Solutions to Increase Breast Milk for Infants
- Author: Medical Content Writer
- Publish Date: August 12, 2024
Breastfeeding is the best way to nourish an infant, protecting both mother and baby from the risk of certain diseases.
Breast milk is an ideal food for infants, improving the child’s health. Additionally, breastfeeding reduces the likelihood of breast and ovarian cancer in nursing mothers.
Containing various antibodies, breast milk strengthens the immune system against infections and illnesses. It is also safe, free from contamination, and supports the child’s growth and development. Breast milk provides the energy and essential nutrients a baby needs. Studies have shown that breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests and have a lower risk of developing obesity, overweight, and diabetes throughout their lives.
Breast milk is the best nutrition.
Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of a child’s life, followed by continued breastfeeding alongside appropriate complementary foods until at least 1 year of age and beyond. Mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed for a minimum of 1 year, as longer breastfeeding duration enhances infants’ protection against diseases and provides greater health benefits for nursing mothers.
Proper Maternal Nutrition During Breastfeeding
To ensure adequate micronutrient levels in breastfeeding mothers, the use of multivitamins is recommended during this period—especially if the mother’s diet has certain limitations.
Fat-soluble vitamins (such as A and E) see an increased demand during lactation. Among water-soluble vitamins, B-complex and C also require higher intake compared to other life stages.
Iodine is a crucial mineral, with a minimum daily intake of 150 mcg recommended for nursing mothers. If a mother develops iodine deficiency, her breastfed infant will also experience this deficiency, potentially leading to cognitive and motor impairments.
Additionally, zinc and selenium—essential minerals provided through breast milk—should be consumed in higher amounts during breastfeeding to support infant development.
What factors affect breast milk supply?
The volume of breast milk varies among individuals. The amount of milk is low during the first two days after delivery and increases after the third and fourth days. Additionally, after six months postpartum, the volume of milk produced by the mother may decrease compared to before.
- There is a direct relationship between the amount of milk consumed by the infant and the frequency of breastfeeding with the volume of breast milk. The greater the infant’s need for milk, the greater the possibility of increased milk production. Conversely, the consumption of other products (such as solid food) reduces the infant’s need for breast milk, consequently decreasing the volume of milk produced by the mother.
- Severe energy deficiency in the mother leads to reduced milk production.
- Other factors that can decrease breast milk volume include tobacco use, stress, fatigue, certain illnesses, and incomplete emptying of the breasts.
Early cessation of breastfeeding has various causes, among which the mother’s perception of insufficient milk supply for the infant is cited as the most common reason. Sometimes, the mother produces enough milk, but the infant may not be able to feed adequately or sufficiently, a problem that can be resolved with the help of healthcare professionals.
Lactawell: Exclusive Supplement for Nursing Mothers
Lactawell is a comprehensive product for the breastfeeding period that enhances the production and secretion of breast milk. This product meets the essential vitamin and mineral needs of both mother and infant, while also effectively strengthening the immune systems of both.
Lactawell tablets contain water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin C and all B-complex vitamins), fat-soluble vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E, and K), and minerals (iodine, zinc, selenium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and chromium). They provide the micronutrients required during lactation, eliminating the need for other supplements.
How Lactawell enhances milk supply
This product, containing various galactagogue herbs, significantly increases the production and secretion of breast milk.
The milk-boosting properties of Lactavol are due to the presence of three herbs: fennel, fenugreek, and blessed thistle. These herbs have long been recognized as galactagogues, and numerous studies have proven their effectiveness and safety in increasing breast milk production and secretion.
Research has also shown that these herbs are effective in increasing infant weight. Additionally, fennel can prevent gas accumulation in the infant’s intestines and the occurrence of colic pain.
Benefits of Lactawell
- Provides essential micronutrients for both mother and infant.
- Boosts energy and metabolism
- Improves postpartum mood regulation
- Strengthens both maternal and infant immune systems
- Enhances breast milk production and secretion
How to consume and store Lactawell?
For optimal results, consume Lactawell preferably morning and evening after meals with a glass of water. Each package contains 60 tablets, and with a daily intake of 2 tablets, it provides nursing mothers’ daily nutritional requirements for one month. It is recommended to store this product at 15-30°C, protected from light, moisture, and heat.
References
- Maternal nutrition during lactation, UpToDate database, Sep 2022
Initiation of breastfeeding, UpToDate database, Sep 2022 - Breastfeeding, WHO.int
- Breastfeeding FAQ, CDC.gov
- Morrison AH, Gentry R, Anderson J. Mothers’ reasons for early breastfeeding cessation. MCN: The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing. 2019 Nov 1;44(6):325-30.
