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Let Down Reflex (Milk Ejection Reflex) - Causes and Symptoms
The process of breastfeeding is rather complex, everything from the proximity to your baby to hormonal changes facilitating breast milk production and release, factor in for successful breastfeeding. In this article, we will look closely at the letdown reflex and the various factors that influence it.
What is Let Down Reflex?
Let down reflex is the process by which a mother’s body releases milk for a hungry baby. When a baby sucks at her mother’s breast, sensitive nerves of the nipple are triggered to release hormones into the bloodstream. Two such hormones, prolactin and oxytocin are directly responsible to assist with breastfeeding. Prolactin triggers the production of milk in the breast while oxytocin causes the breast to let down or allow the milk to flow. Oxytocin not only pushes the milk out by contracting the cells around the alveoli but also widens the milk ducts to allow the milk to flow more easily. This process makes the breast milk available for the baby to feed.
Let down reflex while breastfeeding allows the baby to feed as he sucks on the mother's nipples and plays a vital role in the nourishment of the child.
How Does Let Down Reflex Feel?
During let down reflex, you may feel a few sensations going on in your body. Here are some things that you may feel at this time.
A tingling feeling in the breasts.
Cramps in the uterus mostly in the first few days post delivery.
A feeling of fullness in the breasts.
Milk dripping from the breast.
The baby’s feeding action changing from sucking to swallowing.
What is an Overactive Letdown?
An overactive or forceful let down is when the milk from a mother’s breast is flowing too quickly and in larger quantities. An overactive let down usually is the result of an oversupply of milk or the fact that the mother’s body has not adjusted to the babies feeding needs and pattern.
Causes of a Forceful Let Down
A forceful letdown may occur due to the following reasons.
An oversupply of milk.
A sudden increase in the baby’s feeding requirements.
Excessive milk production on account of a temporary increase in the baby’s feeding pattern. If a baby starts feeding too often, the breast will get full quicker.
Symptoms of Overactive Letdown and Reflex
Most symptoms of an overactive let down can be identified by observing the feeding baby. If a baby is pulling away from the breasts or is gagging and coughing this could indicate an overactive letdown. If a baby is making clicking sounds while feeding or is refusing to be breastfed this could also indicate an overactive letdown.
Is Overactive Let Down Painful?
An overactive let down can have different effects on women; some women complain of an intense pins-and-needle feeling, some complain of intense pain while some mothers barely notice it. By and large, an overactive let down can fill the breasts with excessive milk and they can feel swollen causing pain.
How to Deal with Overactive Letdown?
Here are a few ways you could control or deal with an overactive letdown.
Increase the frequency of breastfeeding, you should be breastfeeding the baby every two and a half to three-hour intervals.
Allow sufficient time for the baby to feed on each breast.
Offer only one breast to the baby per feeding.
Feeding the baby in a laid back position should make it easier.
Squeeze the areola, this will allow the baby to feed at a controlled rate.
Expressing some milk before breastfeeding should slow the rate of flow while breastfeeding.
Massaging the breasts before feeding should also prove useful.
What is a Slow Letdown?
The opposite of an overactive let down is a slow letdown. A slow letdown can cause difficulties with the flow of the milk; the milk will flow slowly and may even be painful. A slow let down can also affect a baby adversely; it is difficult for a hungry baby to cope with slow letdown when he wants to feed. A baby may often get frustrated cry more often on account of hunger or bite on the breast to try and get more milk.
Causes of a Slow Let Down
The primary causes of slow let down identified so far are
Stress
Exhaustion
Physical discomfort of any sort
Consumption of alcohol
Smoking cigarettes
Let Down Reflex Pain
Let down reflex can cause pain and discomfort particularly in the first two weeks after childbirth. Shooting pain in the breasts and painful contractions of the uterine muscles may be experienced. Let down reflex may also result in cracked nipples and cause the breasts to become hard and swollen. Such painful experiences may interfere with the breastfeeding and necessary bonding sessions between mother and child. In case of severe complications, expert help and medical advice should be sought.
