Is it possible that you are not producing breast milk for your baby after delivery?
The answer is no.
Lactation failure – or the complete absence of milk production after the delivery of a baby – can occur – but is extremely rare. And it is highly unlikely that you are not going to produce breast milk
Every mom always has enough breastmilk
How Is Breast Milk Produced?
During pregnancy the placenta produces several hormones that prepare the breasts to produce milk for the newborn baby. At birth – as soon as the baby is delivered – the placenta separates from the uterus and follows the baby out of the uterus. The separation of the placenta from the uterus causes a sharp drop in Progesterone levels. This drop triggers the production of breast milk.
How Can You Be Sure You Have Breastmilk?
The presence of the placenta, its separation at birth and the fall of progesterone levels is an inevitable part of pregnancy and birthing. And so breastmilk production is also a natural and normal consequence of pregnancy and childbirth
Every woman who has carried a baby and delivered it– is sure to have breast milk to feed her newborn baby.
Breastmilk is irreplaceable
Is It Possible That You Don’t Have Breastmilk?
However if you have just delivered and are convinced that there is no breastmilk supply for your baby from your breasts – you may still be right.
You may feel that you are not producing breastmilk in the first few days after delivery because breastmilk takes four to five days to assume the white, watery milky form that we call milk.
In the first four to five days after delivery – what your breasts produce is not milk but colostrum.
Colostrum is not white – it is not watery and it does not look like milk. It is also not produced in large quantities and does not come out in a non-stop flow.
And this is why you may think that you don’t have milk.
But – what you have – is far more valuable than milk. The colostrum that you are producing in lieu of milk is liquid gold for your baby.
Breastmilk is not produced for the first 4-5 days after birth
What Is Colostrum And Is It Enough For Your Baby?
Colostrum is what your baby needs in the first few days after birth. It contains all the nutrients that your baby needs in the first few days outside the womb. It may look like the quantity being produced is not enough for your baby – but it is.
Your baby’s stomach is really small and that much is really more than enough. Also the colostrum is a concentrated mixture of nutrients and so it packs a punch even in a very small quantities.
Stress reduces breastilk production
What Can You Do If Your Milk Is Taking Longer Than Usual To Come In?
If your breast milk is delayed coming in – you can do only one thing to help it come in sooner and that is to Stop worrying
Stress and worry about not having enough milk and fear of not being able to breastfeed – are the commonest reasons for inadequate breast milk production.
Breast milk coming in late is certainly not a sign that there will be less milk production for the baby forever.
Can You Do Something To Increase Breast Milk Production?
Suckling generates oxytocin that produces milk
The production of breastmilk is based on the principle of supply and demand.
If the baby demands milk – the breast will be compelled to supply.
Putting the baby to the breast – repeatedly – encouraging the baby to latch on to the nipple and encouraging the baby to suckle can do wonders for you and your baby.
It is alright to suckle the baby even if you think you don’t have milk because it gives the baby practice at suckling and it generates Oxytocin – the love hormone in your body – which brings more milk out.
What Can Further Delay And Hamper The Production Of Milk?
Formula Feeds decrease the production of breastmilk
The maximum damage to the natural process of breastmilk production is done when breastmilk is supplemented with formula milk.
A baby who is full from feeding on formula milk will not make the effort to suckle enough to extract milk from the breast. Your breast and your body will recognize that there is no demand and reduce the production of milk. And eventually maybe even stop milk production altogether because it is not needed by the baby.
If You Are A New Mom Who Has Just Delivered….Remember This…
Every mom will produce breastmilk – don’t worry
The one thing that you need to ensure that you will be able to successfully breastfeed is Faith
Keep the faith! You are an amazing Mom!
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