Breastfeeding Guide: Proper Techniques and Tips to Increase Milk Supply

Do you remember that moment when you first held your baby in your arms? Those tiny hands, those searching eyes... Nature has thought of everything for this moment: your body produces the most perfect food for your baby – **Breast Milk**. Breast milk is not just food; it is also the baby's first vaccine. It is full of live cells, antibodies, and hormones. However, let's admit that the breastfeeding process does not always start as easily and romantically as in the movies. Questions like *"Is the baby latching correctly?", "Is my milk enough?", "Why does it hurt?"* often worry new mothers. In this article, we will explore the secrets of successful breastfeeding, scientific ways to increase milk supply, and how true our grandmothers' advice to "drink sweet tea for milk" actually is.1. Correct Breastfeeding: Everything starts with the "Latch" The most important condition for painless and effective breastfeeding is the baby's correct grasp of the breast (**Latching**). If you feel severe pain during breastfeeding or if sores develop on your nipples, it means there is an error in the latch. **Signs of a correct latch:** - **Wide mouth:** The baby's mouth should be wide open (like a "fish mouth") and should grasp not only the nipple but also the brown area around it (the areola). - **Chin contact:** The baby's chin should firmly touch your breast, while the nose should be free. - **Lips:** The baby's bottom lip should be curled outward. - **Sound:** You should hear the baby's swallowing sound, not a "clicking" sound (if there is clicking, it means they are swallowing air).Advice: Before starting to breastfeed, choose a comfortable place for yourself. Place pillows under your back and arm. If you are not comfortable, the flow of milk (oxytocin reflex) may become difficult.2. The "My milk is low" fear and ways to increase milk supply Many mothers suspect their milk is low and hastily switch to artificial formula. However, remember: milk production works on the principle of **"Demand and Supply."** The more the baby sucks, the more the signal "more milk is needed" goes to the brain, and the body produces more milk. **The most effective ways to increase milk supply:**Breastfeed frequently Breastfeed a newborn baby whenever they want, not by the clock. It is normal to breastfeed 8-12 times (or more) a day. Night feedings are especially important because the milk hormone (prolactin) is secreted more at night."Skin-to-skin" contact Place the baby naked (with a diaper) on your chest and cover yourselves with a blanket. This contact increases the oxytocin hormone for both you and the baby and makes it easier for the milk to come.Empty the breasts completely Do not move to the other breast before the baby has completely emptied one. The milk at the end of the feeding (**hindmilk**) is fattier and more satiating.Drink plenty of water 87% of breast milk consists of water. If you stay dehydrated, your milk may decrease. Place a glass of water next to you during every breastfeeding session.3. Nutrition: "Lactogenic" foods Even though our grandmothers say "eat halva, drink sweet tea," sugar does not increase milk; it only causes weight gain. Foods that increase milk (galactagogues) include: - **Fennel and Cumin:** Drinking them brewed as tea both increases milk and reduces the baby's gas (colic). - **Oatmeal:** Eating oatmeal for breakfast is an excellent choice. - **Walnuts, Hazelnuts, Almonds:** They are sources of Omega-3 and protein, increasing the quality of the milk. - **Dates:** They are a source of natural energy and vitamins. - **Green leafy vegetables:** Spinach, dill, parsley.4. Popular myths about breastfeedingMyth: "My milk is thin, like water; the baby isn't getting full." Fact: Breast milk is never of poor quality. The milk that comes at the beginning of a feeding (foremilk) is watery to quench the baby's thirst. As breastfeeding continues, the milk becomes thicker and fattier (hindmilk). Therefore, do not cut the breastfeeding session short.Myth: "My breasts are small; I will have little milk." Fact: Breast size depends on fatty tissue, while the number of mammary glands is approximately the same in every woman. It is possible to satisfy twins even with small breasts\!Myth: "Stress cuts off the milk." Fact: Strong stress does not stop milk production, but it can make the flow of milk (the let-down reflex) difficult. Once you calm down and smell your baby, the milk will come again.How to know if the baby is full? Crying does not always mean hunger. You can tell if your baby is full by these two indicators:1. **Dirty diapers:** After the 5th day, if the baby urinates at least 5-6 times a day (the diaper gets heavy) and the stool color is yellow. 2. **Weight gain:** The baby should regain the weight lost in the first week by days 10-14 and then continue to gain weight steadily.Breastfeeding is a process that requires patience and experience. Even if the first days are difficult, do not give up. Every drop of breast milk is the most precious gift you give to your baby. If you are having difficulty, consult your pediatrician or a breastfeeding consultant. To record breastfeeding times, the baby's dirty diapers, and sleep, you can use the **"Baby Tracker"** function in the **Anacan app**.