Dealing with Slow Let Down
Here are some ways you can deal with a slow letdown.
Anxiety and stress can further complicate slow let down, it is crucial that the mother maintains a relaxed composure before and during breastfeeding.
Breast compressions can be useful in assisting the flow of milk.
Touching the baby lovingly or expressing affection can aid in the release of oxytocin which will assist with the flow of milk.
Pumping before breastfeeding should also prove helpful.
The intake of certain herbs like fennel can also be helpful with milk let-down reflex.
Let down reflex is crucial for breastfeeding, but as seen above there may be complications in some instances. The two most common complications are one an overactive letdown and two a slow let down. For the most part, both these complications can be remedied, it is important for the mother to maintain her composure and relax. In case of severe complications, medical assistance and expert consultation should fix the problem. Breastfeeding is essential for the bonding between a mother and her baby, it is a natural process and difficulties faced on the onset may sort out on their own.
Also Read: Common Neonatal Reflexes Read more
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What Is Your Baby's Nursing Personality?
Just as adults have different personality types, even children and babies do! Babies have different nursing personalities which means every baby has a different style of nursing. Although there are many such styles, child psychologists, researchers and pediatricians have been able to categorize baby nursing styles into a few broad categories.
Here’s a look a different nursing personality styles:
1. Sucking and Looking
When your baby is around two months of age, his vision has started to develop. So he gets easily distracted while he is on feed. He might take the feed for a couple of minutes and then look around to see what is happening. Obviously your baby is curious to know what is happening in the surrounding. Babies with this kind of nursing personality need to be fed in a dark room or you can cover the baby with a cloth so that he is unable to see the surroundings
2. Food Lover
Babies with this type of nursing personality will suck the last drop of milk and savor it for long. They won’t leave your breasts and will lick them, play with them, just keep them in their mouth like they have really enjoyed their meal and are even savoring the end of it. If you have time in hand, let your foodie enjoy this moment.
3. Resting Style
Babies who have a resting style of nursing will suck a little and then rest a little. They are in no hurry to complete their food. Rushing these babies through the feeding process will frustrate them. They would just like to hang on to your breasts, suck and then rest during the feed for multiple times. Don’t be surprised if they fall off to sleep while taking the feed. A good idea will be to keep these babies entertained while they are on feed. For example, you can talk to them, play with them, hold their hands, keep them awake and alert so that they don’t sleep on empty stomach and then get up in 10 minutes and again ask for milk.
4. Excited Ones
Some babies get very excited at the sight of seeing mom’s breasts. In their excitement they quickly try to grasp the nipples in their mouth and then lose grip. This leads to their getting frustrated and they start crying. You can help them by offering your breasts just at the right time when they are ready to drink milk; try not to delay things for them. Rocking your baby while he is nursing will also help him calm down while taking on the feed.
5. The Barracuda
Babies who have barracuda type of feeding personality tends to suck the nipples with complete strength and aggression. They suck the nipples so energetically that most of the time this leads to sore muscles. A good idea is to keep changing your position and shifting between breasts during a particular feed. You can help your baby to latch on to your nipples is a comfortable way. Try to change the position of your baby’s mouth and moving it a bit with your finger. Due to your baby's enthusiastic sucking, there are high chances of you getting sore or cracked nipples. Use a nipple shield occasionally to reduce discomfort. Consult your doctor if the pain refuses to reduce.
Understanding these nursing styles will help you understand your baby better and encourage him to feed effectively. Good luck! Read more
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Dealing with Kids who aren’t Interested in Sports
Physical activity is essential for a child’s development. Although many kids enjoy playing sports, some may not. Parents need to understand what concerns their child and find out alternative options to keep them physically active.
There is no doubt that sports play a major role in keeping your kids fit. However, what parents need to realise is that they cannot force a choice upon their kids. There are many children who do not like to play sports due to various reasons. This must not make parents lose heart; on the contrary, they should discuss with the kid, what other options of physical activity he can explore.
