Breast Milk and Breastfeeding

Breast milk is the best food that can provide all the nutrients newborn babies need in the first 6 months. In addition, breastfeeding and breast milk are indispensable for the healthy formation of the bond of love between mother and baby. . In general, most of the
vitamins found in breast milk, except vitamins D and K, are present at desired levels.

Each mother's milk is special to her baby.

Low The content of breast milk changes according to the needs of birth weight, premature or normal birth weight babies to ensure their growth and development. That's why every mother produces the most suitable milk for her baby. For example, the milk of mothers of premature babies contains properties suitable for premature babies. The World Health Organization and all health authorities recommend breastfeeding exclusively for the first 6 months; It recommends extending breastfeeding up to at least two years.

Should water be given to a breastfed baby?

Approximately 87% of breast milk is water. Therefore, since it has the nutritional value the baby needs and contains sufficient amount of water, babies should not be given any food or drink, including water, other than breast milk, for the first 6 months unless it is deemed medically necessary. All babies over 6 months should receive complementary foods.

What are the benefits of breast milk for the baby?

• Breast milk is easily digested.
• It is a natural and fresh food and is always ready. It is economical.
• It strengthens the immune system and protects the baby against allergens.
• Babies who are breastfed are protected from diabetes,
• Breast milk reduces the risk of obesity (overweight) by 24%,
• Babies who are breastfed have lower total cholesterol levels and
higher HDL (useful cholesterol) levels in adulthood,
• It significantly reduces the risk of blood pressure disease and metabolic syndrome in adulthood
• Breastfeeding It reduces the risk of childhood cancer by 25% (especially
the frequency of reduction is related to the duration of breastfeeding, that is, the longer it is taken, the more effective it is)
• Similarly, celiac disease in children who are breastfed depends on the dose. It has also been shown to protect against breastfeeding.
• Breast milk provides a special bond between the baby and the mother, and this special love plays an important role in personality development.
• IQ score in children receiving breast milk. It has been shown that vision development is faster, sensory, behavioral and speech problems are less, and neurological problems are less common in adulthood.

What are the benefits of breastfeeding for the mother?

• It has a preventive effect on postpartum bleeding and therefore anemia.
• It reduces the risk of ovarian, breast cancer and osteoporosis.
• It forms the basis of secure attachment between mother and baby.
/> •The economic contribution of breastfeeding to the family budget and its ease of implementation are important.

How long should I breastfeed?

In order to increase breast milk, the baby must be breastfed frequently. I especially recommend holding the baby's breast and giving breast milk within the first half hour after birth. Since the risk of jaundice is higher in the first days, it is important to breastfeed at intervals of no more than 2 hours for the first 10 days. Although breastfeeding is recommended every time the baby cries, if the mother thinks that the baby is full, she should review other factors that cause her baby to cry. While many babies can generally feel full by emptying one breast in 5-10 minutes, some babies do this before 20 minutes. They do not reach satisfaction. If the baby wants to suckle more
the second breast can also be given to the baby. If the baby feels full with one breast, the other breast should be given in the next breastfeeding. If the baby has taken both breasts, the next meal should be started from the last breast. Nipple pain and some problems may occur when breastfeeding for more than 30-40 minutes.
Then I recommend that you consult your doctor.

Is my breast milk sufficient?

In babies who stay at the breast for more than half an hour and 40 minutes and who still want to suck and cry when they are separated from the breast, it should be evaluated whether the breast milk is sufficient. It should not be forgotten that sucking the mother's breast may not only be to meet nutritional needs.
Babies may often need to stay at the breast for a long time and suck for emotional satisfaction. If you are wondering whether n is enough, please follow your baby's urine count and weight intake.
If a breastfed baby urinates at least 6 times a day and poops 1-2 times a day, he/she is happy and peaceful and consumes at least 500g per month. If it gains weight, it means that breast milk is enough.

How can I increase my breast milk?

• Breastfeeding the baby in the first half hour after birth,
• Skin-to-skin contact,
• Frequent Breastfeeding, especially in the early days, breastfeeding 8-10 times a day is important to ensure milk production. • Drinking plenty of fluids. or milking the breasts with a machine for this purpose),
• Mother and baby staying in the same room and continuing to breastfeed the baby, especially at night,
• Eating a healthy and balanced diet, not skipping meals, avoiding caffeinated drinks, alcohol and cigarettes
staying away,
And of course, resting well – increasing breast milk is a must.

What are the factors that reduce breast milk?

All mothers can breastfeed their babies successfully, and the majority of them can breastfeed their babies at the same time. They have the capacity to produce enough milk to raise a baby. It is very important to start breastfeeding immediately after birth to stimulate and continue milk production. Some situations may cause a decrease in breast milk;
• Giving the baby a bottle
• Giving the baby water, herbal tea and formula milk
• Painful nipple: Breastfeeding technique should be corrected, the baby should be breastfed in different positions, After breastfeeding, a small amount of milk should be squeezed and applied to the nipple.
• Inability to emptied the breasts completely due to the baby's inability to latch on to the breast well: In breasts that are overly tense and cannot be emptied, milk production stops, and the breasts must be emptied by
milking.
• Concern that the mother will not be able to produce milk for the baby and lack of self-confidence: Care should be taken to increase the mother's self-confidence in this regard by getting support from family members. .
• Stress-anxiety: Continuing breastfeeding of the mother under stress both ensures the continuation of milk production and helps her It is important for mental health. • Fatigue: Especially mothers who have just given birth should avoid excessive fatigue in the first months. They should also rest while their babies sleep. • Smoking and alcohol use: Alcohol and cigarette use have a very bad effect on the mother and
milk during breastfeeding. One should stay away from alcohol and cigarettes, and should not even be exposed to its smoke.

How can I store breast milk?

For long-term storage (more than 72 hours);
Airtight, tight Breast milk should be stored in glass containers that can be closed if possible.
For short-term (72 hours) storage;

Plastic bags can be used. However, my suggestion is to use glass bottles or
jars.

How long can I store breast milk?
3 hours at room temperature (16-29C),
In the refrigerator (+4C). and/or below) 3 days
It can be stored in the deep freezer (<-17) under suitable conditions for 6 months. (ABM Protocol 2010)

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