Breast milk is the first and most important vaccine for babies

Breastfeeding Nurse Kübra Nur Çakar said that the first milk given to newborn babies, called colostrum, is the baby's first vaccine and strengthens the immune system and provides protection against diseases.Emphasizing that breast milk is an irreplaceable source of nutrients for babies, Kübra Nur Çakar, Breastfeeding Nurse at Başkent University Adana Dr. Turgut Noyan Application and Research Center, Neonatal Science Department, made statements to draw attention to the importance of breast milk and breastfeeding on the occasion of Breastfeeding Week on August 1-7.Importance of Breast Milk and Benefits of BreastfeedingNurse Kübra Nur Çakar noted that it is recommended that babies be fed exclusively with breast milk for the first six months and said, “After six months, it is recommended to continue breastfeeding with additional and safe foods until the age of two and above. The benefits of breast milk for babies are countless. The first milk, called colostrum, is the baby's first vaccine and strengthens the immune system and provides protection against diseases. Breast milk supports the brain and intellectual development of babies. Breastfeeding provides skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby, strengthening the bond between them. It also has many benefits for mothers; breastfeeding provides protection against breast and ovarian cancer, helps the uterus to return to its former state after birth and supports the mother to return to her ideal weight before birth.”

Breastfeeding techniques and tipsStating that the correct breastfeeding techniques ensure that the baby gets enough milk and the breastfeeding process is comfortable for the mother, Çakar said, “The baby should be in the right position, the mother should stand upright and the baby's head and body should be facing towards the mother. The baby's mouth should be open, first the nipple and then the brown part called areola should be in the mouth and an active sucking should be performed. If the baby urinates 6-8 times a day, this indicates that the baby is getting enough milk. Breast milk can be stored at room temperature for 4 hours, in the refrigerator for 4 days and in the freezer for 6 months. When storing milk, it is important to write the date, day, night or day on the container or bag.”Nurse Çakar said, “As a baby-friendly hospital, we emphasize the importance of breastfeeding and breast milk to all mothers and expectant mothers at Başkent University Adana Dr. Turgut Noyan Application and Research Center and we carry out awareness-raising activities on this issue. We express the importance of breast milk at every opportunity to raise healthy generations.”