POST-PARTUM AND BREASTFEEDING

Immediately after childbirth there is a drastic hormonal changethelevels of oestrogen and progesterone drop, and 70% of new mothers experience an indefinable feeling of melancholy, sadness, irritability and

restlessness that can even lead to full-blown postpartum depression (PDR).

When breastfeeding begins, prolactin and oxytocin come into play. These are specific for the production and release of breast milk, already active during pregnancy and then stimulated by the infant's feedings.

Prolactin enters the bloodstream at each feeding (prolactin reflex) to prepare the udder for the next suck and its levels must be kept high.

In order to have an adequate production of milk, it is necessary that the baby is frequently and correctly breastfed, that the duration of the feeding is regulated by the baby himself and that the mother also feeds him at night, when the production of prolactin increases.

After birth, the sucking baby activates nerve impulses that reach the mother's brain , stimulating the production of oxytocin and the release of milk from the mammary alveoli (oxytocin reflex).

During feeding, the mother may feel uterine contractions, which is good for a good contraction of the uterus.

This reflex can cause milk to spill from one or the other nipple, even at the mere thought of breastfeeding or as soon as the baby is picked up, and can unfortunately be inhibited by situations of pain, stress or nicotine and alcohol.

Breastfeeding in a calm and relaxed environment facilitates a state of tranquillity and well-being for mother and baby.