A small child, due to an incompletely formed immune system and a reduced protective function of the mucous membranes, is very susceptible to the effects of pathogenic bacteria. They enter the body of the crumbs mainly through the mouth. Therefore, any infection that occurs on the nipples during feeding immediately gets to the baby and can cause various diseases. In this regard, the mammary glands during breastfeeding must be kept clean.
In breast care, great attention should be paid to three factors:
- the right bra for nursing mothers,
- competent hygiene of the mammary glands,
- use of accessories for breastfeeding.
Breast care: choosing underwear for nursing mothers
During lactation, the mammary glands fill with milk, increase in size and become heavy. So that the vessels are not squeezed and the outflow of milk is not disturbed, breast support is necessary. Therefore, breastfeeding women are advised to wear a nursing bra during breastfeeding.
What to look for when choosing underwear for nursing?
- Nursing bra should be made from natural fabrics. In this case, it will not cause allergies, it will absorb moisture well and wash off easily.
- Pay attention to feelings. A nursing bra should provide good support. A small model will compress the breast during milk rushes and disrupt blood circulation. A too large bra can cause stretch marks and “sagging” breasts.
- For feeding, it is recommended to choose a bra "without pits", since when filling the breast, they can squeeze the breast and cause milk stagnation.
- The straps should be wide, which will evenly support the mammary glands.
- It is recommended to choose models of a feeding bra from seamless material. If there are seams on the product, they should not pass through the areola and nipple area, so as not to rub them and cause irritation. At the time of feeding, you will have to abandon lace models: they can rub the sensitive skin around the nipple.
- Very comfortable bras for nursing mothers with a detachable upper part of the cup (it does not need to be removed every time during feeding).
How many bras will you need?
After childbirth, the breasts of a nursing mother are vulnerable to pathogens, so the cleanliness of underwear is of particular importance. It is recommended to have at least two nursing bras and wash them regularly. At first (during the formation of lactation), due to the possible leakage of milk, it is recommended to change them every day.
Breast care: clean and dry!
The basic rule of hygiene that every nursing mother should know is this: the breast should always be clean and dry.
More recently, the medical staff of maternity hospitals insisted that a nursing mother must wash her breasts before and after each feeding of the baby. However, this rule is outdated. Breastfeeding experts say that it is enough to wash your breasts 1-2 times a day, taking a shower. The fact is that when washing the breast, especially with soap, the protective layer of fats is removed from the skin of the areola and nipple, which contains special substances that prevent the penetration of “harmful” microbes into the skin of the breast. In addition, frequent washing of the breast leads to overdrying of the skin and cracked nipples.
After a shower, the breasts should be gently blotted with a soft cloth. It is not recommended to rub it with a towel so as not to irritate the nipples when feeding.
After feeding, it is advisable to lubricate the nipples with drops of “hind” milk (the portion that is released at the end of feeding), as it has protective and healing properties, protecting the skin from dryness.
If the mother's skin is very sensitive, then to prevent cracks, you can use a special nipple cream when feeding. Immediately after feeding, it should be applied to the nipple and areola in a thin layer. There are creams that do not need to be washed off before the next feeding, they are completely safe for the baby. It is clear that they are much more convenient to use.
After feeding and between them, it is necessary to arrange air baths for the breast, i.e. keep it open for about 10 minutes. After each feeding, the nipple should air dry on its own.
In no case should various disinfectants (brilliant green, vodka, chlorophyllipt, alcohol, etc.) be used to treat the nipple and areola. They dry out the skin of the nipple and areola, which provokes the formation of cracks.
Breast accessories to make your life easier:
Breast pads
There are breast pads disposable and reusable. It is important that the nursing pad has a breathable surface and is waterproof. In addition, such liners should absorb milk well, be soft, thin and pleasant when touched on the breast.
Reusable nursing pads are made from organic cotton. They have less absorbency than disposable pads, so they need to be changed more often. These pads can be washed and reused. You can wash them by hand with baby soap or baby detergent, or in the washing machine by selecting the gentle wash program. After washing, they must be rinsed well.
