Breast milk – everything you need to know

There are few more incredible manifestations of the human body in particular, and of nature in general, than the production of breast milk. It's almost unbelievable to realize that, following the natural breastfeeding process, we can feed and raise a baby exclusively with breast milk until approximately 6 months of age.

Breastfeeding is strongly recommended by the World Health Organization because, effectively, there is no more natural and healthy way to feed a baby (provided the mother's habits are equally healthy).

However, this recommendation is not always possible to follow for a variety of reasons. Often, new mothers face breastfeeding problems that they cannot overcome, and a moment that should be one of tranquility and harmony for both (mother and baby) becomes painful and stressful. Currently, there are solutions on the market for a replacement that is as faithful as possible to breast milk, and therefore, if your choice is not to breastfeed or if this is simply not possible for any reason, don't worry, your baby will grow up equally healthy and happy!

The main difficulties of breastfeeding

Breastfeeding can be as magical as it is painful in the early stages. Right away, the milk coming in , that is, the transition from colostrum to the milk rich in fats and minerals that will nourish your baby, occurs between the 2nd and 4th day after birth and can be extremely uncomfortable as it takes time for your body to produce the amount of milk adequate to the baby's needs.

It is common to experience overproduction, which can lead to pain (due to overly full breasts) and even mastitis (inflammation caused by blocked milk ducts). Conversely, you may experience a deficiency in production, consider your milk "weak," and feel you are unable to adequately feed your baby.

Both situations are perfectly natural (and common), and therefore it is advisable that you consult your doctor beforehand about how to proceed in the event of any adversity. You also have at your disposal a network of CAMs in Portugal (breastfeeding counselor nurses) who can help you with more specific advice and accompany you through the various stages of the breastfeeding process, until you feel comfortable being completely independent.

But don't forget that everything starts in the maternity ward, and don't worry, you won't be left without support here. Both the medical and nursing staff will assist you in starting breastfeeding in the best way possible and give you the tips you need to make it happen. Among them are the following recommendations:

You should ensure a good latch onto the nipple, and of course, this largely depends on the anatomy of the new mother's breast. If it's not easy, you can use silicone nipple shields that adapt to your breast and facilitate latching. It might be a good idea, even before giving birth, to find some that fit your breast and include them in your maternity bag, in case you need to use them to start breastfeeding.

In case of overproduction of milk, or if you have a premature baby, you can use an electric or manual breast pump (extraction can also be done manually, without a pump, but this is only practical and advisable when dealing with small quantities). The use of this pump, except in extreme cases such as being unable to breastfeed your baby for several consecutive days, should be limited since stimulation leads to a consequent increase in milk production. If pump use is not regular, you can rent one at baby stores, some pharmacies or orthopedic stores, request one from a health center, or even a hospital.

If your breasts are very hard or engorged, using cold is advisable to soothe the discomfort or pain. Conversely, if you want to stimulate milk flow before breastfeeding, a heat source is recommended. These discs are the ideal solution for both of these situations.

Other discomforts of breastfeeding include the leakage of small amounts of milk throughout the day, outside of breastfeeding periods, which naturally stains the breast area. Always carry nursing pads with you to avoid even more uncomfortable situations.

Storing breast milk is extremely important. It should be done in approved, sterilized containers that can be frozen (if you need to freeze the milk). It's important that they have measuring marks so you know how much your baby is drinking and that they are compatible with your breast pump, if you use one. You should not leave breast milk at room temperature for more than 4 hours; it should be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and in the freezer for up to 6 months. If thawed, do not refreeze. This bottle warmer is very useful for warming the milk.

After the typical discomforts of the first few days, breastfeeding becomes the most important moment of your day. The simple skin-to-skin contact with your baby is magical and produces oxytocin, the happiness hormone (for both of you!). Therefore, make these moments as pleasant as possible and prioritize your comfort with a good breastfeeding pillow for when you're at home.

For more professional tips on breastfeeding, to demystify some issues and help clarify others, check out this more comprehensive list on the subject.