There are enough other activities and kids can be fit without playing team sports too. Parents need to find out what are those other activities that attract their child. This way, parents may be able to help their child with deeper concerns and encourage him to do what he likes. Following are some reasons why some kids do not enjoy sports and the ways to tackle it:
The Child might Still be Developing Basic Skills
Most children do not develop their physical skills, until they are six to seven years old. Before this, they do not have the skills, the attention span and the ability to get hold of the rules required to play organized sports. Kids who haven’t been exposed to a sport at an early age need some extra time to do well in the activity. Failure might make them frustrated and nervous. Practicing with the child at home can help. The child will try, fail and learn the game without being conscious about failing in front of peers. It also makes parents and children spend quality time together.
The Sport or Coach is too Competitive
A kid who does not enjoy playing sports feels even more nervous when his coach shouts and puts extra pressure on kids for making them win a game. Kids can handle competitive aspects of sports as they grow older. But, most kids are not used to the pressure until they enter teenage. They need a healthy and supportive atmosphere to enjoy the sport.
The Child Might Still be Trying to Find Out which Sport He Likes
Some kids don’t enjoy sports, because they still haven’t found out which sport they like. A child who does not have good hand-eye coordination for playing baseball might enjoy some other activity like swimming, running, or cycling. Some kids might find individual activities more appealing. Parents should be open to the interests of the kid and encourage them to do what they like. Exploring various options can help the child invest time in something he enjoys.
Other Barriers
Every child is different. His rate of maturity might be different from others. Kids of the same age may vary in height, weight and athletic ability. A child may be less coordinated or not as strong as other kids of his age, making him feel uncomfortable to compete with them. Kids might also be scared about getting hurt while playing a sport. Overweight kids might be reluctant to participate in a sport in the fear of not being able to catch up with other kids.
Parents need to take out some time and think about the abilities, strengths and temperament of their child. This way, they can find out an activity that matches their child’s interest. Some kids get afraid from a ball, and hence don’t like playing volleyball or softball, but might enjoy running. A child who doesn’t like running might enjoy swimming. Someone who does not like basketball may like gymnastics. Trying to address your child’s concerns and understanding his problems can help him succeed in whatever activity he chooses. So, ensure that you are a supportive parent and do not criticise his choice and his decision. Read more
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11 Surprising Reasons Why You Should Try French-style Parenting
French-style parenting is slowly becoming a norm - one of the reasons for it can be that new-age parents are increasingly developing the belief of 'self-improvement'. The French style of parenting boasts of possessing the secret of bringing up children correctly - it believes in treating kids like they are adults-in-training rather than helpless beings, and advocates doing things guided by a set of rules.
Benefits of French-style Parenting Techniques
Some of the benefits of French parenting practices are:
1. It Develops Coping Skills
The French-style parenting system is convinced that frustration is good - allow your kid to experience it because it may help her cope in unfavourable situations. French parents maintain that praising often might dilute its effect, making it meaningless. Most parents tend to praise everything their kids do, because they are afraid of hurting their feelings. However, French parenting encourages the use of praise when a kid does something truly worthwhile, giving her a sense of accomplishment. Similarly, kids should be expected to eat whatever has been cooked for the family and not demand something different, thus teaching discipline.
2. It Promotes Patience
Patience is an important virtue that can help kids overcome stress and anger. It allows the delaying of judgement so the she can make informed decisions, paving the way for a happy and peaceful life. A kid's aptitude to resist an instant prize and wait for something better predicts improved social, educational and health outcomes. Thus, French parenting maintains that kids must wait their turn to speak in the middle of a conversation, for their parents' attention, for dinner, or for the teacher to answer their query. It teaches them to tolerate delays sans anxiety and indignation.
3. It Endorses the Balancing of Needs
The French-style technique of parenting helps a kid understand that parents have a life beyond him and his needs - adult time is not only valid but also necessary, and requires no justification. It encourages parents to take time off and spend it as they desire and not believe that they are slaves to their kid's schedule. This attitude is highly likely to encourage your kid to get things into perspective - if she observes you and your partner taking some time to do things you enjoy, it might develop a sense of needing to balance things in her own life as well.
