Milk Accumulation: What To Do?
Direct feeding of the newborn through breastfeeding is always the best option. This act strengthens the close bond between mother and child, but it can run into obstacles if the accumulation of milk occurs.
The woman’s attitude at these times should be total tranquility; you should not surrender for nothing to the risky option of giving up breast -feeding your baby. The ideal is to look for mechanisms that help to solve this inconvenience.
If you do not try to find a solution to the problem, both the mother and the baby are prevented from enjoying the benefits of breastfeeding. Among which, we can mention:
- It stimulates the production of the hormone oxytocin in the mother’s brain, which causes the walls of the uterus to recover quickly and effectively.
- The composition of breast milk quickly adapts to the needs of the little one’s digestive system, which is still immature to absorb other foods.
- Children who are breastfed will grow stronger and healthier.
- Breast milk contains fats and proteins, so it is a complete food.
Possible causes of milk accumulation
There may be obstacles of a social nature that imply a voluntary rejection of breastfeeding, such as professional demands, family problems, among others.
In addition to these reasons, it is likely that the accumulation of milk is due to pathological complications, which can occur both on the part of the mother and the baby.
Pathological problems that cause milk accumulation
Some factors can influence the appearance of this disorder:
breast shape
It may be that the mother has changes in the nipple, which can be flat or inverted. So, the baby is unable to put it properly in the mouth and cannot suck.
cracked nipples
Cracked nipples can be one of the causes of milk buildup. In these cases, the recommendation is to put into practice a treatment based on massages of cod liver oil on the nipples.
Wearing regular bras is also harmful in these cases, as the friction keeps the sores on the nipples open. Instead of a bra, it is advisable to use a large cloth to protect the breasts. It can be a scarf, for example, tied so that it passes through the back, offering support to the breasts.
In addition, it is advisable to avoid breastfeeding with the breast that is cracked, in order not to irritate the sore on the nipple.
Mastitis
It usually appears between the eighth and ninth month of breastfeeding and is more frequent in mothers who have had their first child. Causes inflammation and fever. If the problem does not resolve with medication prescribed by your doctor, surgery may be necessary. Seeing your doctor if you suspect mastitis is essential.
It is also advisable to do a light circular massage on the breast. In these cases, the mother must rest, especially in more severe cases.
Other causes of milk accumulation
Among the general needs that force breast deprivation on the part of the mother, it can be said that age does not significantly influence the accumulation of milk.
At the same time, it is important to mention that during the menstrual cycle, generally, a woman produces less milk. During this period, production may even be zero. It has also been found, including, some cases of intolerance on the part of the baby.
Anxiety Neurosis
Ultimately, psychological complexes can occur in young mothers who are breastfeeding for the first time. These situations can result in the accumulation of milk or insufficiency of production.
It often occurs in mothers who are easily persuaded by the opinion of some “experienced” people with whom they have contact. Sometimes we witness situations in which the irrational notion of pretentiousness and vanity about how well mothers of other times raised their children can produce anxiety episodes in first-time mothers, who end up thinking that they are incapable of reaching such levels.
This situation brings irrational fears and irritability as a consequence. Because of these fears, young and inexperienced mothers end up with inhibited milk secretion.
In summary, if you have problems with milk accumulation, you shouldn’t be overly distressed . At this point, the most important thing is to find the source of this disorder and try to resolve it with the help of your doctor.
