Your body has been preparing for lactation since shortly after conception and some women can express breastmilk from the midpoint of pregnancy. Milk is made from water, protein and milk sugar (lactose) in your blood. It is produced in the clusters of milk glands called alveoli and moves to the nipple through ducts. When your baby first suckles, the stimulation sends messages to the pituitary gland at the base of your brain to release two hormones prolactin and oxytocin.
- The best way to prepare breasts for breastfeeding is to stimulate the nipples with sexual foreplay and sucking.
- Sex also releases oxytocin, the hormone that helps in the production and release of milk.
- Get plenty of sleep.
- Try to relax as stress can inhibit milk production and flow.
- Drink 2-3 litres of water, vital to keep hydrated and to produce milk.
- Because your baby’s brain development continues for three years after the birth, it is important to keep a nutritious diet. Take a supplement containing omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.
- Include barley, oats and brown rice, leafy greens, red and orange vegetables, avocados and nuts, especially almonds.
- Seaweed contains important minerals.
- Drink herbal teas including nettle, fenugreek, fennel, dandelion, chammomile and raspberry leaf.
- Add to your cooking these culinary herbs: coriander, cumin, caraway, cardamom, dill and aniseed.
- Gently massage your breasts in a clockwise direction to increase circulation and milk flow.
- Reflexology can promote milk flow and balance hormone production.
- Massaging around the head, neck and shoulders will ease tension, promote circulation and stimulate pressure points useful during breast feeding.
- Self help acupressure points Small Intestine 1,Stomach 16, Pericardum 1, Gall Bladder 21
- Parsley and sage dry up milk production (and are therefore useful for weaning).