If I were asked what is the most important food for us since birth, I would undoubtedly answer breast milk. Because breast milk does not contain germs, it strengthens a baby's immunity, improves brain development, reduces allergic diseases, minimizes diarrhea problems, and reduces the risk of developing diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer throughout life. So, does breast milk benefit the mother? A breastfeeding mother has a lower risk of problems such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, osteoporosis and anemia than a non-breastfeeding mother. As you can see, breast milk is a 'miracle' food for both the mother and her baby.
A newborn baby should be fed only breast milk for the first 6 months. Even if complementary foods are started after 6 months, the baby should be breastfed for 2 years. Breast milk is a miracle food for the baby. In premature babies and in the first days of the baby's birth, there is a different breast milk, and then the content of this milk changes. In the first week, the yellow milk called "colostrum" comes to the baby, which has more nourishing and infection-protective properties. After the first week, the content of the milk changes and the protein content decreases, lactose, fat and total calorie content increases, and this is called transitional milk. After two weeks, breast milk becomes rich in carbohydrates at the beginning of breastfeeding and rich in fat at the end. In other words, breast milk is specific to both the baby and the period.
To explain the characteristics of breast milk in more detail;
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Breast milk strengthens the immune system and has rich protective qualities against infection. It has a protein content.
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The absorption of minerals such as iron and zinc from the mother is higher than cow's milk.
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In breast milk. The fact that it has less protein and minerals than cow's milk is more beneficial for the baby's digestive system and has a reducing effect on the baby's kidney burden.
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Breast milk has a high rate of easily digestible unsaturated fatty acids. It contains 8 times more fatty acids essential for the brain and nervous system than cow's milk. The baby cannot synthesize these fatty acids during the first 4 months.
What you need to know about making breast milk. Those who add:
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The most important factors affecting milk production are the baby's frequent sucking and emptying of the breasts.
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Fatigue and stress, most importantly, the mother not wanting to breastfeed. It may reduce the amount of milk.
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Whether the breast is large or small does not affect milk production.
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Whether the nipples are flat or sunken in, depends on the breastfeeding technique. It may or may not affect milk production depending on the milk production.
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If we want to increase milk production, it is important for the mother to drink enough fluids and have a balanced diet. At this point, we need to draw attention to the fact that excessively caloric and sugary foods and drinks will not increase milk production.
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Attention should be paid to the consumption of vegetables and fruits.
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As is noted during pregnancy, the mother should consume sufficient milk and dairy products, as well as foods containing protein and iron, in a balanced manner. Attention should be paid to calcium and iron supplements.
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It has been observed that the nicotine contained in cigarettes reduces breast milk.
What should a breastfeeding mother pay attention to?
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If your baby shows sensitivity when breastfeeding after eating any food, you should not consume that food.
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If any of your family members are allergic to a food, You should also be careful when consuming food, your baby may also be sensitive to that food.
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Foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, legumes and onions are known to cause gas disorders in newborn babies. For this reason, it is useful to be careful about these foods.
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Smoking and alcohol should never be consumed.
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