Breast Care during Pregnancy and Lactation

Pregnancy refers to the period beginning from the moment the woman conceives till she gives birth to the child. Lactation refers to the period during which a woman is breast-feeding her baby. One of the most important sex organs in the female is the mamma (mammary gland), one on each side of the breast, jutting out as rounded firm masses, almost spherical in shape in a mature young virgin. In the centre there is a pink areola, with a small projection called the nipple. On the surface of the nipple, there are 8 to 10 small openings of the milk duct. Mamma appears at the age of about 11 to 12 in a girl and gradually keeps on enlarging due to the increased amount of blood supplied by nature. It is then tender to touch and feels warmer. On pressure a slight watery colorless secretion can be squeezed out of it. After the birth of the baby, on the third day, these glands become very tense and milk begins to pour out. The pink colour of the areola takes on a darker tinge. The nipples become prominent and projecting during pregnancy and particularly after suction by the baby.

The mamma is made of glandular tissues which are collected as small lobules. They are lined first by cubical cells which secrete milk. The lobules are held together by fibruous tissue and fat to give it the rounded appearance. Out of these small lobules the milk comes out through a small narrow passage called a duct and many such ducts or tributaries unite to form 8 to 10 main ducts which open on the nipple. Psychological and manual irritation (titillation of the nipples and pressing the bulbs) hardens the mamma and stimulates the sexual urge in the female more easily when they are in a firm condition. Firm and elastic bulbs are indeed every woman’s pride and privilege and can be maintained by proper treatment and precautions. The important precaution for maintaining shapely breasts is the use of proper brassieres which give necessary ease and comfort to the breasts. But for every defect in the development of breasts, it is always necessary to consult a specialist for some timely treatment. Normally, after pregnancy and delivery there is a danger of the breasts becoming loose and drooping. There are certain medicines and massage oils, which help the breasts to come to their normal form and shape and regain firmness and roundness. Physical breast care is very important. Active and regular participation in sports helps a woman to maintain a distinctive and smart look. Thus youthful breasts not only add to the grace of the woman but also enrich her sex life as well.

In order to breast-feed the baby successfully, a pregnant woman should be prepared for it mentally as well as physically. It is also useful to seek the guidance of a person who has successfully breast-fed her baby. Such persons can give good practical advice. It is also advised that a woman should share her thoughts on this topic with her husband, or with any other women close to her. During pregnancy eat more than the normal diet roughly eat equal to one extra meal in a day. This will help build enotlgll energy, to be used when you start breast-feeding your baby. Pregnant women should eat foods which are rich in iron and assist in producing more blood. This will help to prevent anemic. Do not tire yourself physically (especially during the last three months) when you are pregnant. A nap or rest in the afternoon is essential during the last three months.

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