Disposable bra pads have 4 layers. The outer surface is breathable and waterproof. Inside the liner is a soft absorbent pad and a dense layer of adsorbent. Thus, the inner layer in contact with the skin remains dry, which reduces the risk of sore nipples.
Most disposable bra pads have non-slip tape to keep them from shifting in the bra. It is important to change the earbuds regularly (when they get wet) because, filled with milk, they become a good breeding ground for bacteria. In addition, their ability to absorb milk has its limit, after which they do not guarantee dryness. If the breast remains wet for a long time, it can cause cracks and infection of the breast.
Pads for collecting leaking milk
There are also special pads for collecting leaking breast milk. They are convenient to use for nursing mothers with hyperlactation, when there is too much milk in the breast. Outwardly, this device looks like a plastic "cup" that is inserted into the bra. One part of it is made of plastic, the other is made of silicone with a hole for the nipple. The nipple itself does not touch the surface of the lining due to the presence of a double bottom. In order to prevent nipple problems due to high humidity, it is recommended to remove the pads every 2-3 hours and arrange air baths for the breasts. After use, they must be washed and stored in a clean, closed container.
IMPORTANT! Breastfeeding should not be accompanied by a feeling of pain and discomfort. If these or other signs of trouble appear, a woman should carefully examine the mammary glands for swelling, redness, cracks and irritation. If any changes are found, you should consult a doctor in order to eliminate the cause that violates breastfeeding as soon as possible.
Many expectant mothers from the first weeks of pregnancy think about the changes that can happen to their body after childbirth. For example, the breast changes a lot during the expectation of the baby and during the period of breastfeeding. Therefore, care must be taken to provide sufficient care for this delicate part of the body. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the changes that will have to be faced will not be reversible. Expectant mothers should figure out how to take care of their breasts during pregnancy. After all, following simple tips will help to preserve the beauty and attractiveness of the figure for a long time.
Stretch Mark Prevention
One of the problems that a pregnant woman may face are stretch marks, they are also called stretch marks. These are pink or red stripes that most often appear on the skin of the chest, abdomen, or thighs. Some women are more prone to this cosmetic defect, others less so. Heredity plays a big role in the appearance of stretch marks.
It is best to take care of the prevention of stretch marks from the earliest possible date.
- It is advisable to arrange air baths for the chest at least 2-3 times a day. To do this, take off your clothes and lie down or walk around for 10-15 minutes.
Important! First you need to ventilate the room. If the weather is good outside, then it is better to carry out the procedure with an open window. When the air temperature is low, the window must be closed. Also, keep your chest out of direct sunlight.
- An excellent tool for the prevention of stretch marks is a contrast shower. You can take it in the morning and evening. Finish the procedure with cool water. A jet of water should be directed to each breast in a circular motion. You can also carry out a light massage with a not very hard mitten.
A contrast shower is an excellent prevention of stretch marks.
- Modern manufacturers offer a huge selection of cosmetics that will help prevent the appearance of stretch marks. For example, you can pay attention to the products of the following brands: Sanosan baby, Our Mom, Mustela.
Means are produced in the form of creams, gels, oils. You need to use them regularly, be sure to apply after a contrast shower, this will increase the effectiveness of the procedures. Stretch marks appear on dry and not particularly elastic skin. Cosmetics do an excellent job of moisturizing it.
Selection of linen
Of great importance for maintaining the beauty and health of the breast is the correct selection of a bra. This issue should be given special attention. After all, a well-chosen bra will help protect the chest from stretch marks and relieve stress from the spine. When choosing this most important part of your wardrobe, you need to remember the following recommendations:
- underwear must be made from natural fabrics;
- it is best to refuse underwire bras;
- cups should fit in shape;
- great if the bra does not have internal seams;
- a multi-level clasp will be a good choice, because future mothers also increase the volume of the chest as a whole, and not just the mammary glands;
- choose a bra with soft, wide straps, the length of which can be adjusted.
