“Dear Faridah,
I’m 30 weeks pregnant. I’m planning to give exclusive breastfeeding to my baby. But as my friend experienced, she can feed her baby only after 4 days because her breast can’t produce milk. So, what can I do to avoid this from happen. Can baby survive if not given milk. I’m trying not to give formula milk if it can be avoid.
Regards, Eida”
Dear Eida,
You are very close to delivery. You can start breastfeeding right away and not leave the baby without milk for so long. If you put the baby to the breast, milk will flow fast enough, before 4 days. If you have not been informed of how to get breastmilk on time, then I will share this tip with you. As the delivery draws closer, say about 1-2 weeks, start by rolling the nipple (gentel puting susu) until you find it will grow bigger. If you do this on a daily basis before your baby is born, the breast will be completely full with milk before delivery. Press on the nipple to open and clean the pores. And as soon as your baby is born, put it to the breast immediately for its first feed. As it suckles, breastmilk will start to flow naturally on Day 1. If fact, you can start express milk before the baby comes. If there is not much breastmilk, give lukewarm plain water with a small plastic spoon after each feed. Always put baby to the breast first, then give plain water afterwards. Your breast/milk will increase in volume in no time. You can also snack on biscuits and a glass of milk (or any favourite drink) before & after each breastfeeding to fill the breast to maximum volume.
Faridah
