Medical Questions & Answers

Question: What can be done if there is very little or no breast milk?
Nature usually works miracles within the body during pregnancy whereby, a mother can feed her child soon after delivery because mother’s milk provides a complete and balanced diet for the newborn baby. Breast feeding should begin two hours after the delivery and should continue thereafter at intervals of 2 hours.
The breast should be offered whenever the child is hungry. Adequate food and water ensure adequate breast milk. Physical and mental peace and sufficient sleep are necessary for successful breast feeding.
Do not be in a hurry to switch over to the bottle in case of inadequate or no lactation. Encourage the child to suck frequently by putting him to the breast every now and then. This constant sucking at the nipple facilitates the flow of milk. After the child has been fed, excess milk should be extracted by rubbing the breasts gently, i.e. the breasts should be emptied. Both these (frequent sucking and emptying of breasts) are conducive to the flow of milk. Any kind of worry, such as anxiety over a weak child, apprehension of not getting leave or a hostile atmosphere within the home, may be responsible for reducing or even drying up the milk produced. Thus, family members, friends and relatives must make every effort to keep the mother in good cheer. The mother’s primary duty is towards her child. Everything else takes second place. If for some reason or due to unfortunate circumstances, anxiety is unavoidable, she should try to divert her mind and aim actively at remaining unperturbed.

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