Breast change for breast milk production intensifies mainly from the second trimester of gestation, and at the end of pregnancy some women have begun to release some colostrum, which is the first milk to come out of the breast, rich in protein.
However, milk usually does not appear in greater quantity until after delivery, when hormones produced by the placenta are reduced and contact with the baby stimulates increased production.
- Water is the main component of breast milk.
- Forcing the mother to consume enough fluids to meet this need.
- During pregnancy it is recommended that the woman get used to drinking at least 3 liters of water a day.
- Which will also be important to reduce swelling and prevent common urinary tract infections during pregnancy.
Eating well is important for pregnant women to have all the nutrients needed for milk production and consumption of foods such as fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds such as chia and flaxseed, and whole grains, such as wholemeal bread and brown rice.
These foods are rich in omega-3 and vitamins and minerals that will improve the quality of breast milk and promote the nutrition of the baby, in addition, eating well helps regulate weight gain during pregnancy, giving the necessary energy that the woman’s body needs to generate milk production. . Know what to eat while breastfeeding.
At the end of pregnancy, the woman can also perform quick chest massages to strengthen the nipple and gradually promote the descent of milk, so the woman must hold her chest by placing one hand on each side and apply pressure from the base to the nipple, as if she were milking.
This movement should be repeated five times gently, then making the same movement with one hand up and one hand under the chest. Massage should be done once or twice a day.
In general, milk takes longer to come down during the first pregnancy and it is necessary to drink at least 4 liters of liquid a day, as water is the main component of milk. In addition, the baby should be placed on the chest to breastfeed. even if milk does not come out, as this contact between mother and child further increases the production of prolactin and oxytocin hormones, which stimulate the production and decline of milk.
After the baby is born, breast milk production only increases significantly after about 48 hours, which is the time it takes for the hormone prolactin to rise in the bloodstream and stimulate the body to produce more milk. See a complete guide on how to breastfeed for beginners.