How to improve on the quality and quantity of breast milk

Breastfeeding is when an infant receives only breast milk without addition of water, foods and supplemental formula.For many women, breastfeeding proceeds with no difficulty and a plentiful supply of milk, along with comfort and ease for infant and mother.On the other hand breast feeding can be more difficult with varying challenges such as lack of adequate milk, pain, difficulty in getting the baby to suckle, fatigue, and medical problems of either baby and mother. There are no specific foods to eat that will stimulate production of breast milk, but there are things that can help with milk production. More important than what you eat is how your baby eats.When a baby is properly positioned, well attached and sucking effectively, the longer a baby nurses at the mother’s breast the more milk will be produced. This is the single most important way to increase the mother’s milk production.From the diet and nutrition point of view, there are two important factors critical to breast milk production. The first one is to take enough fluid. The fluid to take does not have to be milk only, but also water and juice.It is very important to take enough water during breast feeding periods. Drinking sufficient fluids may not make the mother produce more milk, but is important in replenishing lost fluids.It should be noted that feeding a baby may take an extra 500 calories per day. Women that go on restricted diets in an attempt to lose weight while they are breast feeding may be eating too few calories, which leaves them fatigued and without the energy necessary for optimal milk production.However, it should be noted that some drinks are not good for the mother to take during breast feeding periods. Beer is harmful to the baby’s life and babies too do not like to take alcoholic breast milk that in turn results in less stimulation to the breast. Ultimately, this means a decrease in milk production.Stress can negatively affect milk production. Mothers need to eliminate unnecessary chores, and perhaps relax the standards for tidiness.Caffeine stimulates milk production, but the problem is that caffeine finds its way into breast milk and large amounts can affect the health of the baby. Caffeine stays in baby’s system longer than in an adult’s, which will prolong its effect. Caffeine can make the baby irritable as well as interfere with his sleep.One cup of coffee or a soda is not a problem, but in large quantities for example five or more cups of a caffeinated beverage a day is not good.The best prescription for maximum milk production is effective and frequent breastfeeding or milk expression, plenty of fluids, adequate calories and rest.Nutritional demands on the physiology of a mother breast feeding a baby is important or even more important than during the pregnancy.Continuing a well balanced diet with extra calories and protein for example 400-500 Kcal a day more is fundamental, along with adequate fluid intake and a prenatal vitamin.A mother’s milk does reflect the specific fatty acids found in her diet. Thus, a diet of healthy oils including fish, ground nuts, and cow’s milk is important.Some herbs such as Fennel and Fenugreek have been found to improve on the quality and quantity of the breast milk supply. Fennel has the advantage of not only increasing the breast milk, but easing after pains and settling the digestion of the mother. For the new baby it helps to dispel gas and treat some diseases found within intestines.Fenugreek does not only improve lactation (breast feeding period) but also promotes digestion and stimulate the appetite, while also improving the taste of breast milk.Also to mention are herbs known as nettles and raspberry that encourage a greater supply of breast milk and supply a source of trace minerals and vitamins to enrich the milk.Additionally, herbs such as blessed thistle and borage seed oil and flower tops encourage the supply while helping the mother with postpartum moods and settling the nerves.Blessed thistle is a bitter herb useful for liver function and digestive problems as well as increasing the flow, richness of breast milk. This herb does not only increase milk flow but also help to bring normal sleep for the infant. The author is a doctor at the Rwanda Military Hospital.