Benefits of Breast Milk and Breastfeeding
Breast milk is the ideal food for babies. Babies should be fed exclusively breast milk for the first six months. Appropriate complementary foods should be added after the first six months. Breastfeeding should continue as long as breast milk is available and the baby is receiving it. Breastfeeding is extremely important not only for babies but also for mothers to maintain their health. The nutritional composition of breast milk is suitable for the baby's needs.
- Contains protective substances for the baby.
- Contains active enzymes that aid digestion.
- Contains factors that prevent infection.
- Contains hormones and growth factors.
- Respiratory and digestive tract infections are less common in breastfed babies.
- Reduces the risk of middle ear infections.
- Positive effects on jaw and tooth development.
- Reduces the risk of some chronic diseases.
- Protects against allergies and protects the baby from diaper rash.
- Helps the baby develop mentally, physically, and intellectually.
- Breastfed babies cry less.
- Always sterile, temperature It's ideal.
BREASTFEEDING IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR MOTHERS BECAUSE:
- Breastfeeding mothers have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
- It increases resistance to osteoporosis, which occurs in later life.
- It helps the uterus return to its normal size after birth, protecting the mother from excessive blood loss.
- Breastfeeding mothers lose weight more easily after pregnancy.
- There is no preparation problem.
- It's inexpensive.
PROPER BREASTFEEDING:
- With your baby's face facing your breast, nose opposite your nipple, encourage your baby to seek out your breast by bringing the corner of your mouth close to your nipple.
- Wait for your baby to open their mouth wide and take the brown part into their mouth. A smacking sound or pulling their cheeks in while sucking indicates that they are only sucking the nipple and not fully latching on.
- Help your baby hold your nipple in their mouth with your fingers. Has they filled their mouth as much as possible? Is their mouth wide open? Is their chin pressed against the breast? Is their lower lip curled outward? Check!
- When your baby starts to suckle, support the back of their head with your hand. Your baby doesn't suck constantly; they will have short rest periods after vigorous sucking.
- Exercising skin-to-skin while breastfeeding helps your baby develop a sense of security.
- When the sucking stops, your baby will appear satisfied and happy.
A mother who knows how to breastfeed; A confident mother is a self-confident mother. THERE ARE IMPORTANT FACTORS TO CONSIDER IN BREASTFEEDING, WHICH IS IMPORTANT FOR BOTH MOTHER AND BABY. THESE ARE:
- The baby's attachment during breastfeeding.
- The baby's attachment to the breast: Improper attachment of the baby to the breast can cause damage, pain, and cracks in the nipples. Breast milk cannot be fully released. This can lead to tension in the breasts, psychological distress in the mother, and decreased milk production.
- The mother's attachment to the breast during breastfeeding: Correct attachment involves the mother placing her fingers against the chest wall, supporting the breast from below and at the base of the breast.
- Incorrect attachment involves the mother holding her fingers too close to the nipple.
- It is important to ensure that the breastfeeding is completed correctly. (For example, the baby should decide when to end breastfeeding; breastfeeding should not be stopped until the baby has let go of the breast.)
- Incorrect practices can cause problems with breastfeeding.