Milk production

A healthy mother will produce about 500-800 ml of milk a day to feed her infant with
about 500 Kcal/day. This requires about 600 Kcal/day for the mother which must be
made up from the mother's diet or from her body store. For this purpose a store of
about 5 kg of fat during pregnancy is essential to make up any nutritional deficit during
lactation. With the exception of iron and calcium, almost all other nutrients are provided
in a well balanced diet.

Stimulation of lactation -
Mother is motivated as regard the benefits of breast feeding since the early pregnancy.
No prelacteal feeds (honey, water) are given to the infant.
Following delivery important steps are -
- To put the baby to the breast at 2-3 hours interval from the first day.
- Plenty of fluids to drink.
- To avoid breast engorgement .
- Early and exclusive breast feeding in correct position are encouraged.

Que. - What is the cause of lactation failure or inadequate milk production ?
Ans. - It may be due to infrequent suckling or due to endogenous suppression of prolactin
          (pyridoxin, diuretics or retained placental bits). Unrestricted feeding at short interval
          is helpful in milk production.

Drugs to improve milk production -
Metoclopramide (10 mg thrice daily) increases milk volume about 60-100% by increasing
prolactin levels. Sulpuride (dopamine antagonist) has also been found effective.