The change in the breasts for the production of breast milk is intensified mainly from the second trimester of pregnancy, and by the end of the pregnancy some women have started to release a little colostrum, which is the first milk that comes out of the breast, rich in proteins.
However, milk usually only appears in greater quantity after delivery, when the hormones produced by the placenta are reduced and contact with the baby stimulates greater production.
1. Drink plenty of water
Water is the main component of breast milk, requiring the mother to consume enough fluids to supply this need. During pregnancy, the recommendation is that the woman gets used to drinking at least 3 liters of water a day, which will also be important to reduce swelling and prevent urinary infections that are common in pregnancy.
2. Eat well
Eating well is important so that the pregnant woman has all the nutrients necessary for milk production, and the consumption of foods such as fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, seeds such as chia and flaxseeds, and whole grains, such as brown bread and brown rice.
These foods are rich in omega-3s and vitamins and minerals that will improve the quality of breast milk and promote baby nutrition. In addition, eating well helps to regulate weight gain during pregnancy, giving the necessary energy that a woman's body needs to generate milk production. Know what to eat while breastfeeding.
3. Breast massage
At the end of pregnancy, the woman can also give quick massages on the breast to strengthen the nipple and gradually encourage the descent of milk. For this, the woman must hold the breast by placing a hand on each side and applying pressure from the base to the nipple, as if it were milking.
This movement should be repeated five times with delicacy, then making the same movement with one hand on top and one under the breast. the massage should be done 1 to 2 times a day.
How to stimulate the descent of milk
In general, milk takes longer to come down in the first pregnancy, and it is necessary to drink at least 4 liters of fluids a day, as water is the main component of milk. In addition, the baby should be placed on the breast to breastfeed even if no milk comes out, as this contact between the mother and the child further increases the production of the hormones prolactin and oxytocin, which stimulate the production and descent of milk.
After the baby is born, breast milk production only increases considerably after about 48 hours, the time required for the hormone prolactin to increase in the bloodstream and stimulate the body to produce more milk. See a Complete Guide on how to breastfeed for beginners.
