BREAST FEEDING PROBLEMS
Lactation, or the production of milk, depends upon several hormones produced by the mothers body. When a woman is pregnant high levels of oestrogen and progesterone prevent milk from being made. After birth, oestrogen and progesterone decrease and prolactin levels increase. Prolactin is responsible for stimulating milk production in the breast. Oxytocin, which a mothers body releases in response to the baby's suckling, helps maintain the levels of prolactin necessary for milk production and stimulates the release of milk from the breast - sometimes called ejection.
Mothers have used herbs to foster better production of breast milk for centuries. Many of these herbs can't be taken when you are pregnant, however, because they may stimulate uterine contractions. Once your baby is born, herbs not only can help boost the supply of your breast milk while you're breastfeeding, but once you're finished they also can help your body reduce the supply and eventually eliminate it. Some can help ease nipple soreness or other minor complaints associated with breastfeeding.
In hospitals nurses trained in breastfeeding can help a new mother get started. Midwives also are often knowledgeable in natural health care for breastfeeding mothers, and the National Chilbirth Trust trains counsellors in breastfeeding. Finally, the La Leche League is a longestablished organisation that assists new mothers with breastfeeding.
DRUG TREATMENT
At one time doctors prescribed hormones to help dry up the initial milk supply and relieve breast engorgement for mothers who did not intend to breastfeed. This is no longer done, because the side effects of such hormone treatment can be severe. No drug options exist for the reverse situation: inadequate milk supply. Because any drugs taken by the mother while breastfeeding are also passed along to the baby, doctors generally err on the side of caution with even the mildest of over-the-counter drugs.
HERBAL REMEDIES
Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum)
These seeds
are an ancient treatment for increasing milk production.
They
have oxytocin-like effects on the body, stimulating milk production and contracting
the uterus. Start with a low dose and slowly increase it if necessary.
Typical dosage: up to six 600- or 700-milligram capsules per day; or up to teaspoon of seeds per day.
Caution: do not use fenugreek while pregnant.
Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Another age-old treatment for
increasing milk flow, fennel works in a way similar to the body's hormones.
You can eat fennel seeds in food or use them to make a tea. A side benefit
to fennel is that it typically eases any mild post-pregnancy digestive problems.
Typical dosage: up to three 400- or 500-milligram capsules per day; or 1 cup of tea per day (simmer 2 to 3 teaspoons of crushed seeds in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).
Caution: donot use fennel if you are pregnant.
Aniseed (Pimpenilla anisum)
This seed contains a volatile
oil component known as anethole, which can promote prolactin secretion and
thus milk production. Like fennel, aniseed promotes digestion.
Typical dosage: 1 cup of tea per day (simmer2 to 3 teaspoons of crushed seeds in 1/4 litre of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes).
Caution: do not use aniseed if you are pregnant.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
It does not not increase your milk
supply, but pure aloe vera gel soothes the skin and can be applied to nipples
after you nurse to avoid cracking and dryness. Use topically as necessary.
TIPS FOR BREASTFEEDING SUCCESS
Here are some guidelines to increase your success at breastfeeding:
- Begin as soon as possible after birth.
- Breastfeed whenever your baby
appears to want to, up to a dozen times every 24 hours.
- Set up a comfortable breastfeeding station - a good chair,
a footstool, a pillow and a nearby supply of water.
- Do not give the baby any supplements such as water,
juice or formula unless the doctor specifically recommends them.
- Avoid dummies;
they confuse your baby's suckling response.
- Air-dry your
nipples after breastfeeding to prevent cracking and infection.
- Eat
right and get enough rest.
- If you are wearing breast pads in your breastfeeding bra, change them after each feeding to avoid infection.