You can pay attention to such options for bras for expectant mothers
To choose underwear for yourself, you need to know the volume of the chest and the circumference of the chest. The first parameter is measured at the level of the nipples. Chest circumference should be measured under the bust. Directly the size of the bra can be determined by special tables. You can consult with a sales assistant in the store. He will be able to choose the right size and suitable model, based on the parameters of the future mother.
Important! Pregnant women may produce colostrum. In this case, special hygienic liners, which are usually used by nursing mothers, will come to the rescue.
Exercises
Moderate exercise helps pregnant women keep fit and prepare their bodies for childbirth. Many women enjoy attending special classes for pregnant women, in which attention is paid to all muscle groups. You can also suggest simple exercises that you can do at home.
- It is necessary to become even, arms bent at the elbows to connect at the level of the chest. Next, at the expense of "one" strongly squeeze the palms together. Then at the expense of "three" palms relax. In this case, you can not change the position of the hands. You can also perform the exercise while sitting on the floor or on a fitball.
- You need to stand against the wall and lean your hands on it. Then you need to bend your arms at the elbows and, while inhaling, lean very gently in the direction of the camp. Then exhale and push off with the effort of the hands.
Repeat each exercise several times.
There are also sets of exercises for the chest with dumbbells, balls, but they are best performed after consulting a trainer.
A contrast shower, exercise, good underwear and cosmetics will effectively help in breast care. But it is also worth listening to some other recommendations.
- It is known that proper nutrition is an important aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Expectant mothers try to monitor their diet, as they understand that the health and development of the baby depends on the quality of their food. But besides this, it should be remembered that nutrition plays an important role in maintaining the beauty of the body.
The diet should contain a large number of vegetables, fruits, fish, nuts, eggs.
- Many expectant mothers are aware of the benefits of swimming during pregnancy. Such exercises are good for the chest. Swimming strengthens the pectoral muscle, gives elasticity to the skin, and has a massage effect.
Swimming is very good for breasts during pregnancy
- It is necessary to pay attention to the preparation of the nipples for the upcoming lactation. If a woman has small nipples, then you can slightly change their shape with a simple massage. You need to regularly twist them in one direction and the other. But do it carefully so as not to injure yourself. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before the procedure.
In order for the nipple to become a little hardened, you need to wipe your breasts dry with a towel after a shower. Also, for this purpose, linen liners can be put into the bra for the whole day.
If cracked nipples appear, you should consult a doctor.
Important! During pregnancy, the skin of the nipples darkens. Some women are embarrassed by this. But do not use whitening creams! After childbirth, over time, the nipples will brighten.
- Expectant mothers will benefit from childbirth preparation courses. They necessarily talk about how to care for the breast and prepare it for lactation. There is also an opportunity to ask your questions to a lactation consultant. This specialist will be able to competently explain all the nuances.
Lactation is a natural physiological process of producing a specific nutrient - maternal (breast) milk. The lactation period lasts from the end of childbirth and the first attachment of the baby to the breast until the end of milk production. According to research data and recommendations from gynecologists and obstetricians, the baby should be breastfed immediately after childbirth.
Despite this, the mammary gland does not immediately begin to secrete milk immediately after childbirth. However, the mother's body synthesizes colostrum, useful for the child's body, which plays a huge role in the development of children's immunity.
Lactation, as a physiological process, begins approximately 2-3 days after the end of childbirth. At this time, a woman may begin to experience uncomfortable, and even painful sensations: pressure in the chest, enlargement of the mammary glands, slight pulling pains. This is a physiological norm.
From the moment lactation begins, the infant should be breastfed as often as possible. Only in this way can lactation become sufficiently stable. Neither pumping nor other methods will help establish stable lactation. Otherwise, there is a risk that the milk will "disappear".
After 14 - 21 days, the next phase of the lactation period begins, the so-called mature lactation. In some cases, this period may be delayed and come later.
In this phase of lactation, it is no longer necessary to feed the baby as often as possible. Lactation is stable, which means that the baby needs to be fed only on demand. The intervals between each next feeding should be about 2 hours (at least). In the future, as the lactation period comes to an end, the intervals should be increased to 4 hours.
