New moms, take note. High stress levels can cause a decrease in lactation | Health - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

New moms, take note. High stress levels can cause a decrease in lactation

Asian News International, New Delhi | By
Aug 14, 2017 03:36 PM IST

Mental and physical stress has a direct impact on the breast milk production. Mother’s milk is vital for the proper development of the infant.

Stress is one of the reasons leading to increase in lifestyle diseases in people. For lactating women, stress is not only a ticking bomb for the mother but also her baby.

Breast milk contains all the nutrients that are required by the child to grow.(Shutterstock)
Breast milk contains all the nutrients that are required by the child to grow.(Shutterstock)

Mental and physical stress has a direct impact on the breast milk production. Mother’s milk is vital for the proper development of the infant. It contains all the nutrients that are required by the child to grow, and it contains anti-bodies to protect the baby until their immune system is mature enough. Being burdened by stress has negative impact on the delicate health of a new mother as it can cause decrease in the breast milk and even delay it.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

“Lactation can take 2-3 days to start after the baby is born. But we’ve observed that scrutiny by elder members of the family over every aspect of the new mother’s life can lead to huge familial stress. It can also aggravate the issue,” Dr. Ranjana Sharma, Senior Consultant, Obsterics, Gynaecology and Urogynaecology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, commented.

Well-intentioned female members of the family are ready with advice from diet to douche, what the new mother should do and not do. But traditional advices may not always be beneficial for the health of either the mother or the baby. In fact, foods rich in fats which are traditionally consumed after the birth can have negative impact on the cardio-vascular health and lead to increase in weight.

For the first six months, the mother should be with the child. The child requires frequent feedings after every 2-3 hours. (AFP)
For the first six months, the mother should be with the child. The child requires frequent feedings after every 2-3 hours. (AFP)

Another stress factor which can lead to decrease in breast milk production is separation of the mother and the baby. Our lifestyle doesn’t allow us the luxury of a slow life.

“For the first six months, the mother should be with the child. The child requires frequent feedings after every 2-3 hours. This physical bond between the mother and the child promotes lactation. Close proximity to the baby acts a stimulus which promotes the hormones in the mother’s body. Women who do not spend time with their child tend to experience less lactation and the child becomes dependent on formula milk for sustenance. But we always advice that for minimum six months a mother should sustain the child only on breast milk and then slowly wean him/her on other foods,” Dr. Ranjana Sharma added.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.

Oscars 2024: From Nominees to Red Carpet Glam! Get Exclusive Coverage on HT. Click Here

Catch your daily dose of Fashion, Health, Festivals, Travel, Relationship, Recipe and all the other Latest Lifestyle News on Hindustan Times Website and APPs
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, March 28, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On