In recent years, there has been a saying on the Internet that women have too much milk after pregnancy and can soak their feet with excess milk to relieve problems such as breast tenderness and mastitis.
This statement has been widely circulated on the Internet and has attracted the attention and discussion of many people.
But is this approach scientifically feasible? What are the effects and risks? Let's break it down in detail.
Why does there be too much milk?
Under normal circumstances, women produce enough milk after giving birth to feed their baby. However, in some cases, women may experience excessive milk production, which can cause milk to accumulate in the mammary glands, causing problems such as breast tenderness and mastitis. The causes of excess milk after giving birth are as follows:
1. Abnormal hormone levels
Abnormal hormone levels are one of the main causes of excess milk after childbirth. During pregnancy, a woman's hormone levels rise sharply and the milk she secretes increases. However, some women produce too much hormone, resulting in excessive milk production after giving birth.
2. Insufficient sucking in infants
When a baby is unable to absorb milk completely in a short period of time, it can cause milk to build up in the breast, triggering milk build-up.
3. Overstimulation of the breasts
Over-massaging the breasts or using tools such as nipple aspirators can also stimulate milk production, resulting in excess milk.
The science of soaking feet with milk
Milk foot soaking refers to storing excess milk and soaking it in warm water to penetrate the soles of the feet to relieve breast tenderness and mastitis. Although some believe that this practice can relieve breast tenderness, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of this practice.
1. Changes in milk composition
Milk is composed of galactose, lactic acid, fat, protein, minerals and vitamins, etc., and studies have shown that when milk is exposed to the external environment for a long time, the vitamins and other nutrients in it may disappear or be destroyed, and the composition of the milk may also change. Therefore, soaking your feet with milk may cause unpredictable changes in their composition.
2. Risk of cross-infection
Various bacteria and viruses may be present in the milk and may pose a risk of cross-contamination if not treated correctly. Soaking the feet with excess milk may spread the pathogens in them to the feet, increasing the risk of cross-infection and adversely affecting your health.
3. The importance of direct feeding
For infants, direct feeding is the best way to get enough nutrition and stay healthy. Soaking your feet with milk may affect a woman's feeding of the baby and thus the healthy development of the baby.
How to relieve the problem of excessive milk In order to alleviate the problem of excessive milk after childbirth, women can try the following methods:
1. Breastfeed properly
Correct breastfeeding methods can effectively avoid milk accumulation and promote smooth milk flow. When breastfeeding, the baby should be allowed to fully absorb milk to avoid milk build-up.
2. Cold compress
Placing ice cubes or cold packs on your breasts can relieve symptoms of breast tenderness and mastitis. However, do not overdo cold compresses to avoid damaging the breast tissue.
3. Massage
Properly massaging the breasts can stimulate milk production and relieve the problem of excessive milk, but do not over-massage to avoid breast pain and infection.
4. Stop smoking and limit alcohol
Excessive drinking and smoking can produce too much milk and increase the risk of mastitis.
conclusion
While there is no scientific basis to support the effectiveness of soaking feet in the postpartum period, some traditional methods and the right lifestyle can help alleviate the problem of excessive milk.
If a woman experiences breast tenderness and other discomfort, she should seek medical attention and avoid soaking her feet with milk as a way to deal with such problems. The best way to do this is to follow proper breastfeeding practices and maintain a healthy lifestyle to ensure that your baby is adequately nourished and grows up healthy.