During the postpartum period, the most important tasks for the new mother are recovery and the production of an adequate amount of breast milk. It is important to note that the maternal body is an extremely precise instrument, so the legend of 'not good enough quality' milk is merely a popular belief. 

Breast milk is always optimally composed and of high quality for the baby, and contrary to fears, except for a few special cases, every mother can breastfeed. (Exceptions include certain diseases, complete absence of milk-producing glands, and emotional rejection.)

If breastfeeding does not work out or the mother does not have enough milk, here are ten questions to consider.

1. Is the mother drinking enough fluids? During the breastfeeding period, the maternal body may need three to five liters of fluid per day. It is also important that this amount is consumed evenly rather than in bursts.

2. Is the mother getting enough rest? Adequate sleep and rest are essential for the body's renewal and milk production. If these are lacking for any reason, the body will conserve energy where it can, and milk production may be disrupted.

3. Are there stressors in the mother's life that can be eliminated? Naturally, the arrival of a child comes with a lot of anxiety, worry, and stress, but it is important to let go of what can be. If the mother cannot rest, is bothered by constantly present relatives, or wants some time without the baby, we should accommodate her! Physical and emotional peace is essential for the production of breast milk.

4. What is the mother eating? For breast milk production, it does not matter whether the mother is a meat-eater or vegan, but whether she follows a balanced, harmonious, and healthy diet. Cumin soup, stew-dumpling combo, or beer do not necessarily aid in milk production, but the balance of slow and fast-absorbing carbohydrates and regular small and large meals certainly do.

5. Is the mother eating enough and regularly? Many women are uncomfortable with changes in body image, so it is not uncommon for exercise programs and diets to start soon after the baby is born. It is important to know that excessive carbohydrate intake should indeed be avoided, but the time for dieting and reduced carbohydrate consumption is not during the postpartum period.

6. Is the baby's muscle tone okay? If the baby's neck, shoulder girdle, and mouth muscles are too tight or too loose, they may not be able to breastfeed effectively. In such cases, persistent attempts along with the involvement of a physiotherapist can support the process of getting back on track.

7. Is the breastfeeding technique appropriate? The optimal breastfeeding positions depend on the baby's momentum, the mother's body type, breast shape, and nipple. If breastfeeding is not working, if it is painful or uncomfortable, it is worth seeking the help of a lactation consultant to clarify misunderstandings, discomforts, and uncertainties.

8. Is the baby going through a growth spurt? A growth spurt is a period of extremely intense change in the baby's and family's life. During this time, the baby's nervous system undergoes a rapid change, increasing the baby's need for nutrients and maternal presence, leading to more crying and cuddling days. It is completely normal for breast milk to be temporarily less during this period. The solution is lots of fluids and lots of cuddling. These help quickly balance the supply and demand relationship, as the baby itself induces increased milk production.

9. Has the mother's menstruation returned? Many mothers do not resume their cycle for one or more years, while others menstruate after the six-week postpartum period. During this time, the taste of breast milk changes, becoming less sweet, which may lead to the baby rejecting breastfeeding. There is no need to worry, just persevere, and everything will naturally return to normal over time.

10. Does the mother want to breastfeed at all? It is self-evident that breastfeeding is the best solution for the baby during the first six months. However, there are many reasons why a mother may not want to breastfeed, consciously or subconsciously, although it is rare for a mother to admit this, as she wants to meet expectations and do what is best for her baby. In these cases, psychological barriers often lead to breastfeeding difficulties or the cessation of milk production.

 

 

Everything for Breast Milk: Do You Need to Eat?

Some mothers gain extra weight not during pregnancy, but while breastfeeding. This is due to the belief that there will be plenty of milk if the new mother eats a lot. However, the reality is that producing the right amount of breast milk requires an additional intake of about 500 calories and 20 g of protein per day. 

The cult of milk-stimulating foods has persisted for decades, but soups, yeast doughs, handfuls of oily seeds, or custard are not miracle workers. Some herbal capsules, tea blends, popular malt drinks, or non-alcoholic beers may help, but there is no universal rule for stimulating milk production. 

 

Breastfeeding and Sports

Just as doctors advise caution during the first twelve weeks of pregnancy, it is also recommended to temporarily refrain from sports during the six-week postpartum period. The optimal time to return to various sports varies, but it is always advisable to start exercising after a gynecological - or even better, urogynecological - check-up.

It is important to note that exercise does not affect the likelihood of successful breastfeeding! We just need to make sure to replenish lost salts and minerals, as well as water, and adhere to the principle of gradual progression. The body needs time - almost two years for full recovery - and we lose more if we rush it. 

 

Breastfeeding Diet

One of the most important keywords regarding a breastfeeding diet, alongside sufficient fluid intake and rest, is regularity, meaning that new mothers should eat five to seven times a day. The ideal breastfeeding diet is rich in fiber, vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein, based on slow-absorbing carbohydrates, and always extremely varied.

It is also important to know that it is always advisable to avoid overly spicy and hot foods, as well as foods rich in sugar and preservatives, but there is no other blacklist. 

However, it is worth paying attention - possibly even keeping a food diary - to how the baby reacts to the consumption of certain food groups. If after consuming certain food(s), the baby becomes restless, sleepy, or colicky, or develops redness or rashes after breastfeeding, it is worth avoiding the particular food for a few weeks. After that, you can try again, but always observe the baby's reactions. (If the symptoms are regular or extreme, seek the advice of a pediatrician as soon as possible!)