Breast Milk

“The newborn’s food is the first brick that new mothers ‘lay’ for the foundation of their child’s proper development. Breast milk represents the ideal nourishment for the newborn. The World Health Organization recommends breastfeeding until six months of age, followed by the introduction of complementary foods, which can continue until the age of two.

A few details about breast milk

Immediately after birth, the breasts start producing colostrum, a dark yellow fluid that differs in composition from mature milk. Colostrum is richer in immunological components and minerals. The presence of immunoglobulin A provides significant protection against enteric pathogens.

Breastfed children are less susceptible to enterocolitis, and the rate of diarrhea occurrence is lower.

Mature milk is a complex fluid that includes unique proteins such as alpha-lactalbumin, beta-lactoglobulin, and casein, as well as carbohydrates, fats, minerals, and most vitamins. Due to the low vitamin D content, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends supplementation for newborns.

Breast milk also contains factors that promote cellular growth and differentiation, and the epidermal growth factor plays a role in promoting the growth and maturation of the intestinal mucosa. A breastfeeding mother can produce approximately 600 ml of milk per day. The intensity and duration of lactation are mostly controlled by the repetitive stimulation of sucking and breast emptying. The World Health Organization recommends initiating breastfeeding within the first hour after birth to stimulate milk production. Additionally, milk ejection is a reflex that can be triggered by the baby’s crying or inhibited by the mother’s fear or stress.

It is important to note that the benefits of breastfeeding, both for the mother and the child, are long-term.

Benefits for the child:

– Breastfed children are less susceptible to respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections and have a lower risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis.
– The risk of developing middle ear infections is doubled in children who were not breastfed for at least three months in their first year.
– Epidemiological studies suggest a reduced incidence of obesity and metabolic diseases (type II diabetes).
– Breast milk contributes to physical and mental growth and development.
– It improves the child’s immunity and reduces the risk of acute and chronic diseases.

Benefits for the mother:

– Breastfeeding reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 23%.
– It is associated with weight loss during pregnancy.
– It reduces the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.
– It strengthens the bond between mother and child.
– It decreases the rate of postpartum depression.

Key points for mothers to remember:

Many women develop fear of breastfeeding due to stories from friends, neighbors, or mothers regarding the potential occurrence of wounds during breastfeeding. These wounds, called “nipple fissures,” can make breastfeeding painful and induce additional stress, which may reduce milk production. Nipple fissures can also serve as an entry point for bacteria, increasing the risk of infections.

With proper education and information, these fears can be eliminated.

It is recommended to wash the areola with non-irritating soap and water. When nipples are irritated or cracked, topical application of lanolin or nipple shields for 24 hours may be necessary. Breastfeeding can be temporarily stopped on the affected side, but since the breast needs regular emptying to prevent engorgement, a breast pump can be used until the lesions heal.

Another issue that complicates breastfeeding is “nipple invagination.” If the nipple is deeply invaginated during the last months of pregnancy, daily attempts to extract the nipple with the help of fingers are recommended. Otherwise, breast pumps can be used to express milk.

The current trend in society is to encourage women to breastfeed. Public health campaigns support women in overcoming any fears and misunderstandings related to breastfeeding. If there are any concerns, it is recommended to consult with a medical specialist.