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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : August 4, 2021 11:48 AM IST
Gently massage your breasts, practice good latching techniques (if breastfeeding), and prioritize comfort. Honour your transformation, acknowledging your strength and resilience throughout pregnancy and motherhood.
The time immediately post childbirth can be really overwhelming. The homeostasis of pregnancy is gone, the normal milieu of lactation has not yet been established, and the social routine has changed as well - this can put the mind in a state of flux and be difficult to handle. When, on top of all this, you are required to express milk, either because the baby is unable to suck, or because of flat nipples - it can take a toll on your coping systems. How does one handle this? On this World Breast Feeding Week, let us see what you can do and how you can best handle the situation. But first of all, you need to hit the pause button and take time to accept and congratulate yourself for reaching this far and understand that this is a temporary situation.
Manual expression is simple but requires patience. The exact method is generally explained by a lactation adviser. The basic points to remember are to sit in a comfortable position, keep a glass of water nearby because it is natural to feel immediately thirsty post milk let down, and to massage the breast properly. It should be done starting from the periphery in a circular manner moving towards the areolae, cupping your breast with one hand making a 'C'. Then hold the nipple with index finger and thumb, and move it forward and backwards till you get a good spray.
Alternately you could use a nipple shield for flat nipples or a suction device to make the nipples protrude out. Breast pumps - both manual and electric, are a viable option as well. However, sterility and cleanliness need to be ensured with all such devices after use.
It makes sense to check the baby's diaper frequently - a wet and dirty diaper is a good indication that your baby is getting adequate feed.
Avoid all kinds of restrictive clothing like underwire bras. This can block the milk ducts and increase your risk of breast infection. Wear a supportive bra that fits well at all times.
If your milk ducts get blocked, apply a warm compress to the affected area before feeding. Also let your baby feed often. A cold compress after feeding can help relieve pain and swelling.
With this information, I'm sure you can make lactation a smooth sailing! Happy breastfeeding.
(This article is authored by Dr Helai Gupta, Lactation expert, Rosewalk Hospital)