Only in this single case, the lactation period will be as comfortable and useful as possible, both for the child and for the mother herself.
A little about lactation as a physiological process
As mentioned, lactation is a natural process during which the synthesis, accumulation and further release of a specific nutrient - mother's milk. Lactation is an extremely complex process. It is caused by the production of a number of hormones. The main active substance that affects milk production is the pituitary hormone prolactin.
It directly affects the mammary gland, giving a "command" to produce milk. The intensity of production directly depends on the concentration of the hormone in the blood. Milk accumulates in the gland itself and in the so-called lactiferous passages, through which the milk leaves the gland.
Another important hormone is oxytocin. This active substance is intensively produced in the process of sucking by the baby of the mother's breast. With muscle contraction, milk leaves the body faster. The hormone does not directly affect the intensity of milk production, but it helps the substance to evacuate faster, which means it prevents milk stagnation and the development of such formidable complications as lactostasis and mastitis. In addition, oxytocin helps to contract the muscles of the uterus, which means a quick stop of postpartum hemorrhage.
The first two to three days after birth, mothers do not produce milk, but colostrum is excreted. In some cases, colostrum begins to be synthesized even during gestation.
It's important for women to keep in mind. During stimulation of the mammary glands, oxytocin is released, therefore, in no case should women with a similar feature of the body express colostrum. Oxytocin promotes contraction of the uterus and the onset of preterm labor.
Colostrum is replaced by mother's milk, approximately, for 3-5 days.
10 mistakes breastfeeding moms make
Many women, out of inexperience or ignorance, make quite serious mistakes:
In no case should you set a schedule (mode) for feeding an infant. The child himself knows how much and when to eat. It is advisable to set a feeding schedule only at the onset of the so-called mature lactation period (after about 14-21 days) and closer to its completion (intervals of 2-4 hours). Starting to feed a child in this way, the mother runs the risk of “losing” milk very quickly, since lactation at the initial stage is extremely unstable.
You can not feed the baby with artificial mixtures. This is probably one of the most serious mistakes mothers make. For one reason or another, a woman decides that the baby does not have enough milk and buys an artificial mixture. Such a diet can lead to a number of adverse effects. Firstly, sucking from a nipple is much easier than applying to the breast, and secondly, the mixture has better taste properties, which means that there is a high risk that the baby will completely refuse mother's milk. Despite all the properties of artificial mixtures (they are close in composition to mother's milk), they are not able to replace breast milk. And therefore provoke a lot of side effects. The child may develop colic, digestive problems, and allergic reactions.
Don't give your child water. Contrary to popular belief, milk is not only food. Almost 90% of it consists of water, which means that this is quite enough for a child. If the mother suspects that the child is thirsty, the best solution would be to stimulate lactation and “unplanned” next feeding. If the baby consumes water in addition to milk, this can lead to refusing to eat. The fact is that as the stomach fills up, the brain receives a signal of saturation and a feeling of artificial saturation sets in. It is possible to give water to an infant only in two cases: if the time has come for the introduction of complementary foods (not earlier than from 6 months), or if the child is initially bottle-fed. Otherwise, problems with the kidneys may begin and the development of edema is not far off.
Crying is not always caused by hunger. The child is designed in such a way that crying is the only way to get attention. But there can be a lot of reasons for crying: a child may have colic, pain in the abdomen, he may have a headache, the baby may simply be bored, he may want to be picked up, teeth may be cut, the baby could be frightened, it may come time to change a diaper, etc.
For some reason, many mothers are sure that the level of milk directly depends on how dense and firm the breast is. This is a huge misconception. If seals are observed and felt in the breast, this does not indicate the amount of milk, but the onset of lactostasis and stagnation. The chest, on the contrary, not only can, but should be soft. Moreover, a woman, with the normal development of lactation, should not experience a lot of discomfort. Therefore, this is not a reason to avoid feeding.
