If you think that new milk is formed after giving birth, then your assumption is wrong. breast milk actually has started production by body mother since pregnancy.
Mammary glands actually have started to develop since puberty. However, these glands only start producing milk after you become pregnant. The mammary glands during pregnancy become "active" because there are various changes in the body that stimulate milk production, especially hormonal changes.
The process of formation of breast milk
Changes in hormone levels during pregnancy, such as the hormones progesterone and estrogen, cause the milk ducts and mammary glands to grow and increase in number. This makes the breasts of pregnant women look bigger.
nowWhen you enter the second trimester of pregnancy, your breasts begin to produce milk, so you may feel milk coming out of your nipples during pregnancy.
After the baby is born, the levels of the hormones progesterone and estrogen in the body will decrease, and the hormone prolactin will be released. The release of the hormone prolactin is what signals the mother's body to produce more breast milk to give to the little one.
Factors that Support Breast Milk Production
Mother's milk production after giving birth may or may not be abundant. There are many factors that affect the production of breast milk, namely:
1. The intensity of breastfeeding the baby
The intensity of breastfeeding the baby affects the amount of milk that comes out. The more often you breastfeed your little one, the more abundant the milk you will produce will be. The reason is, sucking the baby's mouth while breastfeeding can stimulate milk production in the body. So, breastfeed your little one regularly and try to immediately pump milk when your breasts feel full!
2. Baby's attachment while breastfeeding
If the mother feels that the milk that comes out is still too little even though the frequency of breastfeeding is frequent, try checking the baby's attachment while breastfeeding. Make sure your baby's mouth and nipple are attached properly, so that he can suck milk more optimally.
With good breastfeeding attachment, not only will your baby's milk needs be met, your body will also be stimulated to produce more milk.
3. Stimulation of the breasts
So that the mother's milk production remains abundant, make it a habit to breastfeed your little one with both breasts alternately. Stimulation of both breasts by baby's suckling can help increase milk production.
4. Healthy lifestyle
In order for milk production to be abundant and smooth, mothers must adopt a healthy lifestyle during breastfeeding. The way is easy, that is, you have to avoid consuming alcoholic beverages and stop smoking. Don't forget to drink more water and eat nutritious food.
Although the process of forming breast milk has started since you are pregnant, it does not mean that its production cannot be increased after you give birth. Do the ways above to make more breast milk. If necessary, consult a doctor or lactation consultant to find out how to stimulate milk production.
