Breastfeeding

Breast milk is a precious commodity, capable of sustaining a newborn's life for at least the first six months after birth, in most cases without the need for supplementation. Learning how it is produced and how it changes can help women master breastfeeding and prevent problems.

Breast Milk Production

A woman will start producing small amounts of breast milk, called colostrum, sometime in the second trimester of pregnancy. When consumed by the newborn, it will provide important nutrients he or she needs in the very first days of life until breast milk production increases around the third day after birth.

How Breastfeeding Works?

Breastfeeding is a supply-and-demand system. As such, the more a mother breastfeeds, the more stimulated her breasts will be to produce more milk. It involves the following processes:

• When the baby is suckling on the nipples, it stimulates the nerve endings in the nipple and areola.

• A signal is then sent to the pituitary gland to release prolactin and oxytocin.

• Their rise signals the alveoli to make milk and the cells around them to contract and push milk through the ducts (“let-down reflex”).

Types of Breast Milk and Their Ingredients

The composition of breast milk is not fixed. It changes constantly to meet the nutritional needs of the developing baby. It generally contains various concentrations of proteins, mainly whey and casein; fats; carbohydrates; and vitamins and minerals.¹

Nevertheless, the main three types of breast milk with their distinct characteristics are as follows:²

Breast Milk Storage

Proper breast milk storage is essential for ensuring it is safe and healthy for the baby's consumption. The following are the official milk storage guidelines:³

• Refrigerating breast milk prolongs its freshness for up to four days, if it was freshly pumped, or up to one day if it was thawed.

• Freezing breast milk prolongs the milk for 6 to 12 months. Previously frozen and thawed milk should never be frozen again.

Most mothers would agree that getting a hold of breastfeeding takes time and dedication. Luckily, with the right knowledge and breastfeeding essentials, women can master successful nursing and give their babies the best nutrition. 

Breastfeeding Methods

Per official breastfeeding guidelines, women are encouraged to practice exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of the baby's life to then continue nursing while introducing solid foods until at least 12 months of age.⁴

However, variations are common and possible, giving mothers the following breastfeeding options:

• Exclusive pumping
• Breastfeeding and pumping
• Breastfeeding and formula supplementation

Breastfeeding Positions

For breastfeeding to be successful, two factors are key: proper baby's latch and mother's comfort. While mothers can have their preferred way of nursing their babies, the following breastfeeding positions are the most popular:

• Cradle hold or cross-cradle hold
• Laid-back position   
• Football hold
• Side-lying position

Breastfeeding Schedule

In the first one to two months after birth, there is usually no need to create a breastfeeding schedule. Remembering that a newborn should not go without eating for longer than four hours, the mother should be ready to nurse on demand until milk supply is established in the next several weeks.^5,6

• First 1-2 months: 8-12 times per 24 hours (day and night)
• Onwards: varies; roughly 7-9 times a day

Breastfeeding Nutrition

While breastfeeding mothers do need well-rounded nutrition to withstand the demands of nursing and give their babies enough nutrients, there is no special diet they should follow. They can ensure proper sustenance with:

• Diet while nursing should be composed of nutritious foods from five groups with 500 extra calories per day.⁷
• Breastfeeding supplements, such as a multivitamin, can complement, not replace, a well-balanced diet.

Ways to Boost Milk Supply

As babies grow, mothers often worry if they are making enough milk to meet their needs. If the baby is gaining weight properly, a woman's milk supply is adequate. Nevertheless, she can boost her supply naturally with the following tips:

• Increase breastfeeding frequency
• Breastfeed and then pump your breast right after you finish
• Ensure proper nutrition and hydration
• Consider galactagogues supplements, like fenugreek or blessed thistle

For new and experienced mothers alike, nursing is known to come with some challenges. Fortunately, breastfeeding support is widely available to offer practical guidance and help women face any issues with more ease.

Breastfeeding Complications

Even with the best intentions, breastfeeding complications sometimes arise, putting a physical and emotional strain on the mother. Luckily, most of them can be effectively resolved without affecting a mother's ability to nurse her baby.

The most common breastfeeding complications include the following:

Breastfeeding Challenges

Since nursing takes a significant portion of a woman's time, it is only natural for certain breastfeeding challenges to appear - especially during the first several weeks - as she is striving to re-organize her daily life around it.

The following are common challenges women might come across as they nurse their babies:

Every woman's journey into motherhood is different, and that also includes her unique experiences with breastfeeding her baby. When faced with doubts and moments of weakness, it is important to remember that one's challenges have been shared by thousands of women throughout history. In fact, one of the best ways to find support and encouragement is by asking fellow mothers for practical advice on what worked for them. Equipped with the patience and support they deserve, mothers can take time to find their way through nursing and make it work for them, while giving their babies a truly healthy start in life.