Without sufficient reasons, you should not express breast milk. When expressing milk, a woman loses the most useful part of it, the so-called "hind" milk. Instead of expressing, it is better to once again offer the baby a breast. Pumping is advisable only if there is lactostasis.
Do not use outdated data on weight gain. Many pediatricians use old schemes and tables of weight growth ratios, etc. These data were relevant 10-20 years ago and the materials were compiled for artificially fed children.
If possible, do not give a pacifier. The sucking reflex of the child is satisfied by the mother's breast. If the child is crying, you need to find and eliminate the cause of irritation, and not plug the child's mouth with a dummy.
Control weighing the baby is useless. Often mothers weigh their baby before and after feeding to find out how much the baby has eaten. The thing is that, firstly, the baby consumes a negligible amount of milk. To reflect such a small result, very sensitive scales are needed, which cost a lot of money. Ordinary household scales will not reflect the result. Secondly, each time the baby consumes a different amount of milk. You should not use this method.
Don't introduce complementary foods too early. Complementary foods should be introduced no earlier and no later than 6 months. If you enter it earlier - there is a risk of allergic reactions and the development of problems with the gastrointestinal tract, if later - mental and physical development disorders are possible. (How to introduce complementary foods to a child - a table of complementary foods for children up to a year by months)
Popular questions related to lactation
Is it possible to get pregnant during lactation?
In order to get pregnant, you need a certain hormonal background. During lactation, hormones are synthesized in a woman's body that inhibit reproductive function. These hormones are almost 100% likely to prevent re-pregnancy immediately after childbirth. The concentration of specific hormones in the blood increases the more, the more often a woman breastfeeds her baby. Therefore, frequent breastfeeding reduces the risk of pregnancy during lactation.
However, in some cases there are exceptions. So, due to physiological characteristics, in some women (about 10% of all women), the reproductive function is fully preserved even during lactation.
The rest of the women need to follow two recommendations to exclude pregnancy:
Breastfeed your baby at least 8 times a day. The maximum interval between each subsequent feeding should be 4-5 hours. It is optimal to adhere to the above scheme and apply the baby to the breast as often as possible.
Do not introduce complementary foods ahead of time and give the baby a pacifier.
If at least one of the two requirements presented is not met, the woman must take contraceptives, since the risk of another pregnancy is high.
When does menstruation start after lactation?
Menstruation is a natural cyclical process during which eggs mature in the ovary and exit the organ. This process, as well as pregnancy and lactation, is stimulated by specific female hormones.
During lactation, the pituitary hormone prolactin is actively produced. It is prolactin that is responsible for stimulating the mammary gland. At the same time, prolactin suppresses ovarian function, and the eggs do not mature. This also makes it impossible to get pregnant.
For the same reason, the timing at which the menstrual cycle returns to normal depends mainly on how often a woman breastfeeds, and what is the concentration of prolactin in the blood.
If breastfeeding is maintained throughout the entire period of lactation, we can talk about several months. As soon as lactation stops, the eggs mature again.
Therefore, when taking specialized drugs, herbal remedies aimed at suppressing lactation (for reference, their action is based on suppressing the production of prolactin), as well as premature termination of breastfeeding, the menstrual cycle is restored much faster.
What to do if the nipple hurts during lactation?
With the correct attachment of the baby to the breast, pain is extremely rare.
There can be several reasons for pain and discomfort:
A woman incorrectly attaches a baby to her breast. Most often, this problem occurs in inexperienced mothers. There can be many variations of this reason: incorrect posture, accustoming the child to the nipple, as a result of which the child begins to suck incorrectly. The solution to this problem is very simple. The best option would be to consult directly in the hospital, or with a specialized specialist. Relying on illustrated diagrams and pictures is not entirely reasonable, since it is impossible to track the process in dynamics and new errors may occur.
Improper nipple care. A structure as delicate as the nipple requires delicate and meticulous care. However, women often wash them with aggressive products (soap), treat them with alcohol solutions, etc. This is a gross mistake. You need to pick up special care products and smear the nipples with special creams to eliminate cracks and soften the skin.
