Many women say that they leak milk when simply hearing their baby crying...  This is caused by the oxytocin hormone release, which brings on the production of milk flow.  It should be noted here that the oxytocin hormone has other functions during a pregnancy, including inducing the contractions.  After the birth, the contractions continue to occur thanks to oxytocin, which allows the uterus to return to its original shape and size.  It is for this reason that it should be as no surprise to hear that many women feel contractions during breastfeeding, caused by the oxytocin which is released when the nipple is suckled.

What are the advantages of maternal milk?

• A mother's breast milk is perfectly adapted to the nutritional needs of a baby.

• It is already sterile.

• It is the right temperature.

• It adapts in quality and quantity according to the individual baby's needs.

• It is full of antibodies that helps the baby fight germs.

• It is easily digested.

• It allows the baby to regulate appetite and food requirements.

• Breastfeeding allows for an intense contact (bonding) between mother and child.

How much milk is needed by the baby and what can be eaten by the mother to help?

In the first 3 months, the baby will drink approximately 850ml of milk per day.  This equates to around 600 calories per day.  The mother needs to consume an extra 600 to 700 calories per day to provide this level of nutrition.  There is no need to change the diet radically, simply keep a balanced diet with lots of variety.  It is often recommended that healthy snacks be taken between 3 normal meals during the day.  There is no need to increase dairy product intake (although some should be taken as part of a balanced diet).

What if there is too much or too little milk produced by the mother?

Sometimes, the baby seems to not be satisfied with the amount of milk produced.  This can be due to a poor position or grasp on the nipple, which results in poor milk flow or insufficient oxytocin being produced.  This can be rectified by trying other positions and ensuring that the baby has the nipple fully in the mouth.  It could also be the case that the baby is exceptionally hungry, in which case the answer is to increase production by increasing the frequency of feeds. 

An overly powerful ejection of milk from the breast can occur in some women, making it difficult for the child to accept the flow and to find a good rhythm. To rectify this, either try to feed on the back with the child on the mother's stomach or to begin the stimulation by hand until the flow reduces enough for the baby to accept.

Occasionally, the mother's breasts can be painful when offered to the child.  This may be caused by obstruction of the milk flow.  Obstructions are primarily caused by a lack of oxytocin secretion in the mother, which combined with the high prolactin levels means that milk is being produced but it cannot be ejected from the breast.  This can happen to a woman if she is particularly tired or stressed.  Consult your doctor if this problem persists.

Page 1

    How do a woman's breasts produce milk?

    Under what conditions can breastfeeding be a bad idea?

    What is the mother's milk made up of?

    Is the milk content the same during a feeding session?

This page

    Is the milk stored in the breast?

    What are the advantages of maternal milk?

    How much milk is needed by the baby?

    What if there is too much or too little milk produced by the mother?