The 4 stages the breast produces milk for lactation at birth

Being a mother requires you to know how to care for and breastfeed your baby. From the moment of pregnancy, the body prepares to produce milk in order to get ready for the journey of breastfeeding.

Breast milk is the best milk for the development of babies and children. Breast milk is full of ideal nutrients, including essential amino acids, which are easy to digest, and help strengthen your baby's health and immune system. Breastfeeding is a happy thing that creates a strong and wonderful bond between you and your baby. Join aFamilyToday Health to learn about the journey to get sweet milk for your baby. 

How is breast milk produced?

Immediately upon pregnancy, the body begins to produce breast milk. Hormones in the body play an important role in the production of breast milk. Although milk production is controlled by hormones, it is your baby who decides how much milk to drink.

The breast is full, and breast milk production slows down. Milk production will happen faster when the breasts are in a soft state. Milk fat still tends to be high in this situation. In addition, your body will make milk as soon as the baby is feeding from both breasts. The two main hormones responsible for making breast milk are:

Prolactin helps with the production of breast milk

Oxytocin helps to promote milk movement. At this point, you may feel a little tingling or tingling in your chest.

Stages of milk production

1. Stage 1

This phase begins during the 2nd trimester and is known as lactogenesis I. Hormone in the mammary gland is released to initiate the milk-making process. After about 1-2 days of giving birth, your breasts will make some colostrum. This is a food for you in the first days.

2. Stage 2

This stage begins about 4 days after birth. Breast milk appears at this stage. Lactogenesis II is the stage where milk appears in large amounts. You may feel your breasts stretch and increase your milk supply. Breast milk production may be delayed due to obesity or diabetes. Flat nipples or a caesarean can also slow you down to produce milk.

3. Stage 3

This phase begins when your baby is 9 days old until you stop breastfeeding. You must express your milk regularly or use a breast pump / breast pump to make sure your breasts can continue to produce milk.

4. Stage 4

This stage lasts for 40 days after your baby's last breast-feeding. At this stage, the amount of milk gradually decreases until completely stopped.

How is breast milk produced?

The mammary glands produce breast milk. The different parts of the mammary gland play an important role in the production of breast milk. How is breast milk produced in the breast?

Milk follicles are breast milk-producing areas, shaped like bunches of grapes, surrounded by small muscles. When these muscles tighten, the milk produces milk in the ducts.

Ducts are a complex network of tiny tubes that carry milk from the follicles to the tubes, to the baby's mouth. The size and number of these tubes increase during pregnancy.

When the baby starts to suck, the act of pumping milk will stimulate the brain to release the hormone prolactin. After a while, prolactin levels begin to drop again. When the baby sucks, this content increases again. The more you breastfeed, the more prolactin in your bloodstream, the more milk you drink. Prolactin stops your "red light" cycle and stops ovulation.

Why do you slow down milk?

In some cases, it may take 3-4 days for milk to return. There can be many causes for this, such as:

You're stressed out after the caesarean section.

If you have diabetes and are treated with insulin, your body shows signs of a conflict with insullin. Breasts need insulin for milk production. The best you can do to stimulate milk production is to breastfeed regularly.

What can you do if your breasts are slowly making milk?

Breastfeeding every 2-3 hours can help stimulate milk production. Here are a few suggestions to try:

Drink a lot of water

Get enough sleep during the day

Using a breast pump also works to increase milk production

You can use supportive products (milk nuggets) to stimulate milk production.

There is no exact way to know your milk production. You must give your baby formula to drink until you get breast milk.

Some notes when breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is one of the best ways you can create a safe and loving environment for your baby. When breastfeeding, you should:

Find a quiet place where your baby can focus on breastfeeding

If you are outside, use a thick cloth to wrap around your shoulders and breastfeed.

Ask for the help of a relative or friend

Limit your contact with people that make you feel uncomfortable

Breastfeed properly

Breastfeed enough time.

What to do to have a full breast milk for your baby?

There are a few things you can take before you breastfeed:

Take a bath in warm water or place a warm washcloth on your breast

Breast tissue massage helps to increase the flow of milk

If it is difficult to breastfeed or if your baby seems uncomfortable, you can switch breasts a few times while breastfeeding.

There is nothing to worry about if you don't see the appearance of breast milk in the first few days after birth. Contact a lactation consultant for best advice on breastfeeding.