Cracks in the nipples. With improper attachment of the baby or insufficient hygiene, the nipples can crack. Cracks can also form for natural physiological reasons. (Cracks in the nipples during feeding - what to do, how to treat? Ointments, creams)
Diseases and pathologies. The cause of pain in the nipples may be hidden in the presence of diseases. Lactostasis, mastitis, nerve damage, etc. In this case, the way to deal with discomfort is to get rid of the underlying disease.
What are the consequences of smoking during lactation?
Many women have such an addiction as addiction to nicotine. Even during pregnancy and lactation, a woman cannot give up cigarettes. It has been unequivocally proven that the quality of milk, and, consequently, the effect on the child's body, if the mother smokes, is incredibly detrimental. It is possible to reduce the risk of developing pathologies during gestation, as well as to guarantee the normal development of the child, only by completely abandoning cigarettes in advance. Reducing the number of cigarettes per day will not help here.
The use of the milk of a smoking mother by a child leads to the following consequences:
Destruction of the nervous system. After the birth of a child, his nervous system is still actively developing. Nicotine "beats" the nervous system, causing its excessive excitement. The child becomes nervous, constantly naughty and crying. In the future, the development of severe nervous diseases, up to cerebral palsy, is possible.
Respiratory and immune system. Children who eat milk containing nicotine are more susceptible to the development of allergic diseases, as well as diseases of the lungs and bronchi: asthma, bronchitis, etc. The reason for this is not only the use of milk, but also the inhalation of "waste" smoke. The child becomes a passive smoker from the very first days of life.
Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. In almost one hundred percent of cases, when drinking milk containing nicotine, problems with the gastrointestinal tract develop, in the first stages they are manifested by colic. In the future, more severe pathologies are possible.
Immune disorders. The immunity of children of smokers is significantly weakened, since the system spends all its strength on fighting such an aggressive substance as nicotine.
Disorders from the cardiovascular system. When drinking such milk, a child may develop hypertension, heart defects, arrhythmias and a host of other dangerous pathologies.
How long to breastfeed a baby?
There is no consensus on this issue both among specialists and among average citizens. Some believe that it is necessary to breastfeed a child for up to a year, and after a year it is not advisable to do this, some continue to feed for longer than up to a year, and still others believe that a child should be fed as much as he wants.
The optimal solution is to breastfeed the baby for at least the first six months of life. At this time, milk should be the main source of nutrition for the baby. After six months, breast milk is no longer able to provide the baby with all the nutrients.
From the second year, the child begins to eat almost like an adult. In the first and second years of life, milk plays the role of a factor supporting growth and development, but it is not absolutely necessary. Moreover, nowadays it is not difficult to find a replacement for such a life span for milk. Despite this, there is no absolute replacement for breast milk.
Benefits of long-term breastfeeding
There are several poles of long-term feeding:
High level of nutritional value. Milk is rich in all the necessary substances and it is extremely difficult to replace it, especially in the first months of life.
Stimulation of the development of immunity. Mother's milk contributes to the production of specific immunoglobulins.
Reducing the risk of developing diseases caused by allergies. According to scientists, the risk of developing allergies is lower in children who have been breastfed for a long time. In addition, milk itself is not rejected by the child's body and does not cause an immune response.
Formation of the correct bite and development of facial muscles. The sucking reflex contributes to the development of facial muscles and proper bite.
Optimal physical development.
When should you not stop breastfeeding?
You should not stop breastfeeding in two cases:
If the child is sick or unwell. Babies recover faster if they are breastfed. With breast milk, children in finished form receive the substances necessary to fight the disease, and the body's immune system itself is strengthened.
In the hot season (late spring, summer). Food during such periods spoils faster and the risk of developing poisoning is much higher. Therefore, mother's milk in summer is an optimal replacement and a complete food product.
To increase the quantity and quality of breast milk, a mother needs to follow a proper diet and consume a number of foods in large quantities:
Tea. Green or black tea contribute to a more active evacuation of milk.
Bread with cumin and bran. Cumin seeds increase the amount of milk produced. During lactation, preference should be given not to simple bread, but to bread with bran, or cumin seeds.
