Breastfeeding is important for the health of both mother and baby. It is through breastfeeding that the baby gets nutrients and protection for its development. Breastfeeding is the act of feeding the baby with breast milk directly from the mother's breast.
This act is beneficial for both the mother and the baby, guaranteeing, among other benefits, the reduction of the risk of diseases for the child. That's why today we decided to highlight the importance of breastfeeding so you can learn more about it. Check out!
Breastfeeding must be exclusive for the first six months of the child's life, and it is important to make it clear that milk contains everything the baby needs for this stage of development. Contrary to what some people say, there is no such thing as weak milk, all breast milk is healthy.
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Breast milk
Breast milk is produced in the mammary glands and is a perfect food for the baby. It has a balanced nutritional composition that does not require supplementation from other foods in the early stages of development.
Proteins, carbohydrates and lipids are present in breast milk, as well as antibodies, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory substances and enzymes.
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In the first few days, right after giving birth, the woman will produce colostrum, which has a different composition from the so-called mature milk, secreted about two weeks after birth.
In this sense, colostrum is characterized by being more viscous and having a higher concentration of proteins and a lower amount of fat.
Colostrum contains a large amount of substances that act in the body's defense, such as antibodies, being considered the baby's first vaccine. It is worth noting that, even secreted in small quantities, it is enough to meet the baby's needs.
Gradually, the composition of the milk changes, and, around the sixth day after birth, we have the so-called transitional milk. In it we see an increase in the concentration of fat and a reduction in proteins.
Ripe milk
O mature milk It is the final stage of milk development, and in it we have a perfect combination of proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, minerals and vitamins. Water is also present, making up 87.5% of this milk. This is why babies, in their first months of life, do not need to drink water.
It is important to make it clear that the nutrients present in milk also vary throughout the feeding. At the end of it, we have a greater concentration of fat, therefore it is essential that it is not interrupted.
It is this high-fat milk that will ensure that the baby feels full and also gains weight. There is no exact time for each feeding, which ends when the baby releases the breast spontaneously. However, it is important that the baby empty one of the breasts to ensure the milk at the end of the feeding.
The importance of breastfeeding
Breastfeeding It is important for both the baby and the mother, presenting benefits that go far beyond simple nutrition. See some of them below:
- Breastfeeding reduces mortality from preventable causes in children up to five years of age by up to 13%.
- Breastfeeding reduces cases of diarrhea, respiratory infections, allergies, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol and obesity.
- Breastfeeding promotes better development of the baby's oral cavity.
- Studies show that children who were breastfed have better cognitive development.
- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast cancer in women.
- Breastfeeding accelerates the mother's weight loss.
- Breastfeeding allows the uterus to return to its normal size more quickly.
- Breastfeeding works as an important contraceptive method in the first six months, however, the woman must be breastfeeding exclusively or predominantly and must not have had a period.
- Breastfeeding strengthens the bonds between mother and child.
How do you know if the baby is breastfeeding correctly?
Many mothers do not know how to put their child to breastfeed or why they are eating correctly. This is very normal, and the mother can get guidance in the maternity ward.
The baby's neck should be erect or slightly curved backwards, without being distended. Furthermore, the child's mouth must be wide open, its body must be facing the mother's, and its belly must be against the mother's chest, with the baby's entire body receiving support.
The baby's chin should touch the mother's breast, his lower lip should be turned outwards, and there should be more areola above the mouth than below. Pain when breastfeeding may indicate that the baby's latch is incorrect.
But it is important that mothers pay attention to the child when breastfeeding and know how to identify problems during feedings. If you suspect that breastfeeding is not adequate, it is essential that the mother seek help from a professional.
