Surprisingly Easy! 5 Ways to Stimulate Breast Milk During Pregnancy (The Last Trimester)
Understanding how to stimulate breast milk during pregnancy is important. However, don't worry too much, Mom! Even if your breast milk has not come out during the last trimester, it usually flows naturally after giving birth. If you still want to try to stimulate breast milk before delivery, follow the proper steps below!
Physiological Changes in the Body During Pregnancy
During pregnancy, your body goes through many physiological changes. Some of these include an enlarged belly, hormonal changes, skin changes, and the enlargement of your breasts.
The enlargement of the breasts and changes in nipple color occur due to fat accumulation and the milk glands starting to expand in preparation for producing breast milk.
The skin around the breasts also darkens and small bumps may appear around the nipples. These bumps are glands that produce oil to keep the nipples moisturized.
Some women may already begin to produce breast milk during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester or a few weeks before giving birth. The release of milk during pregnancy happens due to an increase in certain hormones, especially prolactin, which stimulates milk production by the mammary glands.
However, the amount of milk that comes out is usually much less than what is produced after birth. It’s important to remember that not all women experience milk leakage during pregnancy, and it doesn’t guarantee an adequate milk supply after delivery.
For some women, though, releasing milk during pregnancy can help prepare the milk glands for breastfeeding after birth. So, there’s nothing wrong with learning how to stimulate breast milk while pregnant.
Breastfeeding Preparation During Pregnancy
Source: Freepik
Preparing for breastfeeding during pregnancy is very important to help ensure a smoother breastfeeding experience after giving birth. Here are some steps you can take to prepare yourself for breastfeeding while pregnant.
1. Gather Information
Learn about the benefits of breastfeeding, proper techniques, comfortable positions, signs that your baby is full or hungry, and common breastfeeding problems. Books, articles, online courses, or breastfeeding classes can be great sources of information.
2. Consult with Experts
Talk to a lactation consultant or midwife about preparing for breastfeeding. They can provide advice on the necessary physical and psychological preparations and answer any questions you may have.
3. Learn Breastfeeding Techniques
Practice proper breastfeeding techniques using a baby doll or other support tools. Try different breastfeeding positions to find what feels most comfortable for you and your baby later on.
4. Take Care of Your Breasts
Gently massage your breasts regularly to help prepare the milk glands. Avoid using harsh soaps or cleansers, as these can dry out your skin and reduce its elasticity.
5. Maintain Good Health
Make sure you get enough nutrients and drink plenty of water to support milk production. Consider eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients for breastfeeding mothers, such as protein, calcium, and iron.
6. Ask for Family Support
Discuss your breastfeeding plans with your partner and family, and explain how important their support is for your success. Encourage them to join you in breastfeeding classes or seminars if possible.
7. Prepare Mentally
Prepare yourself for possible challenges during breastfeeding. Set realistic expectations and be ready to ask for help when needed.
8. Join a Community
Look for breastfeeding support groups in your community or online. Joining these groups can give you encouragement, information, and advice from other mothers who have gone through breastfeeding experiences.
How to Stimulate Breast Milk During Pregnancy
Source: Freepik
Stimulating breast milk during pregnancy, also known as early milk expression, doesn’t always work for every woman. However, if you want to try stimulating milk production during pregnancy, you can try several safe methods that help activate the milk glands.
It’s very important to consult with your doctor or lactation consultant before trying any of these methods, as not all are suitable or safe for every pregnant woman. Here are several ways to stimulate breast milk during pregnancy that you can try.
1. Gently Massage Your Breasts
Perform gentle circular massages on your breasts to stimulate the milk glands. You can use olive oil or a special breast lotion to improve blood circulation.
2. Apply a Warm Compress
Place a warm compress on your breasts to increase blood flow to the area. This can help stimulate breast milk production.
3. Stimulate the Nipples
Gently stimulate your nipples with circular motions or by lightly massaging them with your fingers. This can help trigger milk production, but make sure to do it gently and not too hard.
4. Express Milk Manually
Try manually expressing a small amount of milk after a shower or when your breasts feel full. This can help you stimulate breast milk naturally.
5. Eat Breast Milk Booster Foods
Consume foods known to enhance breast milk production, such as oatmeal, garlic, and various seeds. However, make sure to consult with your doctor or lactation consultant before changing your diet.
Remember, the success of stimulating breast milk during pregnancy can vary from one woman to another. If you have any concerns or questions about how to stimulate breast milk while pregnant, don’t hesitate to talk to your doctor or lactation consultant.
Read also: Should You Take a Breast Milk Booster During Pregnancy to Improve Flow?
Use Hegen Breast Pumps to Boost Milk Production
Yes, frequent pumping can help increase breast milk production. Regularly pumping sends a signal to your body that more milk is needed, helping stimulate the milk glands to produce more.
To make pumping more comfortable and enjoyable, you can rely on the Hegen Breast Pump, which comes in two types: manual and electric. Hegen’s breast pumps stand out from others on the market thanks to the following advantages:
- Innovative Design: Hegen breast pumps feature an innovative design with bottles that double as milk storage containers, making it easy to store and transfer milk.
- Easy to Use: Designed for one-handed use, Hegen pumps are easy to assemble and operate, ideal for busy moms multitasking while pumping.
- Lightweight and Portable: Hegen breast pumps are compact and portable, making them convenient to use anywhere — at home or while traveling.
- Hygienic and Safe: Made from BPA-free materials, Hegen breast pumps are safe, hygienic, and easy to clean and maintain.
- Flexible Options: Hegen pumps can be used manually or converted into an electric pump with a compatible adaptor, offering flexibility for different needs and preferences.
- Compatibility: All Hegen products, including pumps, bottles, and accessories, are fully compatible with each other, allowing for a seamless breastfeeding routine.
These advantages make Hegen breast pumps an ideal choice for mothers looking for an efficient, comfortable, and easy-to-use option. Here are some Hegen Breast Pump products you can choose from:
HEGEN PCTO™ EXPRESS STORE FEED STARTER KIT NEW
Besides breast pumps, Hegen also offers a range of mother and baby essentials such as feeding bottles, drinking bottles, straw cups, teats/baby nipples, breast milk storage (for milk and food storage), bottle and nipple brushes, and other accessories available by shopping at Hegen’s official website.
References:
- Halodoc. 7 Perubahan pada Ibu Hamil Saat Trimester Kedua. https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/7-perubahan-pada-ibu-hamil-saat-trimester-kedua
- Alodokter. Bagaimana cara memancing ASI agar keluar saat hamil? https://www.alodokter.com/komunitas/topic/bagaimana-cara-memancing-asi-agar-keluar-saat-hamil-
Featured image - Freepik
