Benefits of reflexology for breastfeeding
The benefits of Reflexology after childbirth is a reality, and for a mother who wants to bet on breastfeeding, this therapy can be a great support in the initial process, since giving to nurse a newborn is not an easy task. Although it is the maternal hormonal changes that occur in the postpartum th
The benefits of Reflexology after childbirth is a reality, and for a mother who wants to bet on breastfeeding, this therapy can be a great support in the initial process, since giving to nurse a newborn is not an easy task.
Although it is the maternal hormonal changes that occur in the postpartum that trigger the rise of milk, the frequent suction and emptying of the breast are absolutely necessary to ensure adequate milk production in the following days. The correct functioning of the breast depends on both the maternal hormonal system and the emptying of the breast.
How the milk rises after birth
During pregnancy, a hormone called prolactin is produced. This hormone is responsible for stimulating the breast alveoli (place where milk is produced). But during pregnancy its stimulatory effect will be blocked by the progesterone produced by the placenta.After delivery, the brake of progesterone ceases and prolactin begins to stimulate milk production. The pituitary is responsible for the production of prolactin and the suction of the nipple will produce a reflex that will cause the pituitary gland to release prolactin.
For the milk produced in the mammary glands to reach near the surface and the baby can take it out, another hormone called oxytocin is needed and the pituitary gland will also be responsible for releasing it, causing its production through nipple stimulation. This hormone, contracts the breast alveoli and forces the milk to exit through the ducts and reach the lactiferous sinuses (process called ejection reflex).
The emptying of the breast stimulates the mammary gland causing the release of prolactin. In addition to this, it happens that milk contains a substance that slows down its own production, so that the more empty the breast is, the more milk it will make.
At the beginning of lactation, prolactin and suction are very important, later a good frequent and complete emptying of the breasts will guarantee a good lactation.
Psychological factors also influence this process y, and while stress, anxiety and other unpleasant sudden physical stimuli inhibit the release of prolactin, there are others such as hearing the baby claiming food, which causes the pituitary to work more intensely producing oxytocin.
How to help with Reflexology in breastfeedingThrough reflexology you can:
-
Work the Nervous System
help me to induce the mother to a deep state of relaxation, alleviating if it were the case, stress or anxiety I could have. Being calmer, will help to start the breastfeeding process much more safely and with more patience. The baby that is the reflection of his mother, will also be calmer in this process, avoiding anxiety in the suction. - It is a good time trabajar to work the Endocrine System , this will help to balance the great hormonal descent that occurs after childbirth, and to stimulate the pituitary, responsible for the production of prolactin and oxytocin. In addition, the presence of adequate levels of insulin, corticoids, thyroid hormones and growth factors is also necessary for the proper functioning of the breast.
- Stimulating the reflex of the chest area, will help stimulate all parts of the breast.
- It is important to empty the breastsbefore the Reflexology treatment.
My experience tells me that women who decide to breastfeed often have not received any cultural legacy to help them with this task. Even the information received during pregnancy does not teach in the same way as what has been seen and has been assumed to be natural. These women will need support during their stay in the hospital and in the weeks or months that follow. Seek qualified staff before and after delivery, join a group of mothers to support breastfeeding, make sure you have good support unconditional family and rely on reflexology, could be key to success in breastfeeding.
