How long does it take for milk to come back? What is the appropriate interval between feedings?

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In fact, the amount of milk in each person's body produces according to the baby's need to suckle. If you regularly breastfeed your baby, the milk will come in more and more and meet enough. Usually babies old enough to breastfeed are more effective and need 5-10 minutes per breast, while newborn babies often need up to 20 minutes on each side if they latch on properly.

1. How long does it take for milk to come back?

Even before a mother gives birth, her milk is “ready.” Colostrum is breast milk that has been produced in the mother's breasts since the last three months of pregnancy, which means that enough breast milk has arrived to breastfeed the baby right away. days after birth from the time of pregnancy.However, when we talk about how often the milk comes in, we usually refer to an increase in milk volume and a change in its composition. transitional milk
Normally, after giving birth, breast milk will change and increase in volume. So right after birth, as soon as possible, mother should give baby skin to skin. And then breastfeed directly. Immediately after birth, the number 1 priority is always given to the baby to breastfeed directly to help stimulate the mother's lactation faster
2nd to 5th day after birth, more milk will come, breasts The mother is tense and uncomfortable. The process of milking lasts 1-2 days. At this time, make sure to breastfeed or express milk 8-12 times a day, including at night, ie an average of 3 hours/time or more if the baby has a need or has little milk
To maintain milk supply, continue to express/ Breastfeed at least 8 times a day. The interval between sessions should not exceed 6 hours. Do this continuously for at least the first 6 weeks.

Breast milk is available in the follicles, will come when the baby suckles. At the same time, milk is also produced when the baby signals to suckle. To stimulate milk even more, after the baby is finished sucking, the mother continues to express milk so that the body thinks the baby needs more milk, so it will automatically produce more. Breast milk will be more and more abundant.
=>> See more advice from pediatrician Nguyen Hung Tien: How long can breast milk be stored in the freezer?

2. What is the appropriate interval between feedings?

During the first month, your baby needs to be breastfed 8-12 times a day. When the milk is not full, the mother needs to feed the baby on demand (when the baby is hungry), usually 1 and a half to 3 hours. As your baby gets older, he or she can form a steady feeding schedule, but don't let your baby fast for longer than 4 hours, even at night.
When 1 - 2 months, babies usually feed from 7 to 9 times. Frequent breastfeeding also helps stimulate milk production during the first few weeks.
The interval between feedings is calculated as the time from the start of the previous feed to the start of the next feed. If the baby's feedings usually start at 6am, 8am, 10am... the mother can feed the baby every 2 hours, or in other words, the interval between feedings is 2 hours apart.
In terms of feeding time, it is normal for babies who are old enough to breastfeed more efficiently and need 5-10 minutes for each breast, while newborn babies usually need up to 20 minutes for each breast.
However, there are some factors that make a baby's breastfeeding time longer than necessary such as:
The baby latches on incorrectly The baby falls asleep while breastfeeding, the case is really full, the baby has can sleep all the time. Baby suckling play, if this movement of the baby hurts the nipple, the mother can choose to stop breastfeeding. However, if the baby latches on to the breast properly, it doesn't matter how long the feeding lasts or the interval between feedings. The only factor that can cause nipple damage is improper latching, not taking long or fast feedings.
In case the baby does not latch on properly, the baby will not be able to breastfeed effectively, the feeding time will be longer and the baby may ask for more frequent feedings. Wrong latch can also damage or cause pain in the nipple. When your baby is nursing, you don't have to always feed your baby both breasts at the same time. If your baby feels satisfied after feeding on one side, then next time feed on the other side, to make sure both breasts are stimulated and are drained regularly.
=>> See more advice from an obstetrician: Breast milk is thin and clear, what to do?

3. How to clean the mother's udder?

When taking care of the udder, the mother should only clean the udder with clean water. Avoid applying soap directly to the nipples, as these chemicals can strip the skin of its natural mucus, causing the nipples to become dry and cracked.

Do not rub the nipple area vigorously when bathing. Always wash your hands before touching your breasts.
To reduce pain and avoid infection when the milk comes in, in addition to breastfeeding and expressing milk regularly, the mother can take a warm bath, the milk from the 2 breasts will automatically flow.
Absolutely do not apply hot compresses to the chest, instead use some water-soaked face towels and then put them in the freezer to freeze. When it hurts, take a towel out and cover it around your chest, it will feel less painful.
In case the mother's milk comes out a lot and has to use a milk liner, the mother must definitely change the milk liner regularly to keep the nipples dry. Because if the nipple is wet, it will create a good environment for bacteria to grow and cause the skin to decompose.
Note: Do not use milk pads with nylon lining because they easily cause moisture.
After each feeding, the mother can express a little milk on the nipple and the dark circle around the nipple to protect the skin. Milk has a moisturizing effect on the skin and creates a barrier against infection. Wait for your nipples to dry before putting on a bra.
In addition, there are many mothers in the process of breastfeeding who have blocked milk ducts. When the milk duct is blocked, the mother needs to feed the baby more, actively sucking milk to let the milk out. If the condition does not improve, then you should seek the help of professional milk duct unblocking units or go to the hospital for advice from a doctor.
Currently, at Vinmec International General Hospital, spinal manipulation method is applied to treat blocked milk ducts after giving birth without using drugs. With the spinal manipulation method, the treatment technician mainly uses the fingertip software to act on the patient's back spine to adjust and open the milk glands, help clear rays, and soften the breast.
In addition to the treatment of blocked milk ducts, the spinal manipulation method also treats the following diseases:
Headache, migraine Vestibular syndrome Cerebral circulatory insufficiency, Paralysis of the 7th cranial nerve Peripheral hemiparesis cerebrovascular accident Neck and shoulder pain Shoulder periarthritis Back pain, hip pain, sciatic nerve pain Knee joint pain Disc herniation Numbness in hands and feet Stomach-reflux syndrome Bronchial asthma Sweaty feet and hands Restore breast milk supply, blocked milk ducts, lack of milk, loss of milk. For children to be healthy and develop well, it is necessary to have a nutritious diet in terms of quantity and quality balance. If children are not provided with adequate and balanced nutrients, it will lead to diseases of excess or lack of nutrients, which adversely affect the comprehensive development of children in terms of physical, mental and motor skills. Children who do not eat properly are at risk of micro-mineral deficiencies, causing anorexia, growth retardation, malabsorption, etc. If they notice the above signs, parents should supplement their children with supportive products. The supplement contains lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, and B vitamins to help fully meet the nutritional needs of children. At the same time, these essential vitamins also support digestion, enhance nutrient absorption, help improve anorexia, and help children eat well.
Parents can learn more:
Signs of zinc deficiency in children
Micronutrient deficiency and failure to gain weight in children
Please regularly visit Vinmec.com website and update useful information to take care of your child. Take care of the baby and the whole family.