Rising milk: this natural phenomenon arouses the curiosity and concern of future mothers. But to experience the flow of milk serenely, the secret is to be well informed! Here are the 10 answers to your doubts and preconceived ideas.
1) At birth, the flow of milk occurs immediately.
The birth of your child starts the process of breastfeeding. The production of milk is started at the level of the cells. However, the milk does not come immediately just after giving birth and the flow of milk will only occur between the second and fourth day after your delivery.
2) Putting the baby to the breast immediately after birth allows a faster flow of milk and speeds up the onset of lactation.
Yes, we must offer the breast to the baby as soon as possible and for that, take advantage of the two hours of forced rest in the delivery room to breastfeed the newborn. You will be surprised how quickly he adapts and understands very quickly what is expected of him! Baby develops his sucking reflex and allows lactation to settle quickly and in good conditions.
> The virtues of breastfeeding, the Doctissimo file.
3) Before the actual flow of milk, baby has nothing to feed on.
This is obviously wrong!
The fluid produced by the breasts at the end of the end of pregnancy and before the arrival of the flow of milk is colostrum. This thick, yellow liquid is extremely rich in nutrients, proteins, lipids, vitamins and antibodies that will help baby fight infections. Colostrum also contains lactobacillus bifidus, which helps the intestinal flora to develop and the baby's first stool to pass out (meconium). He will be present until the flow of milk.
4) It is difficult to find advice to help me start breastfeeding and inform me about the flow of milk.
If you are having difficulty setting up your feeding with milk, or if you have any concerns about the rush of milk, enjoy your maternity stay to seek advice from midwives who will guide and reassure you. In case of big questions you can contact your local Leche League who will have answers to all your questions concerning your current or future breastfeeding.
6 positions to find the right one for you to breastfeed
5) I will not necessarily feel my rush of milk.
The rush of milk is painful. It is therefore a safe bet that you will realize the changes that are taking place.
Symptoms of rising milk: your breasts swell and become heavy, hot, tight, hard and very tender. This feeling is usually quite unpleasant. The swelling sometimes extends to below
the armpit.
When breastfeeding, you may also have a fever … but fear not, all these inconveniences are temporary and soon it will not show up. When you feel that the flow of milk has started, put the baby to the breast as soon as you feel these phenomena and as often as possible. The more he sucks, the better the start of breastfeeding.
6) There is no way to relieve yourself from the flow of milk.
Fortunately, there are ways to relieve the pain and discomfort of rushing in milk.
After your baby is getting drunk:
- Take a hot shower by gently massaging your breasts: the excess milk will come out and this will relieve you.
- Breastfeed as often as possible to avoid engorgement.
- Do not give a bottle of water or a supplement, set up breastfeeding quietly without disturbing your baby with the introduction of the bottle.
7) There is material that will be useful to me during the milk rush
Indeed, there is breastfeeding equipment which can help you relieve pain due to the flow of milk.
It is mainly the draws milk which will be your ally because it will allow you to "empty" your breasts of excess milk. If the baby has fallen asleep on the first breast and the second is painful, feel free to use the breast pump to avoid engorgement. Be careful, however, since working on your breasts causes milk production, do not fall into a gear that is difficult to manage. The breast pump will initially allow you to regulate your flow of milk according to the baby's breastfeeds.
Very practical: the pull is both manual AND electric
2 in 1 breast pump (Mam): it offers 9 levels of stimulation and expression intensity. Its rechargeable battery has 5 hours of autonomy to be able to use it everywhere. Switch from electric breast pump to manual super easily.
8) after a cesarean section, no milk rush
False, after a cesarean no need to worry, the flow of milk is done exactly as during a natural childbirth and the establishment of breastfeeding is not delayed in any way. In addition, you may be less tired than a woman who has not had a Caesarean section and the first few days of breastfeeding may be easier.
9) My rush of milk ended in engorgement, nothing can be done.
If you suffer from engorgement, it is because you are producing very (too) a lot of milk … and keep in mind that this is a great thing and that some women who do not produce enough milk would like to be in your place … However, engorgement is painful and unpleasant and there are solutions to improve your situation.
- Wear a well-fitting nursing bra. Day and night, yes!
- Feed baby as requested. Frequent feedings limit the risk of engorgement and allow a smooth start of lactation.
- If baby has trouble catching the areola because your breast is too hard and swollen, express some milk by hand or with a breast pump until your breast becomes softer and easier for baby to catch.
- Massage your breast while feeding, this will help the flow of milk and give you relief.
- Some women recommend putting crushed ice or ice packs on the breasts after a feed to ease the discomfort.
- Avoid using the silicone breast tips (breast shields) as much as possible, which complicate the baby's spot in the nipple socket in the mouth.
- Learn how to position your baby correctly for breastfeeding. Seek advice from midwives.
Once the engorgement has passed, your breasts will be softer, but still full of milk.
10) I do not want to breastfeed, there is a way to stop the flow of milk.
Tell midwives that you do not want to breastfeed, they will immediately give you medicine that blocks milk production. This will prevent the flow of milk and its inconveniences.
Whenever possible, it is good to breastfeed at least during the first few days so that your baby can benefit from the benefits of colostrum …
If you cannot or do not wish it, no need to feel guilty, your baby will find in industrial milk the essential elements for its growth and good health!
Some sources to know more about the milk rush
Getting started with your lactation (Leche League)
Breastfeeding guide (INPES / PNNS)
Breastfeeding: Implementation and continuation in the first 6 months of the child's life (Haute Autorité de Santé)
Also worth knowing
Choosing the right nursing bra
These items are made to make breastfeeding easier
10 tips to make breastfeeding easier
See also: The testimony of a mother who does not want to breastfeed
30 birth announcements for my baby
To read also on aufeminin:
– Baby is coming: how do I dress her?
– Breastfeed baby
– Baby is one month old