Breastfeeding is one of the fundamental processes at the beginning of our child's life. As soon as childbirth occurs, it must be satisfied, if possible, with the mother's milk. For this reason, many mothers wonder how long does it take for milk to come in after delivery.
This "rise» of milk can also be called “descent”, both terms are valid. It is a valid way of calling the way in which the baby will try to suck the mother's nipple, by instinct, and will stimulate the hormone prolactin and oxytocin. They will be responsible for the production of breast milk and its feeding.
How long does it take for mother's milk to come in?
At the time of delivery produce a great mix of hormones that are triggered for the beginning of many functions that the mother needs for her beginning as a mother. Among them we find the responsibility of producing milk and after giving birth she can start producing his first called milk colostrum.
After the baby is born, it will be cleaned and reviewed as a protocol. He will immediately be accommodated next to the mother so that they begin to get to know each other and take heat between them. At that time, the midwife can approach and induce milk letdown manually making a small pressure on the nipple to stimulate its output.
Immediately the so-called colostrum, a yellow liquid It contains great properties that are of vital importance to strengthen the newborn's immune system. At this time the baby should be placed so that he sucks at the breast and begins to stimulate output and production of milk.
When the milk takes longer to rise
This measure is only one of the protocols to practice at the beginning of the birth. Not all mothers can start breastfeeding at the start of labor, as it may take between 24 and 72 hours after birth. New mothers (primiparous) usually take longer for milk to come in, and mothers multiparous They tend to have an easier time formalizing breastfeeding earlier.
Each woman may have a different biological process and therefore in some cases there may be a rise in milk 6 days after delivery. Until now, until there is a big peak or rise in milk, it is essential to try to feed the baby with colostrum.
What should be done when milk rise is delayed?
The midwife may prescribe a supplement to your diet with small doses of formula milk until the mother can introduce feeds independently.
This technique is not a measure to be implemented for no reason, since it is a fairly measured proposal. The baby should not be confused with bottle feeding and you have to note that its main source is breastfeeding.
This measure can only be implemented when there is a risk that the baby cannot be fed by the mother, or because during the first days of his birth no weight gain is observed.
Symptoms of milk letdown
Symptoms that a mother perceives when her milk rises are significant. There is a swelling of the breasts, with some heat and even pain in some cases.
In order to carry out a correct breastfeeding, it is necessary to place the baby in contact, skin to skin, with the mother at the time of birth. From that moment it has to be placed next to the chest and start sucking. It is important that the posture you adapt is started correctly.
From that moment you have to breastfeed continuously and on demand during the first days. Do not try to put anything artificial in your mouth to create confusion, such as pacifiers or teats, as it can delay its shape and cause early weaning.