4. It Fosters Responsibility
French-style parenting does not consider sugar-coating for kids. If your kid forgets her permission slip signed for her trip, or misplaces her belongings, or scores low marks, she needs to deal with it. Suffering penalties for little misfortunes will make your kid think twice before overlooking or forgetting something important. It can prepare her to handle real-life situations and mishaps in a mature way. French-style parenting upholds that difficult experiences can be great learning opportunities as they can make kids resilient. In fact, trying to shelter your kid from painful events can only disrupt her emotional development.
5. It Furthers Physical Endurance
The French pay heed to physical activity among kids. They encourage kids to engage in quality time outdoors for a healthy body and mind. So, motivate your kid to get out her scooter, bike or sneakers and get moving! You can walk her to school, take her with you to a market nearby, and enrol her to practice a sport. French-style parenting discourages convenient pick-ups or drops by parents in their cars, especially if the distance is short.
6. It Avoids Overburdening The Child
The French-style parenting approach does not support involving kids in too many extra-curricular activities to the point where they have no breathing space! It believes in keeping leisure time for kids which can help boost creativity and inventiveness.
7. It Encourages Involvement in House Management
French parents coax their kids to get more involved in household activities like setting the table, shopping for groceries, mowing the lawn, and taking out the garbage. Kids are part of the family, and therefore must contribute and participate in the everyday functioning of the house.
8. It Teaches That Family Time is Valuable
Families that spend quality time together are likely to help children shape an optimistic sense of self-respect. For example, family dinner time is special - everyone must make an effort be present for it. In case it is not possible for everyone to be together every evening, members must schedule a lunch or dinner, followed by a walk, bike ride, or simply a chatting session with each other. Family activities need not be luxurious or expensive to be meaningful. When your kid feels valued by you as a parent, she is more likely to feel confident about herself.
9. It Solidifies Sibling Relationships
French-style parenting encourages family to help each other. For instance, older siblings walking their younger siblings to school, helping out with school work, or serving them food on the table - all this serves to cement the bond between siblings as they learn to be supportive of each other. It may not only make your kid more self-sufficient, but also lessen her demands from you.
10. It Inculcates Good Manners
French parents are huge on manners - they are simply non-negotiable. They raise their children to be well-behaved under all circumstances. Thus, every kid is expected to introduce herself, use courtesy words like 'thank you' and 'please' while dealing with others, greet everyone, maintain eye contact, and exhibit table manners. Developing social manners right from childhood can benefit your kid in becoming a good human being and construct healthy personal relationships with others. The sense of discipline spills over to dressing too. Parents ensure that kids always dress suitably for the occasion. For example, kids need to dress correctly even in the absence of a uniform. If they attend a birthday party, they must wear their best.
11. It Nurtures Autonomy
Kids often discover ways in which they can do things, but well-intentioned parents may thwart her budding autonomy by offering to do everything for her. French parenting, on the other hand, proposes that your kid is likely to feel self-assured when she does things on her own. By rushing to her help every time she is stuck, you might be preventing her from learning how to do things and gaining self-confidence in the process. Providing a sense of autonomy to your child may also strengthen her toughness and determination.
Some people believe that the French-style of parenting is too authoritative and strict as compared to parenting styles that support soft behaviour moulding. But what works for some parents may not necessarily work for others. Regardless, all parents strive to perform their duty and play their part in the best way possible. Exploring the French way can be a means for you to do the best thing for your kid.
Also Read: How to Make Co-Parenting Work Effectively? Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. hllo am in 34 week of pregnancy,cramps in my hand and foots,my pulses is very fast,i feel tiredness internally,are these symptoms are normal
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. get investigations particularly hemoglobin level. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
10 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
9 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
5 hours ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
3 hours ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
2 hours ago
A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
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