The success and ease in breastfeeding largely depends on the method of achieving pregnancy. For the mothers who became pregnant through IVF, breastfeeding is more challenging and may face problems like delayed or absence of lactation. So these are a few tips suggested by the best IVF centre in Delhi to help mothers know how to deal with breastfeeding after IVF and make it a good experience. Release the Stress and Relax: IVF cycles and pregnancy can be stressful. But it is important to leave all the stress behind as it may hinder breastfeeding. Stress is seen to suppress the release of oxytocin hormone which is responsible for milk production. So the mother should do everything to release the stress and be calm and relaxed for successful breastfeed-ing. Seek medical help: At times the patient may face problems related to breastfeeding but instead of taking stress she should clarify all her doubts from a Lactation Consultant before and after the pregnancy. The advice and tips suggested by the doctors will give additional support and help during breastfeeding. Regular doctor visits can help you tackle the issues efficiently. Take folic acid supplements: Folic acid supplements is not only necessary during pregnancy but also during breastfeeding. Folic acid is seen to improve lactation in mothers. The intake of nec-essary vitamins and minerals is really important for breastfeeding mothers. They must consult a doctor for the right dosage before taking the supplements. Diet habits: During the breastfeeding phase, the appetite of the mother increases. She should try and eat a nutritious and a well balanced diet with carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fruits and vegetables. Not only a healthy diet is important but hydration is also necessary, so breastfeeding mothers should drink lots of water and stay hydrated. Watch what you eat: What a breastfeeding mother is eating influences the quality of her milk and milk production. She should eat fresh food and should avoid packaged food and food full of preservatives as it is harmful for the baby. The drinking water should be filtered and free from any contaminations and bacteria. Use a breast pump: In IVF patients, milk production needs some sort of support. If the milk is not coming on its own, try stimulating it manually. If that also doesn’t work, using a breast pump might help. Since one breast produces more milk than the other, it should be stimulated a little more to start the milk production. Take hot water bath: IVF patients are advised to avoid baths after the procedure. Then to avoid prolonged ones during later pregnancy. Having a daily hot bath has been proven to reduce stress levels. That means easier breastfeeding. Avoid using perfumed soaps and oils on body as it makes latching difficult. Best time to Breastfeed: Milk production is higher just after a sound sleep as that helps in lowering the stress levels in the body. The early morning hours, just after waking up is the best time for breastfeeding or extracting milk for the later feeds. Take adequate breaks: After a feeding session gets over, the milk glands should be given optimum time to produce more milk for the next session. Feeding for long duration without giving any break will hamper the milk production. Breastfeeding is harder for IVF mothers than natural mothers and in the process they take a lot of stress and loose confidence. Seeking advise from an IVF specialist is the best option to get rid of all the stress and for getting tips on doing it correctly.