Fruit compotes and decoctions. Decoctions and compotes from dried fruits or fresh berries help to increase the vitamin value of breast milk. They should be consumed as often as possible.
Pure boiled water. Pure boiled water increases the amount of milk and, at the same time, reduces its viscosity. This will help not only the child, but also the mother, as it will reduce the risk of lactostasis.
Nuts. Walnuts, cedar and almonds. You need to limit yourself to 1-2 nuts per day. Only in such quantity the quality of milk will increase. In large quantities, nuts can harm the baby because they cause gas and persistent constipation.
Herbal teas. Dill, chamomile, etc. contribute to calming the nervous system of the child and its further normal development.
Products are lactogenic. Milk, kefir and other sour-milk products, low-fat cheeses (Adyghe, brynza), soups on low-fat broths, vegetables and fruits.
Fresh juices: carrot, berry.
Decoctions of barley. It also increases the amount of milk produced.
Radish and honey salads. Large amounts of radishes should be avoided. Radish can cause increased production of intestinal gases in an infant.
Hercules, oatmeal and buckwheat porridge, or dishes containing these cereals.
Watermelon and carrots.
Vegetable salads with vegetable oil.
Based on the list of products presented, the mother must independently choose a diet based on her gastronomic preferences. It is important to adhere to the principle of moderation.
Some doctors recommend regular nipple massage during the last month of pregnancy to strengthen them. After the baby is born, when he starts to suck, some doctors do not recommend anything special regarding the care of the nipples, because in other parts of the world it is not customary to rub or lubricate healthy breasts. Others find it helpful to lubricate the nipples before and after feedings, or rub them with a mild salt solution (half a teaspoon of salt per cup of boiled water). Salt solution allows you to remove milk, but does not produce any effect on bacteria. A mother should wash her hands with soap and water before touching (massaging or examining) her nipples because the pores are easily infected and because the baby is easily infected with stomatitis, a fungus that affects the mouth. But it is not necessary to wash your hands before regular feeding.
Some mothers find it helpful to let the nipples air out for 10-15 minutes after feeding before fastening the bra. Others find their nipples look drier and healthier if they don't have pads in their bras.
Cases where a lot of effort is applied. We hear about women who want to breastfeed their babies but fail. Talk begins about how complex our civilization is, it makes mothers too nervous and makes it impossible to feed children. There is no doubt that nervous work has a negative effect on breastfeeding, but I do not think that most women are nervous. Breastfeeding most often fails because the mother did not try hard enough.
Three important conditions must be met: 1) stay away from formula bottles; 2) do not fall into despair too early; 3) it is enough to stimulate the breast after the appearance of milk.
If a baby is artificially fed for the first three or four days of life, the chances of him switching to breastfeeding are reduced. A child who is satisfied with the mixture does not try to suck everything out of the breast. (Water given in the early days to avoid dehydration has no effect on cravings.) After milk appears, it is wise to stop formula altogether if the baby seems content and does not continue to lose weight.
Sometimes a mother falls into despair just when her milk begins to appear or after one or two days, because she does not have enough milk. But this is the wrong time to stop breastfeeding. The mother has not yet used even a hundredth of her potentialities. If on the fifth day she gives at least 30 grams per feeding, it is worth continuing. In this case, it is useful to have a nurse or an experienced nanny nearby who will support and encourage.
At first, for normal breast stimulation, nighttime feedings (at 10 pm and 2 am) are just as important as daytime ones. If the breast does not give enough milk on a three- or four-hour feeding schedule, it is useful to feed the baby more often, you can every two hours (and empty both breasts at each feeding); you just need to make sure that the nipples do not suffer. This is how the baby and the breast adapt to each other in those places where there is no cow's milk. Frequent emptying stimulates the breast, and it begins to produce more milk. Then the child gets the opportunity to move to longer intervals. Of course, if a child has been fasting for many days, or continues to lose weight, or has a fever from lack of fluid, he should not be deprived of formula indefinitely. Frequent feeding should be stopped if the nipples are cracked or if the mother is very tired due to lack of normal rest.
