I’ve heard stories about moms not making enough milk for their babies. How do I know if I’ll be able to breastfeed?
During Pregnancy
Your body starts preparing to breastfeed during pregnancy! About halfway through your pregnancy, you start producing colostrum, baby’s first milk. Some moms leak breast milk during pregnancy, and some do not. Both are normal, and not leaking is not a sign that you won’t be able to breastfeed. Breast size does not determine your ability to breastfeed either. It is very rare that a mom cannot produce breast milk.
Listed below are some breast changes you may notice during pregnancy. These are good signs that your body is getting ready for milk production after baby’s arrival. Not all changes are necessary:
- Growth
- Tenderness
- Darkening/enlarging of nipples & areolas
- Darkened blue veins showing near the surface of the breasts
- Nipples stick out more
- Small bumps on the areolas (Montgomery Glands) become more noticeable
After Delivery
After baby is born and the placenta is delivered, this triggers your body to start making more milk. Your supply will “come in” more plentifully the more often and effectively baby is latching. The first 24 hours have an impact on long-term milk production. Breastfeed (or hand express) early (within the 1st hour of birth) and often (on demand~8-12 times in 24 hours). Removing milk from your breasts triggers the milk-making hormone, prolactin, which tells your breasts to keep producing. Breasts continually produce milk and are never completely empty. Skin-to-skin contact immediately after delivery, and for many months afterward, is very beneficial for milk supply. Click here to learn about the ABCs of breastfeeding, a simple guide to understanding the basics of breastfeeding.
Nipple Types
Nipples come in different shapes and sizes. Some protrude on their own or with minimal stimulation, while others are flat or even inverted. It is possible for flat or inverted nipples to correct during pregnancy; however, if they do not, a baby can draw out the nipple with an effective latch.
If More Help is Needed
If your baby struggles with latching while in the hospital due to flat or inverted nipples, a latching tool called a nipple shield may be suggested. A nipple shield is a silicone cover with holes on the tip that is placed over the nipple to help the baby latch. Because nipple shields come with possible challenges, they are not the first recommended solution. Carefully consider the risks and benefits before use.
First, try:
- Getting help with positioning and latching from a lactation consultant.
- Gently rolling the nipples between your thumb and finger.
- Hand expressing or pumping for a couple of minutes.
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Talking to a lactation consultant about using other breastfeeding aids like breast shells or a supplemental nursing system.
If a nipple shield is used, it’s best to think of it as a temporary solution. Long-term use can cause difficulty weaning from the shield, and milk supply concerns. Consider starting the feeding with the shield and slipping it off as the feeding progresses, attempting to latch baby without it.
Making Enough Milk
Your body is wonderfully designed to nourish your baby, starting with the changes during pregnancy and continuing with responding to your baby's hunger cues after birth. Breastfeeding is a learning process for both mom and baby, and while challenges like latching or nipple concerns can arise, solutions and support are available to help you succeed. You can make enough milk for your baby! Click here for signs your baby is getting enough.
SOURCE:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/22201-lactation
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