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FAQs after discharge
from the maternity home.
Q1. How do I judge
that my milk is adequate for the baby?
A. If
an exclusively breastfed baby passes urine (
fair quantity & clear or straw colored)
6-7 times in 24 hours & puts on at least
500 gms in 1 month then it means that breastmilk
is adequate for the baby. In first 7 days of
life baby passes less urine & does not put
on weight.
Adequate urine output & good weight gain
are gold standards for judging adequacy of milk.
There is variety of reasons why mother feels
that her milk is less. These causes are mentioned
below. Mother should not infer that she has
less milk because any of these.
A] Excessively crying: Baby may cry for different
reasons.
B] Breast which feels heavy after the milk has
come will soften up after a few weeks because
body exactly produces what the baby needs.
C] Baby frequently suckles fingers or the fist.
This is called mouthing
D] In the initial few weeks after delivery when
mother feeds on one side the other side leaks.
Other breast may stop leaking later on.
E] Baby may have growth spurts at 3wks, 6 weeks
& at some other times. During these periods
baby would breastfeed frequently & for longer
periods.
F] Baby feeds frequently.
G] Baby feeds for too long or too shorts a time
H] Mother has no help at home.
I] Baby does not sleep at night.
Q2. Some mothers stop
getting milk after some time? What should I
do under these circumstances? Are there any
medicines which can increase milk flow?
A. Many
mothers are not aware of how to judge adequacy
of breastmilk. They infer that milk is less
from any of the above mentioned causes (1.3.1).
It is almost certain that these mothers would
have gained by a good counseling from a MSG
Leader or any doctor properly trained in lactation
management. Arranging help for household cores
would have helped in some of these. Thus more
than 90% of the mothers who complain of less
milk actually have enough milk.
Less than 10% may actually have inadequate milk
transfer reflected as reduced urine output &
poor weight gain. Suckling in wrong position
is common & needs correction. Frequent suckling
in correct position makes more milk. Engorged
breast may be the cause in some. Baby cannot
suckle at the engorged breasts. In remaining
some tension situation or stress affects production
& letdown of milk. Enquiry in these areas
& involving family members to find solution
will solve the  problem.
Drugs have a doubtful role in increasing milk.
They at best act as placebo.
Q3. In our family
we traditionally give balkadu (Extract of herbal
substances available ready or prepared at home).
Do you recommend it?
A. Using
traditional items like balkadu, balgoli, gripe
water, somawa chautrisi & tonics for teething
are unnecessary & dangerous. They can introduce
infection in the baby. Some of these also contain
alcohol or opium like substances.
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