If a mother can keep in touch with her doctor, she can help decide how many days the baby can get by with small amounts of breast milk without formula, how long the mother's nipples can withstand frequent feedings, and how often to feed. However, in many cases, the attitude of the mother to breastfeeding is more important. If she makes it clear that she intends to succeed, the doctor will give her instructions as he sees fit.
After the birth of the baby, throughout the entire period of feeding, women will have to take care of the breasts of a nursing mother, so that the whole process goes painlessly and with pleasure. Thus, the contact between the child and the mother will be ideal. In this article, we will analyze detailed tips on how to look after the mammary glands and what procedures to perform. 
A great influence on the condition of the mammary glands has exactly how the mother puts the baby to the breast. Properly performed feeding will not have the consequences and risks of cracks and wounds on the halo.
During the neonatal period, the baby is not yet able to eat properly, so you need to offer the baby the breast yourself. Learn how to do this in our previous article. In this case, the main thing is not to retrain the child, but initially to teach the baby to use milk correctly. If mommy does everything right, the consequences and injuries of the mammary glands can be avoided.
Children's humor! The cat is on all fours
And Natasha is on twins.
Also, one should not forget about breast care after feeding, namely, to observe hygiene procedures. Look at the photo, how to properly attach the baby to the breast.
Attention! The correct attachment of the newborn to the breast during feeding depends on whether you will have cracks and painful irritations on the nipples.
How to get rid of cracked nipples?
If you notice small cracks and pain on the chest area, you should not panic, as this is easily fixable at the first stage. Stick to the following tips:
Recommendation! Do not abuse the use of silicone pads. The baby will not want to work in order to eat later, because through such a device he has easy access to breast milk.
Simple tips or how to avoid damage to the mammary glands
Usually, in order to prevent the occurrence of wounds on the chest, women use special means: creams or gels, or adhere to regular hygiene.
Moms take note! In order for you to have beautiful breasts after breastfeeding, it needs proper care.
Usually, a few days after the birth of a child, a woman's breasts swell greatly and become heavy. To make it comfortable to wear, you should purchase a special supportive bra. Such items are made of natural fabric and do not have bones, there are also wide straps that do not squeeze the shoulders. 
Mammologists during the period of breastfeeding recommend a light massage of the mammary glands - this not only improves blood circulation and lactation, but also protects against the appearance of stretch marks on the skin. Be sure to take a warm and refreshing shower while drying your breasts, use terry towels, and move from your halos to your underarms.
The kids are talking! On the bus, a four-year-old boy sits in his father's arms. A woman enters. The boy, wanting to be polite, jumps up from his father's knees:
- Sit down please!
Toning exercises for the female breast
Experts urge nursing mothers not to neglect the exercises in the video, and perform them at least 20 times a day. See all methods for maintaining a beautiful breast shape for young mothers.
To make the first bursts of milk painless
2-3 days after birth, young mothers breast milk arrives at a rapid pace. This phenomenon is accompanied by soreness and hardness of the mammary glands. To make things a little easier, you need:
- drink less fluids and exclude liquid foods: soups and broths;
- feed the newborn on demand, then the soreness will disappear;
- express milk if the baby has not emptied the chest;
- give the baby a breast in turn;
- knead hard areas of the mammary glands so that milk stagnation does not occur and mastitis does not form.
Folk remedies for softening the mammary glands
In the old days, women used only traditional natural medicine to treat any disease. Similarly, they got rid of tension in the chest during breastfeeding. 
To this day, to relieve the symptoms of a rush of milk, compresses are used from sour curd, cabbage leaves, or honey cakes are made and applied to the chest through gauze.
Attention! Before using folk remedies, be sure to consult a doctor to avoid an adverse reaction in a child.
Watch a video of how modern mothers cope with breastfeeding and at the same time take care of the mammary glands.
In conclusion, we offer you to look at the gallery of which celebrities breastfed their children and kept their breasts beautiful.
