Patient's question:
It's the eighth day of a natural birth, and I've been breastfeeding for three days. The milk has been doing well these past two days. Starting today, the milk on the left side is particularly watery, while the right side is fine, and it's always leaking out intermittently. It's also very painful when the baby feeds. What could be the reason for this?Doctor's answer:
Eight days postpartum, the milk excreted has undergone conversion. The milk first sucked out by the child is relatively thin, containing a higher proportion of protein. Subsequently, the milk drawn out becomes thicker, with a higher fat content. During each feeding, it is important to empty one breast first, and then the other. If the child is unable to consume it, a breast pump can be used to empty the breasts. Gradually, the milk production in both breasts will become balanced. When breastfeeding, ensure the child latches on to include both the nipple and areola in their mouth to reduce discomfort.