BREAST FEEDING

Description

Many women choose to breastfeed their babies. Although children also grow with formula (formula), breast milk is easier to digest and contains antibodies that protect babies from infection. In addition, many women find it very pleasant.

Once you have given birth to a baby, your pituitary gland (hypophysis) begins to increase the amount of production of a hormone called prolactin.

it stimulates the cells of the breast. These cells begin to absorb nutrients from the bloodstream and use it to produce milk. As this process takes very little time, the first days after birth your breasts produce a fine white fluid, called colostrum. As milk, colostrum is nutritious and has antibodies. After 3 to 5 days milk is produced. Prolactin controls the amount, to the point that the more milk the baby takes, the more prolactin pituitary and produce more milk will be. When the baby stops nursing ceases milk production in a week or two. The flow of milk is controlled by the reflection of closure. Otherwise the milk would be continually out of the breasts. When the baby sucks the nipples respond by sending sensory impulses to the hypothalamus in the brain.

Immediately commands the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland to produce hormones (oxytocin) that travel through the bloodstream. When they arrive at the breast, the cells surrounding the alveolar cavity, where milk is stored, contract and thus leaves the milk duct. The whole process takes 30 to 60 seconds. Once the milk, reflecting "hold" and "fly" is triggered easily. Often the same sound of crying stimulates reflection. However, stress can interfere with the reflex.

In this case you need people around to support you when you first start breastfeeding. If you feel pain in the nipples as the baby sucks, it may be a small tear in the nipple. The physician should recommend some ointment to help you heal. If you feel a small hard lump in the breast, maybe a milk duct is blocked. Try massage and hot towels. If the lump does not disappear, call your doctor as there may be an infection (see Infection Breast).

If so, you need an antibiotic. Normally you can continue breast-feeding a baby, because it rejects the infection. Prolactin almost always protect against pregnancy. However, it is better not be neglected because it can be an ovulation during the period of breastfeeding, although there has been no menstruation. When you stop breastfeeding, unless to do so gradually, your breasts may swell and hurt for a few days until the milk dries.

Women who bottle feed the baby from the beginning has the same problem.

Your doctor may prescribe a medication to suppress milk. If this does not apply to recourse to breast ice packs or bandages too tight.

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