result of the action of hormones and reflexes. When pregnancy occurs during hormonal changes, the breast is prepared for milk production, so that it increases in size.
Pregnancy and lactemia
Immediately after birth, the breast begins to produce milk and the baby can already be applied to the chest. The receipt of the necessary amount of milk at the right time for a child is regulated by two reflexes - a reflex of prolactin and oxytocin. Successful lactation depends primarily on the production of these two lactation hormones, prolactin and oxytocin, one of which is responsible for the production of milk, and the second for transportation, without this condition, lactation is impossible.
Lactation period
The lactation period is the period of breastfeeding. During lactation after delivery, women need a balanced diet. Diet in the lactation period is not needed, enough to eat healthy food, saturated with all the necessary vitamins and trace elements.
The World Health Organization during lactation recommends feeding the baby on demand, that is, when the child himself asks for breast. Limit on the time it is not necessary, the child himself will let go of the chest, when enough will eat. Also, do not limit the number of feedings per day, you need to feed when the child himself wants it.
Experts recommend breastfeeding up to 2 years, since mother's milk plays an important role in the formation of immunity, the development of internal organs and the formation of bones. It is recommended to introduce complementary foods from 6 months of age, gradually replacing breastfeeding, and after one year, breast milk is recommended as supplemental nutrition.
Breast during lactation
During lactation, the breast increases in size due to the formation of milk, and can change its shape. Some women in the first days of breastfeeding have cracks in their nipples, this happens when the nipples of a nursing mother are too tender.
To avoid chest stretch marks during lactation, it is necessary to eat fresh fruits, this will help to make the skin more elastic, and it is also necessary to wear comfortable clothes. There are also various creams to take care of the breast after lactation.
Usually, after lactation, the breast returns to its previous form, as the glandular lobules decrease and become the same size. After the lactation from the breast for a while you can observe the discharge, which usually ceases after 3-4 months. Although after the end of the lactation period, milk is no longer produced, lactation can be restored.
Products stimulating lactation
All lactogenic products (Adyghe cheese, brynza, carrots or carrot juice, nuts, syrup from green walnuts), as well as special teas and herbs for lactation, can be referred to lactation products. Very popular is Austrian instant tea Hipp for lactation, which contains grass galleon. Lactation is also enhanced by a variety of sour-milk drinks and hot green tea, consumed immediately before feeding. Dry lactation product "Milky Way" is recommended for all lactating women from the first days of lactation.
Nursing mothers are recommended to make special infusions of herbs for lactation, for example, caraway seeds, nettle nettle, medicinal dandelion, chamomile flowers, etc., which can be found in any pharmacy. From medicinal preparations for lactation can be used nicotinic acid, aitamin E, apilac, etc.
Treatment during lactation
Many medications are not compatible with breastfeeding, and their intake during lactation can lead to adverse effects, such as a decrease in the quantity or quality of milk. One of the permitted painkillers for lactation is a no-shpa preparation, which is prescribed during pregnancy.
If earlier you were saved analgin from a headache, at lactation it is better to replace it with paracetamol (panadol or calpol), since analgin disrupts the kidneys and negatively affects the circulatory system.
As for the treatment of thrush, lactation uses topical suppositories, that is, exclusively vaginal products that do not adversely affect breastfeeding and the health of the mother.
Pregnancy during lactation
Many women have heard that pregnancy does not occur during lactation, and this method of contraception is called lactational amenorrhea. But there are certain conditions necessary for this method to justify itself, and not lead to an unwanted pregnancy.
The first condition is the absence of menstruation. Lactation and menstruation are incompatible conditions for the use of this method of contraception. The second prerequisite is full breastfeeding, that is, the baby should be exclusively breast-fed, approximately every 4 hours in the afternoon, and every 6 hours at night.
If pregnancy occurs during lactation, you need to remember that for a woman who has recently given birth, the second pregnancy will take up too much effort. This can also affect the production of milk - in the case of a second pregnancy, it may become less. But even in such a difficult situation, a woman can cope. The main thing that the body received the necessary amount of vitamins, the need for which has now increased even more.
We wish all healthy children!