Young and inexperienced mothers often have the feeling that they will be unable to produce enough milk to feed their baby. The best-known reasons for inadequate lactation are: bra too tight, incorrect positioning of the baby on the breast, stress, irritation, extreme sleep deprivation, and hormonal imbalances. The recommendations below will help you with milk "production".
Supply and demand
Nature ensures that nursing mothers always have enough milk to feed their offspring. The amount of milk adapts to the baby's needs in accordance with the principle of supply and demand. In other words, the more often a mother feeds her baby, the more milk is produced. So, when the baby wants to breastfeed, you should put it on the breast because your body will react automatically to the baby's needs and produce more milk.
Time
The stresses and strains of everyday life can inhibit the flow of milk, so make sure you take plenty of time to breastfeed. Learn to relax by adopting a comfortable breastfeeding posture.
Nutrition
Some foods can have a positive or negative effect on milk production. To increase the flow of milk you should ensure that you drink plenty of water or tea. Malted drinks and various varieties of tea (e.g. fennel, cumin, aniseed and special nursing teas) are said to stimulate lactation. In contrast, alcohol, coffee, sage tea and peppermint tea have the opposite effect. Some foods – particularly whole-grain products (e.g. bread, rice, semolina and porridge oats) and nuts (especially almonds) – stimulate milk production. Midwives also have a special recipe for mini-cookies that can help to increase milk flow. They're made from a mixture of oats, barley and wheat.
Offer for mothers
Mothers particularly appreciate the help provided by the sante24 health advice helpline. This is available to all SWICA customers free of charge on 044 404 86 86 and provides expert advice around the clock, 365 days a year.
01.06.2015
